Studio News: Supply Shop

Good Morning,

It has come to my attention that I have way too much stuff, and by stuff I mean supplies that I have purchased over the years and have found that I began, finished or stopped the project or that I never began at all, and I have supplies for all of them

In the interest of keeping things more organized I have opened a sister-shop to The Alchemists Vessel, Silent Moon Supplies, on The CraftStar.  The shop is slowly filling up with Sterling Silver Links and Findings, new commercial materials in their original packaging, Genuine Gemstone strands, and hand made items.

Currently there are 11 items in the shop, we will be adding more by the day and the week.  A sampling of what is available now.

Turquoise - 5mm Rondelle / Saucer Beads, 15 inch strand.

Commercial Jewelry Wire

Handmade Sterling Silver Earring Findings

Commercial Links - Sterling Silver Crescent Man in The Moon Links

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope we have enouraged you to take a look and see if don't have that unique and special supply you have been looking for.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Shop Announcement - Advertisement

Good Morning,

Today we have a special offer for blog readers and customers alike.

When you shop The Alchemists Vessel on any of the online sites, you will receive a free gift of equal or lesser value of your purchase.

This includes and is not limited too Chainmaille, Sterling Silver, Glass, and Metal items.

Don't like surprises?  Contact us via any of the Shop sites and receive a special Coupon Code, via e-mail, to use for your purchase.

Where to find us:

Etsy
Handmade Artists
The CraftStar

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Five Great Gifts For Giving List B-14

Good Morning,

Today we have five more gift ideas and stores to stop by and have a look at their offerings.

From Jacki Guttuso Design

Sun art, Original, Canvas 5 x 5 gallery wrap, Sun collage, Acrylic sun painting, Whimsical sun wall art, Spring art, Summer art, Mothers Day

Description:  I created this whimsical sun collage with professional grade acrylics and heavy watercolor paper on gallery wrap canvas. The image extends around all four sides so that framing is unnecessary. It is finished with archival matte acrylic varnish for extra protection.

Original, Canvas, Acrylic paint, Watercolor paper, Matte acrylic varnish

5 x 5" x 1.5" Gallery wrap (canvas wraps all the way around and is painted on all 4 sides)

Artwork protected by copyright law and all reproduction rights are retained by artist.

Please note that the colors may vary from monitor to monitor.

The Watermark does not appear on artwork.

Wrapped in bubble wrap and plastic bag

USPS

Please contact me for a shipping quote outside the U.S.

 

From Pink Buffalo Gallery

long beaded necklace white jade moonstone 35.5" strand | handmade beaded necklace semi precious gemstones

Description: Long beaded handmade necklace 90cm length (35.5 inches), created with semi precious white jade & moonstones beads knotted like traditional pearls necklaces.

Real embroidery of pearls and gemstones, it slip easily over the head without any clasp.
This long strand necklace can be worn long or wrapped around your wrist.
Another idea is to add 1-2 or more long necklaces (same or assorted) and get a very unique look.

The length of this bead knotted necklace, size and position of stones may slightly vary due to it handmade process... that's not a default, but the guaranty of it unique craft character.

This necklace is part of the collection LUNE NOIRE, and can be elegantly worn with assorted bracelet or 925 silver earrings.

Designed as a timeless femininity anthem, the combination of semi precious white jade, moonstone and cultured pearls will be your secret weapon ;-)

Jade have a special place among all semi precious stones in the Far East; a popular Chinese saying is "you can value gold, but jade is priceless".
White jade, a kind of pure jade, is the stone of wisdom and peace.

Moonstone, a sacred Indian stone, is said to be a protective amulet for travelers and a path to wisdom and perceptiveness.
It is used in feng shui for it yin energy and calming properties.

Cultured pearls, lunar symbol, are traditionally linked with femininity and find their magic powers in the threefold symbolic Water, Moon and Woman.
In a matter of chakras, water pearls are supposed to balance the energy centers and help to see things clearly and control the emotions.

So you will ask me why to call this necklace LUNE NOIRE?
... guess what? you will find the clue in these words ;-)

BUSINESS
This handmade beaded necklace can be made to order and in other sizes or design, please contact me here. 

 

From: Home For Glass Lovers

sky blue necklace, dichroic pendant, blue yellow glass pendant necklace,fused glass necklace,fused glass pendant,jewelry set,dichroic glass

Description:  One of a kind sky blue and dichroic Fused glass necklace.
The pendant is rectangle shape, size is 1.44"x0.92" (3.6cmx2.3cm), without the bail.
The bail is in gold tone.

Base is off white, on it a piece of sky blue and yellow glass, and on top, dichroic and egg shells pieces. All arranged in a pleasant and interesting design and fused together.

There are matching earrings in the earrings section.

Made from glass and fused at my home studio.

Please make sure the size is right for you.

Colors may differ slightly from monitor to monitor as they not all screens are set the same, the photos are of the actual piece on sale.

Your custom is very important to me so in the unlikely event there should be a problem when you're item/s arrive please contact me straight away and I will resolve it quickly.

 From Sue's Arts

Floating locket, memory locket, glass locket, locket necklace, personalized locket, Personalized Memory Locket

Description:

Beautiful 30mm heart magnetic glass floating charm locket on a 20" chain which can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

In this listing I offer:

• 1 heart locket with 4 charms of choice for $28 or 2 at a discounted price of $26 each.

When placing your order please remember to indicate charms # so I can ship out as soon as possible.

IF A FINAL PHOTO IS NEEDED PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK...

Also if you wish to purchase only the locker and/or extra charms separately the options are available in the store as well.

Please always feel free contacting me with any questions, requests or ideas and I'll be more than happy to help.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Suzan ♥义 

 

From: Red Post Box

Grease, movie poster, Kitchen art, Art print, Cheese design, Typography, Poster quote, Quote poster

Description:  Original Grease inspired kitchen poster based on the classic duet featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John

Redpostbox Poster Print -

***LISTING IS FOR BOTH POSTERS*** - Please select the size and style when ordering
1. 'I FETA GIRL CRAZY FOR ME'
2. 'MET A BOY CUTE AS CAN BRIE'

- Available in A3, which measures 420mm x 297mm or 16.5" x 11.7" or A4, which measures 297mm x 210 mm or 11.7" x 8.3" - please select the desired size when placing an order. More sizes available upon request.

- Printed on high quality, 250g glossy card

- Poster is packaged in a sturdy cardboard tube for shipping and will be dispatched on first business day after payment is received

- Listing is for the posters only - frame / mount and accessories are not included

- Other colour options and sizes available upon request

- Any questions please ask - we will do everything we can to help

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope inspiration may strike and that you will be encouraged to visit these shops and see what else they may have that you like.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Five Great Gifts to Give List 37

Good Morning,

Instead of Five Great Gifts, today we will look at five ways you can help others this Holiday Season.

Donate to your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter.  Food, Blankets, Toys, are always appreciated.  Contact your local shelter and ask what they may need in the way of supplies, every little bit helps.  If you have room in your home and your heart, you might also adopt a little furry friend of your very own. You could love them, and pet them, and call them, "George".

Idaho Humane Society Needed Items

"Miss Nora", the Boss-Lady Fur-person, adopted from the Idaho Humane Society in 2000.  Yes, she is 13 years-old. 
The Alchemist's Cat, or rather The Alchemist's Owner.


Donate a toy or your time to Toys for Tots.  Our economy is terrible, and many children do not get a Christmas or the opportunity to celebrate other Holidays.  There are lots of places that have inexpensive toys, dolls, books, race cars etc., that any child would love to call their own.

Coats For Kids:  When this California Girl moved from the sunny surf-washed beaches of San Fransisco, to the high desert of Idaho, she was not, I repeat NOT PREPARED for the Winter weather. Here in Idaho the Winters can be brutally cold, the temperatures can dip into the Below Zero degrees, -3, you bet that's COLD!    Not every place is as cold as Idaho, and many places get colder, this year (locally) Bruneel Tire Factory and Idaho Youth Ranch Stores are a couple of the donation locations here in the Treasure Valley Area.  Bring your gently used coats or outer wear and drop them off, the coats will be handed out during school hours to Elementary and older children.

Food Banks / Soup Kitchens:

When we think of Soup Kitchens or Food Banks many of us think of the old Depression Era images we have seen from books and History reels.  Just because we don't call it a Depression, don't think for a moment that this country isn't in serious trouble, there are hundreds, thousands, that go without a meal every day in this great and bountiful land of ours, let's make sure every one gets to eat at least once a day.  Donate canned goods, or your time to serve at one, for one weekend a month.

Senior Citizens are sometimes the most in need and usually the first to be forgotten.  There are so many things that one can do for our elders, the people that came before and paved the way for us to do and be what we are today!  There are lots of wonderful ways you can help a Senior, whether it be your own Parents, Grandparents or the Neighbor down the street, a small gift of your time can change a life and be worth it's weight in more than gold.  Here are some links to check out how you can help in your area.  Nursing homes, hospitals, other care facilities might be in need of volunteers to read to or just sit with and be company for those that are alone.  A trip to the grocery store, a ride to a doctor's appointment, simple things that cost you nothing but a bit of your time, and we can all afford to give some of it to someone else.

Seniors Helping Seniors
Seniors in Need
Boise Senior Center

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

In The Studio: Opening a Physical Location

Good Morning,

 
It has been a long-time dream of mine to open and operate my own store.  The idea of the store has morphed from form or another, but always staying within the same vein or theme of handmade art and gifts.

Many of you may be thinking, "Wow, that is so exciting", and it is.  It is also a lot of hard work, time and effort.  There are several other vendors at the Handmade Artists Forum that also have brick and mortar shops, and can tell you it is no easy task keeping one up and running.

I thought it might be fun to share some of the things that go on during the process of establishing a brick and mortar store.

1.  A location, that is essential.  Some questions to ask yourself, What is the rent?  What is the square footage?  Where is it located?  Do I have enough items to fill it?  What kind of store do I want it to be?  Are there displays?  What do I need to provide?  Who will work in the store?  How do I or they get paid?  The most important

Little Shop of Artists, 6713 Fairview, Suite B

question to ask yourself should be, Is it within the budget?


2.  Registering Your Business Name:  Here in Idaho, businesses are not licensed they are registered with the Secretary of State for an affordable fee of $25.00 per name.  This is called an IBR or Idaho Business Registration form.  This registration allows you to "Do Business As (DBA) the name you have chosen for your business, and is usually issued and attached to the applicants social security number.  Your home state's rules and regulations may vary.

3. Tax or Seller's Permit: This is a number assigned to a slip of paper (permit) that reads with your name, your business name (also called a DBA), and other pertinent information.  The State of Idaho requires these permits to be placed in a visible area in the location in which you are selling your goods.  It must also have the phyiscal address of where the goods are located for sale.  In some cases, like myself, two permits are required, one for the origin of business (my home), and the other for the location from which the wares are sold.  This is also how Sales Tax is collected and reported to the State of Idaho.  These are issued at no charge, and as many copies may be issued as you have locations.

4.  Advertising and Draw:  Here in Boise, as in most cities, there is a public radio station that runs entirely on donations and is operated by volunteer D.J.s, KBRX.  They have amazing programming and run fund raising events from time to time, as well as offer promotion for donations.  This is a fabulous way to support an other local business, and get the word out that you are open for business as well.   Local papers will on occasion run a free press release for new businesses.  Check your local agencies to see what you can do to get the word out for your own store or event!

5.  Move In and Open Dates:  When you will move in?  When you will be prepared or set to open?  It is my hope to have one or two, perhaps three vendors a day move into the shop, spaced over a couple hours so all will feel as if they have the time and attention they need to be comfortable and confident in their displays.  I am expecting or would like to announce the opening of the doors on or around July 15th, 2013.   I have given myself two weeks for move in and disaster cushions.

That being said, I am looking forward to maintaining my shops on line, as well as having a physical location to visit and from which to promote other talented artists at a single venue.

I am so excited about this new venture, in hope some of you will join me in my happy nervousness. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Five Great Gifts For Giving List 16

Good Morning,

Today we showcase five cool items from five neat shops on Etsy.  We have two new shops as well as some returning favorites.

New to me and the Etsy Team, Road To Success, is this fun and adorable shop.

From: Nerdvana  Mama

Doctor Who Tardis purse bag

Doctor Who TARDIS Purse. Made of cotton, lined on inside with black cotton fabric. Two pockets on inside, one small, one large, to create more space. approx. 8x11 inches. Windows, doors and signs are hand painted.

Each purse is made to order. So slight variations will occur. 

Invader Zim Gir keychain

Ready to ship Invader Zim Gir keychain. Made of hard plastic.Approx 1 inch tall. Each keychain is hard drawn.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

With Beltane comes the Babies, so why not get prepared for those new arrivals or those that are ready for a first year celebration.  There other neat banners and things in the shop.  Give them a look.

From: SDK Creations

Custom Baby Shower Onesie Banner, Fabric Banner, Baby, Boy,Girl, Twins, Unisex

 

Baby Onesie Banner. Just the perfect decoration, gift for the Mommy and Baby to be. What shower wouldn't be a hit without the Banner. Nice thing is this is also a wearable banner.

PLEASE ALLOW 2-3 WEEKS CREATING TIME. IF YOU NEED IT SOONER PLEASE CONTACT ME.


**** THIS IS A CUSTOM ORDER, UPON AGREEMENT AND YOUR LISTING IS PAID FOR THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. ****

**THIS LISTING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Banner 4 Onesie's
Choice of character
If you would like to do a name. $8 per Onesie
Choice of fabric color
Twine, Ribbon
Clothespins
4-6 Feet Long

** Additional Charge

$3.00 for each addtional onsie
$ .50 for additional fabric
$1.00 for added embelishments to clothespins

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 


From: Zlala959
  
Agate quartz druzy drusy pendant link connector No10765

If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.

material: druzy
size: about 10mm x 20mm x 30mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
conditon: new and never been used.

If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return
policy, please check my shop policies.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

From Sue's Arts

Layered necklace, layered beaded necklace, multi layered necklace, long layered necklace, chuncky layered necklace

Beautiful, elegant, charming and unique one of a kind layered necklace.

Created with red ruby gems, large clear Swarovski crystals and more.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥ 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you pleasant day.

 

Feature Artist - A Surprise Guest

Good Morning,

One of my dearest friends is also an amazing and extremely talented artist.  Not only does he sculpt incredibly detailed and fabulous monsters, but he has several movie credits to his name as well, including Coraline,  Paranorman, and the Cult Classic, The Toxic Avenger.

Some of you have seen  his work, and probably not even realized it, as well as my personal collection of his art work that I post on occasion.

Raphael Cordero or Ralph, is the owner and operator of Studio RGC and the creator of Ralph's TMS Wax.  You can find and buy all of wonderful creations at the link above or by following the links below.

Let's have a look at some of Ralph's amazing work.  

Twisted Little Things

Hal I Toesis - $33.00

Skull and Bones Incense Burner - $42.00

Zombie Heads (Sold Individually) - $13.00 ea.

One of my favorites and available on Etsy is:

Squash the Bog Monster

 

Squash comes in a tomato green or translucent cream - please specify which you prefer.
6.75 inches tall by 6.75 deep and 8.5 inches wide. Cast in solid resin. Weighs approx 2.5 lbs
Item shipped to areas other than the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, please contact for quote. 

You may Ralph and his wonderful wax at any of the links provided.  You may also do a little homework on this creative mind by checking out the IMDB page.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that this has inspired you to have a gander at the other things he has on offer.  We encourage to buy handmade!

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.  

In My Studio - A Book and Kit Review

Happy Wednesday,

Book Review

I really enjoy learning something new, whether it be a technique, or information about a new material, or a new artist.  Today I would like share a review on Rebecca Mojica's book Chained.  If you are unfamiliar with her name, she is the owner of Blue Buddha Boutique, one of the web's and Chicago's premiere Chainmaille and Supplies Store.  I also purchased a kit and instructions last month and received them yesterday morning.  Links to the book, site, and materials can be found at the end of this post.

Although the book is not new, I looked forward to it with high expectation of honing my skills and acquiring new patterns.  This woman can link a jump ring!  I opened with book with great anticipation, only to find to my dismay, that not only did I know the weaves illustrated, and some of the patterns and variations I had already figured out on my own simply playing around.  Well bummer! Thought I.

However, as I read from cover to cover (yes, I read the whole thing in a sitting),  I discovered that this is a fabulous book for beginners or those that might like to venture into the variations of the weaves as a challenge for intermediate or advanced maillers.

Her explanation on jump rings, opening, closing them, and pliers position, is simply the best I have ever read, and I have read a lot of chainmaille books!  Believe it or not there are a few out there, not all good.  The pictures are clear and well done, some of the text is not well thought out as it is very light and extremely hard to read on occasion, but that could also be a factor of my age.  The projects are pretty and presented in a straight forward manner that is easy to understand, jargon and terms are used, but also explained in such a way that it is easily picked up.  Best of all included in the Glossary / Index is a an conversion chart and a chart of all the ring sizes used in the book's projects.  You may also purchase the exact materials if you so choose from the shop, so your project will look exactly like the book's when finished.

If you are thinking about venturing into maille for a hobby or you would like to hone those skills, I highly recommend Chained.


Kit Review - The project below is not in the book and sold separately.

Celtic Star Kit - Blue Buddha Boutique

Celtic Star Pendant Kit

I did not spin and cut these rings myself.  This beautiful piece, although hand woven, is purchased as a pre-assembled kit that you can purchase in any number of colors.  The instructions for the weaves are also sold separately from the kits, so keep that in mind when ordering.  I ordered my kit in the colorway "Sky".

The instructions are well written, clear, concise, and easy to follow.  Accompanied by step by step color pictures to help you as you weave the pattern.  The project is simple and went fairly quickly.   Incidentals like a bail and sample rings were enclosed as well, a nice addition.  There are also several blank stars on the instruction sheet which you can color with pencils to design your pallet before re-ordering or ordering your project's materials. 

However; I was disappointed to find that the kit was not complete.  Perhaps this was an over site, but the finishing or "tiny" rings that the instructions called for were not included with the kit.  Rats!  I substituted my own silver plated rings which sort of match the Aluminum ones from kit, not a biggie, but kind of a drag.

The jump rings in the kit are lovely, the colors are deep, bright and the kit allows for some designing of your own.   I would suggest ordering the three colors option in all the same color or pallet.  The kit is packaged to allow you create one Star in the color they have given you the most of.  The "Large" silver aluminum rings are 16 gauge and they fight back!  Good pliers are definitely required for making this piece.

Although the kit includes about 200 rings total, there is enough to make two stars, had they included two more "Large" rings, I could have made a third.  This leaves you extra rings to do something else with, but what?  Not quite enough to make a complete piece, but enough that if you mess up, you don't have to worry about extra material, which is nice.

Dark Blue Inner / Outer Color

Teal Inner / Outer Color

Chained
Kits
Blue Buddha Boutique 

As many of you know, I have a thing about making things smaller.  I am currently attempting to find a proper AR that will allow me to make this piece in Micro Maille.  Currently these pieces measure 1-1/4" at widest point.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  Congratulate yourself and have a cup of coffee and a cookie, you made it to the end of the post.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
 

Studio R and D - Alcohol Inks Have Arrived

Good Morning,

Happy Hump Day to you all.  The middle of the week brings me to the past couple of days of Research and Development with a new technique.

Several weeks ago I visited with a friend and fellow artists who was kind enough to allow me a to try out her new Alcohol Inks.  These work on metal, paper, glass etc... they come in a variety of colors and manufacturer brands.  I could not find the brand she was using, but came across similar colors in trios by Adirondack.

Left to Right:  "Brights" in Watermelon, Citrus and Lake.  The other package is in Spanish, Woodland or Farmers Set in Raspberry, Forest and Plum.

The process is a messy one, and trial and error should be employed carefully.  Gloves should be worn, this is ink and it will dye / stain any thing and everything it comes in contact with.   These tiny feather charms are done in Forest and make a very pretty finishing touch for bracelets or earrings, appropriate for a pendants as well.

Soon to be incorporated into items and available in the shop.

The technique is super simple, as shown in the brief video below.



 

Also in new in the studio are these simple and very pretty Memory Wire and Glass beaded bracelets.  14" to 16" of memory is cut and threaded with lovely shiny glass bi-cone shaped glass beads in a variety of colors.  The one below is Clear, Silver, Smoke, and Black combination.  May be made in single or multiple colors.  Soon to be available in the shop as well.

 

Also available in purples, blues, and pastel colors.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday.