The State of the Studio Undressed

Hello Middle of the Week,

Wednesday is here and the topic is usually what is new and going on in the Studio / Shop.

As many of you know my computer was misbehaving for the last couple of weeks.  After much time staring and loading screens and clicking the Restart button at the appropriate time, the new OS X is successfully installed and the computer up to date and everything else is ready to roll!  Pleased about that.

Last weekend was Mid-Summer Treasure Valley Flea Market, although not the venue for me, a good time was had by all.  Due to the event the studio is in disarray and in need of a good sorting out and through things.

However, we are also preparing a couple of fun tutorials.  A video, more than likely presented in segments on how to make a simple pair of earrings.  Once you have the basics down, you'll be making your own pretties in no time.  We will begin with materials, followed by simple and easy to master techniques that are used in all facets of jewelry making, like making a loop at one end of a headpin and how to use jump rings or other attachment methods to complete the earrings.

I thought it might be fun as well to show the new skills I am learning in class, like Cuttle Bone casting.  This is done with inexpensive materials that you can purchase from your local pet and hardware stores.  Neat, huh?

Since I am feeling like the blog is rather stale and we can't be all business all the time, let us take another departure from work and wander into my backyard once more.

A couple of weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find a Tiding of Magpies in my back yard including a fledgling.  The black and white of their feathers has inspired a necklace that I am working on, but I thought it might be fun to share one or more of the photos.  

As not to disturb their refreshments I stood at the back door with the camera lens almost pressed against the glass and set once again at the 13x Zoom.

There were a total of six of them, and although I was unable to catch them all at the same time, each one was individual an unique in their markings.  Here is a most handsome fellow, although they were aware of me, they seemed not to care I was there.

Oops, busted!  This adult caught me taking pictures and chastised me before flying off into the tree further down the backyard.  

The fledgling was the last to take off, and the last one to use the birdbath as well.  It is not uncommon for birds to appear in the yard with the feeder set up, but it is a rarity when these magnificent and beautiful creatures arrive and visit for a while.

This little guy still has some of his "baby" feathers.

Thank you for stopping and having a look, and possibly finding a smile cross your face.

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

Four Great Gifts to Give 7/17/12

 Good Day All,

Tuesday means we look at five neat items that would make good gifts for any occasion, well almost any occasion.  Today I have four as I am short a participant this week.

Without further ado for your shopping enjoyment, Four Great Gifts.  First up a couple of returning shops, Wire Witchery, owned by my personal friend Sarah Shannon, and Green Witch Designs, owned by Shelly Moody another favorite friend of mine.

NOTE: Shara's work has become more intricate and complicated.  The piece below is an example of some of the new jewelry items you can find in her shop.

From: Wire Witchery

Silver Mother of Pearl Necklace

Description: This is an absolutely gorgeous black lip mother of pearl oval bead wrapped with silver plated copper wire. It hangs on an 18" fine link chain. 

NOTE: I have a penchant for monsters, the macabre and things that go bump in the night.  These are absolutely adorable and would make a fabulous everyday of daring dangles or just a fun pop of color at Halloween.

From: Green Witch Designs

Skull Earrings

Description: These fun little earrings are sure to make someone look twice. Featuring a small skull bead, with red accent beads to really make a pop. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation of the macabre. A nice addition at Halloween, or anytime you want to make a statement

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Elegant Chainmaille Choker Silver Plated and Black Czech Glass Beads

Description: 15-1/2" long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.

Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.

From: Home Time Art

Nursery Decor Kids Toy Pink Brown Teddy Bear Hearts, Teddy Bear Hat and Vest

Description: This sweet, loving original teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. Unable to contain her love she wears her not not only on her sleeve but all over for the world to see. She is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child’s or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life’s journey.

The Teddy Bears is 12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday Market Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This past weekend was the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  A fun diversion in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.

The show was packed with people and goodies to be had, from Jewelry to Toys, and an Antique or two.

Happy Shoppers in the booth next door, poured over vintage Ray Bans and Handmade Jewelry.  The Market had a ton of things to look at.  In the center building this year, there was more space for more folks!

The booth looked good this year with cloth "walls", the curtain served as a nice backdrop for the booth.

I am happy to say that a lot of what you see on the table was sold, as well as two of my favorite pieces of Chainmaille.  Back to the workbench for me!

Fun was had by all.  I usually say that these things are really a social gathering for the vendors, but I think even the shoppers really enjoyed this event.

When I returned home Saturday evening, tired and exhausted from the day, we had a little rain and the neighborhood was treated to a natural display of beauty.  A double rainbow arched over my neighbors house.  My camera can not do it justice.  As the sun came out the rainbow faded, I stood at the backdoor and took a couple of photos in the rain.  This is the second one I have seen since I have lived in the neighborhood.  Nature is a grand and wonderful thing.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

Friday Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

Happy Friday, the 13th!  One of my favorite days!  It is mighty hectic around the shop today as we pack and prepare for a fun and exciting event at Expo Idaho. 

This weekend, July, 14th and 15th the Treasure Valley Flea Market (Admission $2.00) is being held in conjunction with the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show.  I am sorry to say that there is not a lot of on line information about this event.  Main show will be held in the grass area of the Fair Grounds (Expo Idaho), admission is $7.00.  If you are interested in checking out the 2012 Capital City Cruise, it has moved to Meridian, details may be found by following the link.  (Route Map included)

The Alchemists Vessel will be a vendor at the indoor Market.  Come on down and escape the heat.  It's going to be 103 degrees in the lovely City of Trees this weekend! 

Food, fun, cars and you can find your something, too!

See you there!

Also ONE DAY ONLY!  $20.00 Tattoos at Skin Deceptions here in Boise, Idaho.   Stop in and see Devon, Travis, or one of the guys.  4500 Overland Road, Boise Id 83705.  Professional, fun and friendly!  Piercings also available!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Thursday Triumphs

Happy Thursday!

We're back and better than ever, and will continue to upgrade and improve the blog, the site and how we interact in general.

Little bit of news today followed by a full link and promo blog tomorrow.

The blog has been down for nearly two weeks due to problems with the computer's Operation System, Browser and a couple of other programs in need of an up date / upgrade. 

After two disks, a lot of hair pulling, some swearing, and several phone calls to Apple Care, the computer is now up to date with a new OS X installed.  Although it is necessary to up date and install the latest OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.3, it should not interfere with the computers function. 

"This station is now fully operational". (Paraphrasing of course).

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

Maintenance

Good Morning,

Tuesday is usually a feature of gifts to give,  unfortunately I can't get anything thing to upload.

Logged in this morning to read this message:

Blogger no longer supports your browser, you may experience problems and some features may no longer work.  Followed by a list of suggested links and such to upgrade to a different Firefox or other browser version.

Well that was the truth.  I am having such difficulty with the program this morning that the blog will be down for Maintenance until I solve the issue or get the iMac upgraded to a more recent Operating System.

I do apologize, as I had not intended for the blog to be down for the 4th of July.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Independence Day.

Shop New Items

Happy Monday!

Good morning.  Even in the midst of preparations for the Market next weekend, there is still time to make and list new items in the shop.  This morning there are four or five new things to peruse and perhaps purchase at your leisure.

First is an example of an Up-cycled item.  Several broken and tangled necklaces were taken apart, salvaged and scavenged for usable parts and pieces, then re-designed and strung as an entirely new piece.

Talisman

Genuine Gemstones include: Amethyst, Malachite, Black Agate, Aventurine and Hematite.  Strung on Sterling Silver beading wire with a Sterling Silver Gothic style Hook clasp.  An hand-set Amethyst crystal is held in a tiny Sterling Silver Dragon's (Bird's) claw is the focal piece of the necklace.

Detail Photo

Here the claw detail may be seen, surrounded by Sterling Silver and Amethyst spacer beads, with Black Agate crescent moons and Hematite stars.  Body of the necklace is accented with Malachite hearts and Aventurine stars, as well.

This pattern, although not new, is now created in a single color metal.  Half-Persian 4 -in- 1 weave, in Silver Plated and Gunmetal wire (jump rings).  Slinky, sultry and unisex, these are light weight and perfect for casual or evening attire.

Plain and Silver

Each of these is sizable, customizable and available in a variety of metals, including but not shown (listed) Gold Tone, Antiqued Copper or Bronze.  Precious Metal orders available upon request.

Black Knight

Although Gunmetal is not black, but a shiny steel-blue color, this bracelet is great for a Knight's folly of fun and frolic.

Beachy Steampunk, you betcha!  Even the Victorians enjoyed a holiday at the beach on occasion.  These are cute, light weight, and there is only one pair available!

Seahorses by the Seashore

Topped with a Brown bi-cone glass bead for added sparkle, these are great for a sandy get away!

Can you believe it is July, and Independence Day just right around the corner?  Me neither!  With that in mind let's jump ahead several months and have a look at these wonderful Hammer-textured Antiqued Bronze Scaredy Cat earrings.

Scaredy Cats

Also accented with a Brown bi-cone glass bead, these cats really swing.  Great for a Halloween outfit, or your favorite cat-fancier!  Light weight and fun to wear.  One pair available!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week and a Happy Independence Day.