Good Morning,
Halloween is right around the corner, and on a Saturday night. What better time to get the house in spooky order and entertain those ghosts and ghouls that haunt your neighborhood.
This morning's gift ideas come from five unique shops on The CraftStar.
From: Classy Glassy
Hand painted Drink Up Witches! wine glass with witches hat perfect for Halloween!
20 oz high quality wine glass
All
glassware is hand painted by me with special paint made for glass and
over cured. Hand washing is recommended for long lasting beauty.
From: Designs by Tiffany
Zombie Halloween Wreath
20 inch grapevine wreath painted black and adorned with black and red.
Spooky zombie and black widow spider. A unique decoration for your home
this Halloween!
From: Handmade In Chico
Harvest Moon Glass Tile Pendant
Each pendant is made up of a laser printed image placed under a glass dome in a Silver Tone, Bronze or Copper bezel.
Size: Round 1 inch (25mm)
Chain Length: 18 inch link chain with lobster clasp (finish will match bezel option).
Each is packaged in a lovely organza bag ready to gift.
Custom orders and wholesale welcome!
These pendants are not water proof and are small. They are not suitable for small children so please use caution.
From: Warmth
This miniature mouse scene is built within a wooden sconce handmade of
3/8" wood. It is 9" in height, 4" wide and 4" deep. It can be set on a
shelf or hung from a peg. The second photo shows the whole in the top
for hanging. The scene is Halloween Night and Mama and Child Mouse are
Trick or Treating. Mama is dressed in a black plaid outfit with orange
pumpkins on it. Baby is dressed as a Ghost. Mama carries Black
Jack-o-Lantern bag with lollypops and the Baby carries a teenie tiny
handmade strawbasket with candy corn on it. They are accompanied by
their faithful black cat Minerva. The background is complete with spooky
black wooden tree, a miniature cornstalk, a black picket fence and
circling sparkly ghosts. In the foreground sits a handmade miniature
jack-o-lantern. This is a ooak miniature scene. The back is signed and
dated by the artist. Destined to be a collector's item for sure.
These soaps are so cute and colorful!! They are mini ghost. Size: 2.4" x
2.3" x 0.83" The soap is white with glitter. The soap is 1.5 ounces.
These are the perfect size for a little person. They make great treats
This is a great gift!!! The soap will come wrapped and tied with colored
ribbons. All soaps are made to order. If you would like different
colors please let me know. This listing is for 2 soaps and that is a
total of 3 ounces.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Today the blog has some helpful hints for listing those wonderful handmade items you create.
Let's begin with Titles and Tags. Depending on where you list your items, character count and number of tags may vary, but the process is the same. Choose a title for your item.
Does it have a name? Many artists choose to call their piece something, names like "Emma", "Aurora", "Bob" to differentiate one piece from another, things like, "Paramour", "Enchantress", and "Princess" work just as well.
What is it? Bracelet, Earrings, Painted Box, Etched Glass? Be sure to be specific.
Helpful Hint: Many sites have crawlers or bots that will pick up on words in your title, their own little SEO searchers, make sure everything is spelled correctly. Check out the sites categories and try to include one word in your title that matches the category you would like your item to be found in. Spelling, spell-check does not catch all errors and even insists words are wrong if it does not recognize them. Take the time to check your spelling, and double check those triple score words, like Labyrinth and Cephalopod, twice.
Example: Fafnir Chainmaille Silver and Gold Dragonscale Bracelet
*It doesn't have to have a name, Chainmaille Bracelet works just as well, or you may include the name at the end of the title instead: Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir
Tags: Tags should reflect the above, and they should also be descriptive if possible. Ask yourself these questions when thinking about tags: What is it? Who is it for? What does it do? What color is it? What is it made from? Is it a particular fashion or style?
Example: bracelet, women, teens, jewelry, chainmaille, gold, silver, fashion, Rocker, Biker, Fantasy, handmade, dragonscale
Helpful Hint: Include words from your title in your tags as well. If your stuck you can also use words like: "traditional", "modern", or "classic".
Photography: Is it necessary to have a professional take your photos? No, many do, but most handmade artists are also the photographer. Getting that perfect shot is tough and there are all kinds of how-tos around the web. Here are a couple of more suggestions.
Do not use your cell phone. Just no. Although the picture looks great on the phone's screen it will not translate well to a site and will look blurry and out of focus. If you must use your cellphone, get a "selfie stick", this will help steady the phone for a better picture. Go through the phone's photo settings, many times the app has different size settings, use them, they will help.
Use at least four pictures, even if two are kind of the same. Try to shoot the item from different angles, both sides, from the top down, on a different background and a close up of the detail.
Helpful Hint: Get to know your digital camera. Does it have a MACRO setting? The Macro setting is used to magnify and capture very small things in focus and detail.
Example: Tiny Frog-Prince Charms
Almost there. You have a title, tags, and a photo. Now comes the hard part, the description. Should it be long or short? What information should be included? What does one say about the item?
Does it have a story? You can make one up. Where did it come from? What did it experience on its journey? What can the customer expect from the piece? Is it heavy? Light weight? Comfortable?
Take the time to jot down words on a list that you can refer to when listing the item and construct a simple sentence around it.
Example: This pair of earrings is light weight and comfortable enough for all day wear.
Completed Listing Example:
Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir
This beautiful chainmaile bracelet is elegant and understated.
Simply stunning in Silver over Gold rings, one might imagine why a
Dragon is required to guard a King's horde. Named after the dragon of
myth that once guarded a great King's treasure, Fafnir is sure to keep
your treasures safe and will effortlessly coordinate with everything in
your closet.
Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play,
SCA, LARP costume needs or a wonderfully fun piece for Game of Thrones
or History Channel "Vikings" fans.
8" long and 1" wide.
Handcrafted from 14Kt Gold--plated and Silver-plated (over brass) jump
rings, finished with a Slide clasp for a secure fit.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
*Also
available in Gold over Silver rings. Please see the shop for our
collection of ready-to-wear items or contact us with your custom
request.
Tags: Chainmaille, jewelry, bracelet, Fantasy, Film, costume, Viking, cuff, women, dragonscale, gold, silver, metal
Please see the actual listing here:
Thank you for stopping in and having a look. In hope this post is useful.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Today's featured artist is Sue Abraham of Sue's Arts on Etsy.
Sue Specializes in: HAMSA, HAMSA, HAMSA, JUDAICA JEWELRY, HEBREW JEWELRY, HAMSA JEWELRY, EVIL EYE JEWELRY, CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
As Team Captain for Road To Success on Etsy, Sue wrangles her teammates and makes wonderful jewelry all at the same time. Some her lovely work may be found below.
Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind custom hand stamped necklaces to choose from.
Hebrew well wishes for "Love, Health, Success" and "Ani Le Dodi..." ("I am my beloved...")
The Hamsa is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye and the envious eye of strangers.
It is also believed to create positive energy, happiness, prosperity and good health therefore makes the perfect gift idea.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Beautiful handmade infinity love leather charm bracelet.
Very cute and elegant.
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX
Gorgeous custom made and one of a kind handmade wood plaque with hooks to hang which could be used for keys, or jewelry.
Approx size about 6 1/2" x 4 1/2.
Gorgeously beautiful, elegant, unique and one of a kind arrow shape natural black Agate stone charm necklace.
Approx size 25x50mm
Black
Agate brings the Great Spirit into ones life. Attracts good fortune.
Increases concentration and clarity. Promotes good will. Aids in
overcoming flaws, fears, and loneliness. Removes jinxes, helps eliminate
bad luck. Has a calming effect during times of stress. Gives a sense of
strength and courage. Encourages fertility. Powerful healer. Especially
beneficial for bone marrow and allergies.
Black Agate is used
for Protection, Courage, Success. It is worn for courage and success in
competitions.Black Agate with their hot energy helps Reproduction
System. Excellent stone during Menopause, it's also helpful for Breast
Tumor.
Agate protects new life and therefore it's excellent stone during pregnancy.
Zodiac sign: Gemini
FEEL FREE CONTACTING ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
Absolutely gorgeous Natural Agate Druzy Geode adjustable gold plated rings to choose from.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX
Suzan
Thank you for stopping in and having a look. In hope that you will click through and see what else Sue has on offer.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Today I thought I might share a little something different than jewelry.
I was gifted with several boxes some time ago, and had no idea what to do with them, so they sat in the bag, taking up space.
They are a lovely natural wood (I'm guessing pine), but very raw, I spent yesterday sanding and trying to fix the clasps that close them.
There is one of the rectangle and three or four of the octagonal shape with the wire trim. Occasionally I would look at them, and then re-pack them, I had no idea what to do with them.
Then it dawned on me, there are lots of ways to spruce up these little things, paint, decoupage, pyrography (wood-burning). Which one was right for these?
The first step was preparing the surface. That's done. What I have in mind for these is a surprise, but something I am looking forward to doing.
The next step is paint or a clear sealant, I have not chosen one yet, but I have a firm plan in mind and know how to approach the project now.
Stay tuned for the finished object, I may do another progress blog before they are completed.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Last week the blog featured five unique gifts with a Halloween flair, today we continue the theme with five more unique items from five unique shops on TheCraftStar, they are black and white or some variation of the two. Don't forget to check out the shops and see what else they have on their virtual shelves.
From: The Spot
Spiral Tree Handbag/Tote Bag
This cool tote bag comes in
Color- BLACK
Material- 100% Cotton Canvas
Measures- 13.5" X 13.5"
Tote Handles- 10" each
Image on tote is color of your choice and is only on 1 side.
*Only BLACK totes are in stock
All totes are custom made to order.
If you have any special requests please don't hesitate to ask!
We love custom orders.
From: Harmonee's Magickal Creations
Pentagram Black Hair Ties - Set of 4 Elastic Hair Ties
This listing is for 4 handmade hair ties... made from black fold over elastic. Hair ties have pentagram charms on them!
From: The Alchemists Vessel
These earrings are a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.
Pairing them with your wardrobe is a snap. Pair with Office Attire or
that cute Little Black Dress. Perhaps darker fashions are more your
style, these earrings are sure to please you and compliment everything
in your closet.
This style is available in a variety of genuine
gemstones, including traditional birthstones to uncommon stones. Which
pair you choose is up to you, all make a lovely accessory for any
outfit.
Handcrafted from silver-plated (over brass) jump rings and
genuine Jet, a carbonized Wood, these are lightweight and comfortable. A
delight to wear. Finished with Fish Hook style ear wires to match.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Don't see your favorite? Contact the shop for a custom pair just for you.
Please see our selection of Ready-to-Wear items in the shop.
Made especially for the well groomed gentleman, this earth-friendly,
handmade, artisan shaving bowl has that old world charm that he'll fall
in love with!
Approx 6 inches across, this rustic yet elegant bowl will have him groomed in style!
Please give me 4 weeks to custom make your bowl as all ingredients are from earth.
Please pick your colour when you order.
From: Jabber Jewels
Black and White Labyrinth
Black and White Labyrinth
This is one of my own images that I designed.
Set in a 1" silver pendant tray and comes on a 22" sterling silver plated ball chain.
You can adjust the length of the chain by cutting it with a regular pair of scissors to assure the perfect fit.
All of my pendant necklaces are made with quality components.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look. In hope you will click through and do a little Windows shopping, it's always free.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Today I would like to share a link to another blog post on the subject of Amazon's new Handmade Artisan Section / Shops.
This reviewer has first hand experience with the set up and let me tell you I am so glad I read her review first before spending hours jumping through the numerous hoops to sign up for my own shop.
Let me make it clear that her opinions match my own, I am a One Woman Circus when it comes to my business and although it looks like a wonderful and lucrative venture on the surface it is little more than a money-for-nothing generator for Amazon.
I would read the post from beginning to end, do not skim, what this artist has to say is important. There may be some of you out there that have the means and the way to deal with Amazon, but I wouldn't do it if they were the last vestige of the internet.
Here is the link.
http://www.creationsfromthehart.com/amazon-review/
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning,
Today's featured artist is Skylark Chainmaille.
Elisa says:
Custom jewelry and accessories - stainless steel bracelets, shiny
silver necklaces, police support key-chains... the options are endless.
Each item is handcrafted just outside Denver, CO. Need something special
for your special someone? Color, length, material... just ask.
Everything can be customized to your taste and needs.
Thanks for checking out my shop, and please don't hesitate to be in touch with any questions at all!
Solid high-shine stainless steel rings and links make this bracelet
stand out. It's sturdy (steel!) and beautiful (shiny!) and works with
everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a suit. It's simple and elegant,
and will catch folks' eye.
The donuts are solid pieces, and the links are hand woven, one at a time. It's elegant yet tough.
Stainless
steel won't discolor, rust or tarnish, and can be worn anywhere (you'll
probably have to take it off to go through airport security)... I wash
dishes, swim and shower in mine! Buy it and wear the heck out of it.
It's made to last. Don't keep this one in a drawer!
This bracelet
feels great. It has presence and some weight but isn't heavy - you know
you're wearing it but it's not going to have you scraping your knuckles
on the ground. It's great for the fiddler too - spinning the rings is
VERY satisfying.
Buy it for your mom, buy it for your sister, buy it for your best friend. Heck - buy it for yourself. It's a shop favorite!
If
there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length,
or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy
to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing
every day.
Black anodized aluminum and steel make for a masculine profile of this vertebrae weave.
Great for him or her - anyone looking for something solid, lightweight, and versatile.
Wear
it to work. Wear it to dinner. Wear it to the farmers' market. Wear it
to your kid's baseball game. Wear it to the pool. Wear it in the pool!
The possibilities are endless.
If there's something else you're
looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver,
titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that
will be something you will love wearing every day.
Tiny pumpkin! This little guy is great for kids, or the kid at heart.
Made with aluminum links, it's lightweight and vibrant. It's a fun nod
to fall and Halloween.
Made one link at a time, this little guy will be something you look forward to wearing every October.
Color option is for the lanyard only. All (or these) pumpkins are orange and green.
If
there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length,
or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy
to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing
every day.
Chunky bright silver and blue bracelet, perfect for any wear. A great
way to show your love for someone in uniform. Made with stainless and
bright blue aluminum links.
Show your support for our men and
women in blue with this understated design. 10% of the sale of all Thin
Blue Line items go to support the families of fallen officers. You can
find the full line here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylarkChainmaille?section_id=12762962
All bracelets can be made-to-order at longer lengths to wear as a necklace.
If
there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length,
or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy
to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing
every day.
This is my go-to everyday bracelet. It's shiny but not too much bling,
sturdy but not too masculine. I love the feel of it - it's the reason I
got into making jewelry... to make this perfect bracelet. It's byzantine
weave chainmaille made with medium-gauge round stock stainless steel
and anodized aluminum links.
Show your support for our men and
women in blue with this understated design. 10% of the sale of all Thin
Blue Line items go to support the families of fallen officers. You can
find the full line here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylarkChainmaille?section_id=12762962
All bracelets can be made-to-order at longer lengths to wear as a necklace.
If
there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length,
or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy
to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing
every day.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look. In hope you will click through and see what else is on the virtual shelves.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
