Monday, November 17, 2014

Shop News: Stainless Steel Chainmaille

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share a couple of new items in the shop.  New listing may be found exclusively on The CraftStar.

Handcrafted from Stainless Steel, these pieces may also be made in 14Kt Gold-plated or Sterling Silver-plated jump rings.  Rings are hand spun and cut, and finished with matching findings and clasps.

We like custom work.  Want something made to a specific length or perhaps a different bead color?  Looking for something with a gemstone?  We have  traditional and alternative birthstones / genuine gemstone beads for January - December.  Send us an e-mail, contact us through the shop via a convenient link right from the items page.

Foxtail Chainmaille Bracelet

Sleek, supple, sophisticated, and simple.  This lovely chainmaille bracelet is slim and sensuous in stainless steel.  Great for a power piece at the office, perfect for a first date night conversation starter, or just an easy piece to match with your favorite outfit anytime you like.

Terrific for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, Role-play, SCA or LARP costuming needs.  Makes a great gift for Viking or Game of Thrones fans.

8" total length, including clasp.  Handcrafted from 20g 6mm Stainless Steel jump rings, and woven in the Full Persian, also called "Fox-tail", maille pattern.  Finished with a matching Lobster Claw clasp.

*May be made to desired length.  Also available in 14Kt Gold-plated or Silver-plated rings upon request.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Please see our Ready-to-Wear selection of Chainmaille in the shop, or contact us about a special all your own.
Ask us about multi-item and Wholesale discounts.



  
Stainless Steel Diamond Chainmaille Earrings


Stunning, sleek, sturdy, simple.  These pretty earrings are great for the Office, Date Night, or a your favorite jeans and t-shirt combination.  Silver-tone Stainless Steel will go with everything in your wardrobe.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, Role-play or other costume needs.

Total length is about 1-3/4" from ear lobe.  Handcrafted from 18g 6mm Stainless Steel jump rings, woven in the European 4-in-1 Pattern creating a lovely Diamond shape.  Finished with matching ear wires.

Also available in Silver-plated or 14Kt Gold-plated jump rings.

*Customization:  Gemstone beads may be added or the Earrings may be made shorter upon request.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Please see our selection of Ready-To-Wear items in the shop.



Lacy Steel Stainless Steel Chainmaille Necklace

Strong and supple, light and lacy.  This pretty collar will go with everything in your wardrobe.

16.5" long, including clasp.  18g Stainless Steel is hand spun, cut and linked in the European 4-in-1 pattern, accented with Czech Glass beads in "Hematite".  Finished with a matching Lobster Claw Clasp.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Ask us about multiple item and wholesale order discounts.


Kay Chainmaille Round Stainless Steel Bracelet

This bold and beautiful bracelet is perfect for him or her.  Great for the office or a weekend get away.  Wow her on date night, interest him at the show.  Wherever you choose to wear this gorgeous band it is sure to be a hit, or at least a conversation starter.  Named after "Sir Kay", King Arthur's bother, the band stands up from the wrist forming a lovely deep silver-tone 3 dimensional circle that flows across the skin, and catches the light for a subtle shine with movement.

Terrific for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, S.C.A., L.A.R.P., Role-playing, Game of Thrones or Viking costume needs.

8" total length, including clasp.  Hand crafted from 18g 6mm jump rings woven in the Round Maille pattern, finished with a matching Lobster Claw clasp.  Clasp may be changed to toggle or magnetic barrel clasp at no additional charge upon customer request.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.



Raven Charm Stainless Steel Chainmail Necklace


A Ravens Nook exclusive.  Big, bold and bright, this strong and simplified necklace makes a great statement piece without being overwhelming.  One of a limited selection of three pendants, this stylized Raven / Bird skull is perfect for Goth or Rocker fashions, Film or Fantasy Event Attire, Cos-play or LARP costume needs.  Amulet, Charm, Talisman, or just a really interesting pendant, this unique piece is sure to spice up any wardrobe.

Appropriate for men or women.  Elegant, exciting, weird and wonderful all in one powerful pendant.

Chain is 18" long including clasp, and is woven with 18g Stainless Steel jump rings in a twisted double link pattern.  Finished with a Lobster Claw and Tab clasp.

Pendant is 1-3/4" x 3/4", silver plated over brass, with hollow back making it lightweight.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday, November 13, 2014

How To Remove A Stuck Finger Ring

Good Morning,

Today we have a brief video on how to remove a stuck finger ring without cutting it off.  Thanks to Dr. Simon Carley and his colleagues at the Centre for Evidence Based Emergency Care at Manchester Metropolitan University for posting this video on you tube.






You don't have to be a patient to remove a ring.  We urge you to be careful and remind you that this is for information purposes.  Please don't go out and try to get your rings stuck on fingers just to try this technique.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Five Great Gits To GIve List V14

Good Morning,

Today's list comes from five different shops on The CraftStar.

From: Jo L Arts Original Art and Prints

Print, Black and White Scarab beetle from original Pen drawing

Print of an original pen drawing. This drawing took several days to complete and was created when working long hours (10-12 hr days) and was a means to unwind after such a long days.

I scanned the completed picture just after it was completed, fortunately so as the original is now damaged and unsellable. Although I'm inclined to think that the print has turned out much better than the original.

Paper dimensions 440 mm x 320mm ( 17 1/4 x 12 1/2") Scarab size, 31mm x 22mm (12 1/4 x 8 3/4") The print is printed on 190 gsm acid free Watercolour paper with pigment inks. Provided the print is not placed in direct sunlight, the lifetime of this print is approx. 120-150 yrs.

The print is signed and dated and is sold unframed.


From: Sparkle From Grace Boutique

Masquerade Mask


Amazing Handmade Masquerade Mask with details. Perfect for a wedding, a dance, a ball and more!!!! Amazing details, high quality hand made!!!

Ships Priority!!


From: Jenn's Baskets

Frosty the Snowman

This is an adorable handwoven "basket" snowman. The body is woven with reed, then painted. A face is hand painted on to each snowman and then he is embellished with a hat scarf buttons etc. He also gets a pair of hand painted boots and mittens to finish him off. Your snowman will come gift packaged in clear cellophane and a gift card is attached for gift giving purposes Snowmen are a great winter decoration to leave up even after the holidays. This Frosty makes a great gift and will be appreciated by whoever you give it to. Frosty is about 9" tall and 5-6" in diameter at its widest.


From: The Needle House

Knit Dishcloths by The Needle House in Black and White Gift Set


I have put together a gift set of 3 dishcloths, 2 pot holders and 2 scrubbies for your gift giving.

My dishcloths are made of 100% cotton with a unique texture that aids in the cleaning of your dishes and makes them super absorbent for wiping up spills.  They measure approximately 9 1/2 x 11 inches.  Machine wash/dry.

The pot holders are crocheted with acrylic yarn and are double thickness for added protection.  They also make nice hot pads/trivets.  They measure approximately 7 x 7 inches.  Machine wash/dry.

The crocheted nylon net scrubbies are approximately 3 1/4 inches and have many jobs.  They will clean your teflon pots and pans without scratching, glass top stove, great for cleaing fresh fruits and vegetables or you can use them to clean the bathroom fixtures.  

They can be washed on the top shelf of your dishwasher or in the washing machine.  Let air dry.

Made in my smoke free home.

This set comes in the gift box as shown until Christmas.


From: The Alchemists Vessel
  
Vespers Chainmaille Watch
Vespers is the Latin word for Evening. This pretty little piece is just in time to add a bit of sparkle to your evenings. Reminiscent of the twilight hours, lovely Purple Czech glass beads accent the band also adorned with a Swarovski Crystal Heart in an Aurora Borealis (AB) Finish.

8-1/2" Silver plated wire is hand-spun, cut, beaded and linked in the Full Persian weave, accented with purple Czech Glass beads and a Swarovski Crystal Heart Charm. Stainless Steel watch face and locking (screw down) magnetic clasp finish the piece. May be made to desired length.

Also available in Red, Pink and Crystal Silver-lined (clear) Czech Glass.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Featured Artist: The Alchemists Vessel

Good Morning,

I have run out of participating artists.  I am sure there will be more soon.   Today's blog is shameless self-promoting. 





Mind, Body, Spirit.  Specializing in Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Gemstone Jewelry. Thank you so much for stopping by to view the hand crafted offerings. Like what you see but don't see what you like? Custom work is available. All items are handmade with love and attention to detail. We believe that our customers are unique, and so to our jewelry.

Selections from the Shop on The CraftStar.  Now featuring a new materials including 14Kt Gold-plated and Stainless Steel Jump Rings.

  
Sky Genuine Turquoise Sterling Silver Ring


This gorgeous little ring is just right for ring or pinky fingers.  Genuine raw Turquoise has been hand set in a handmade Sterling Silver setting.  Would make a fabulous December Birthday Gift.

US Size 6-6.5, Sterling Silver Ring Stock and twisted accents have been hand forged in to a ring setting and finished with a 6mm raw genuine Turquoise gemstone cabochon.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

This item is not customizable.

Please see our selection of ready to wear items in the shop.

Sterling Silver and Genuine Turquoise Gemstone Cross

21" total length, the Sterling Silver cross is 1 x 3/4" at widest point, this pretty little cross is hand forged from start to finish. Cut from a Sterling Silver sheet and hand stamped with an arrow like design for a Southwestern appeal. Hand cleaned and polished. Some of the tool marks are visible on the back along with the "Sterling" mark. Hand set with a genuine Turquoise cabochon and matching beads along the chain.

The chain is Sterling Silver 1.5mm Fine Figaro pattern and finished with a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Half and Half Chainmaille Bracelet

This elegant bracelet is simple and slinky, sleek and smooth.  Silver and 14Kt Gold-plated sides give this bracelet a rich and sophisticated appeal.  Lightweight and comfortable for all day wear.  Jazz up that Office Outfit, Date Night dress or casual weekend outfit.

8" total length.  Handcrafted in 5mm 20g silver-plated and 14Kt Gold-plated jump rings, linked in the Round Maille weave.  Finished with a matching Lobster-claw clasp.  May be changed to spring or Toggle clasp upon request at no additional charge.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

May be made to desired length.

Please see our selection of ready to wear items in the shop.

Ladies Lace Chainmaille Necklace

Lovely, lacy, delicate and feminine.   This gorgeous gold-plated chainmaille collar will add a touch of flair and an air of mystery to any outfit in your wardrobe.  Accented with beautiful Sapphire (Silver-lined) Czech glass beads for a dash of color and sophistication.  One of this Fall's must have colors, the deep rich blue will compliment you and your outfit.  Jazz up that tailored office suit, or pretty date night dress, goes great with your favorite top and comfy jeans.  Matching earrings are included.

Makes a terrific September Birthday gift.  Perfect for Film or Event attire, Cos-play, Role-play, SCA, LARP or other costume needs.  Surprise a "Game of Thrones" or History Channel's "Vikings" fan with a bit of Maille.

16.5" total length.  Handcrafted from 20g 14Kt Gold-plated (over brass) wire, hand spun on a 5mm mandrel, cut and woven in the European 4-in-1 pattern for a pretty and delicate lacy look.  Finished with a matching 14Kt Gold-plated Toggle clasp.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*This item may be made in a variety of Czech Glass bead colors and to desired length.  Please contact the shop with your request.  Let us help you design that special piece that is all your own.

Please see our selection of other Ready-To-Wear items in the shop.

Ask us about multiple item and Wholesale discounts.


Raven Charm Stainless Steel Chainmail Necklace

A Ravens Nook exclusive.  Big, bold and bright, this strong and simplified necklace makes a great statement piece without being overwhelming.  One of a limited selection of three pendants, this stylized Raven / Bird skull is perfect for Goth or Rocker fashions, Film or Fantasy Event Attire, Cos-play or LARP costume needs.  Amulet, Charm, Talisman, or just a really interesting pendant, this unique piece is sure to spice up any wardrobe.

Appropriate for men or women.  Elegant, exciting, weird and wonderful all in one powerful pendant.

Chain is 18" long including clasp, and is woven with 18g Stainless Steel jump rings in a twisted double link pattern.  Finished with a Lobster Claw and Tab clasp.

Pendant is 1-3/4" x 3/4", silver plated over brass, with hollow back making it lightweight.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope that inspiration may strike and you'll shop with us this Holiday Season.

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

 




Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Box, Inca Puno, Queen's Chain Tutorial

Good Morning,

Today we feature a How To for a simple chainmaille weave.  I have seen this weave in many different places and it is always called one of three names by the mailler: Box, Inca Puno or Queen's Chain.

The end result is a square or box-like chain.

Let's begin with materials.  I have used multicolored aluminum jump rings available at most craft stores.  I use them for practice and demonstration, I would not recommend them for a finished project.  They are about 16 gauge with a 10mm outer diameter by Darice. (Purchased at Jo-Ann's Fabric and Craft Stores)

NOTE:  Three different colors of rings have been used for demonstration purposes and in hopes of illustrating the written instruction.  Single color rings may also be used.
 
Open 54 jump rings  
18 Pink  
18 Blue  
18 Green
 
2. Close two rings. (Pink)
 
3. Place two closed on a twist tie or piece of scrap wire.  

Step 3

4. Slide an open ring (Blue) through the two closed rings, close the ring. 


Step 4

5. Add one more open ring (Blue) to the rings.



Step5


Your chain should now look like this.


6.  Add two more open rings (Green) to the Blue rings.




Your unit has six rings and looks like this.




Here comes the tricky part.

7.  Pick up the unit and fold the last two rings (green) down and back against the rings below them (pink), one on either side of the chain.  This will form a Triangle shape.

Step 7

8.  Gently push the folded rings forward. Until they touch the rings in front of them.  It will look like this.

Step 8

 9.  Separate the last pair of rings (blue) to create an "eye".  Turn the unit 1/4 turn.

Step 9, separate the rings
1/4 Turn - The space is the "eye"

10.  Slide an open ring (Pink) through the eye, capturing the inside pair of rings (Green) and close it.   

Step 10
 
Close the ring in Step 10




11. Repeat step 10.

Slide second ring through the eye next to the first ring


Step 11 close the second ring

Your unit should now look like this.
Pink rings "lock" the unit into place, creating the first "knot".

12.  Slide an open jump ring (Blue) through the last two rings (pink) added.

Step 12
13. Repeat step 12.

Step 12 complete

*Repeat steps 7 - 13 to complete the chain.

Fold blue rings back

Repeat step 7 - Blue Rings are folded OVER the pink rings and back against the blue rings.  One on either side of the chain.
 
Push blue rings forward and rotate 1/4 turn


 Add a Green ring.

Repeat step 10
and close the ring.


 One more time.


Continue adding pairs of rings until your chain reaches the desired length.  The ring count here should make for nice length of chain to get the hang of the weave.

Five "knots" completed

The last rings added (Green) will finish the chain's last knot, and lock the units into place.





This makes very pretty jewelry, or a key-chain or purse fob decoration.

We hope you enjoyed this brief tutorial.

Thank you for stopping and having a look.

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

**Instructions taken from In Chains, a forthcoming e-book authored by Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel.  Follow the link for the blog (Chainmailled) in progress.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Five Great Gifts To Give List U14

Good Morning,

Today's list comes from the fabulous folks at Road To Success on Etsy.

From: Burke's Books and Bows

Christmas Bow Tie Necklace, Handmade Bow Tie, Christmas Bow Tie, Bow Tie Necklace, Chevron Bow Tie, Red and White Bow Tie, Women Bowtie

This is a small red and white style chevron bow with a green center. The bow is attached to a silver ball chain necklace.

The bow is made with cotton fabric and measures 3 1/4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.

This necklace is ready to ship and will ship within one business day. If ordered before 12:00pm Eastern Time, it will ship that day, if not it will ship the following day.

All items come from a smoke free environment.

Love this item, but not the color? Message me, I would love to work with you in creating a piece that you would love.

I will ship internationally, please message me for a shipping quote. 

 

From: Jackie Guttuso Designs

Kitchen art, Fruit, Orange archival print 5 x 7", Fruit decor, Print of orange painting, Acrylic, Dining room art, Food wall art

 This 5 x 7" orange print is an archival reproduction of my original acrylic collage.

I left it unmatted and unframed so that you can match colors to your decor, but see photos above to see what it might look like framed.

To see more fruit art, click link below:
www.etsy.com/shop/JackieGuttusoDesigns?section_id=14181795

Archival print; Printed on Epson Velvet Fine Art paper using archival inks.

5 x 7"; No border; Image bleeds to border

Unframed and un-matted

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.

Packaged in cellophane bag with chipboard and mailed in a cardboard mailer.

Ships USPS, 1st class 

 

From: Sue's Arts

Evil eye charm collection keychain, Hamsa keychain, love charm collection key chain, tassel, silver, blue, key ring, tree of life charm

 Beautiful, unique and one of a kind key-chains with a collection of evil eye, Hamsa, tassel, large crystal and ring to choose from.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Suzan ♥ 

 

From: Sound of Home

Wine red purple linen dot bag fashion woman pouch Japan zakka

 This is my original bag / pouch.

I used linen dot fabric, ribbon lace motif and interfacing. There is a small pocket inside.
You can remove the chain and use as pouch as well.

♥♥♥ Shipping include insurance up to $50 ♥♥♥
■ Ship from JAPAN. It takes about 2~3 WEEKS (business days) to arrive.
■ You will receive tracking information couple of times by email.



(1) ....ITEM....
■ Condition : NEW
■ Bag size : about H16cm x W18~24cm. (about H6.2"x W7"~9.4")

(2) ....PAYMENT....
■ PayPal Only

(3) ....SHIPPING....
■ Registered mail from JAPAN (changed 01 /05/ 2013) insured up to $50.
....Will be shipped out within 3 days after you place a payment.
....It takes about 2~3 WEEKS (business days) to arrive. You can track item online.


■ If you need EMS delivery ( track on line, fast delivery, insured) , ask me BEFORE YOU PURCHASE.
....ship to: USA, Canada, Australia from $16~.
...ship to: Euro from $19.80~.
....ship to: Asia from $12~.


(4) .... Questions ? ....
■ Please wait for me a day to reply your e-mail.
....It's because we live in the different countries. ( I live in JAPAN)
....(ex: When you mail me in the day time in your country, I might be sleeping in the midnight in my country) 

 

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Infinity Chainmaille Gemstone Necklace

 This pretty little chainmaille necklace is just right for the Office, Date Night, or any where you choose. Elegant, sturdy, supple and sinuous.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, S.C.A., L.A.R.P, Role-playing costume needs, or Game of Thrones fans.

16" total length including clasp. Handcrafted from 20g Silver-plated and 14Kt gold-plated (over brass) rings, linked in the Full Persian chainmaille weave. Accented with two 8mm genuine Fluorite gemstone beads, in a gorgeous opaque deep purple.

Figure eight as double four
Figure four as half of eight
If you skate, you would be great
If you could make a figure eight
That's a circle that turns around upon itself
Place it on its side and it's a symbol meaning
Infinity . . .

Are you singing along? I though you might be.


Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving. 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.


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

 

 

Monday, November 3, 2014

Holidays With The Alchemists Vessel

Good Morning,

Today I wanted to share a couple of offers and a note or two on on shopping with us for the holidays.

Let's get to the good stuff first.

You may notice a new banner for the shop here and there.  We're trying to be more festive and match our fan pages to our shopping sites around the web.

 
There are 52 items left in the Etsy shop.  The Etsy shop will  be closing after the final item has expired.  Items are up through December 2014, and expiration dates vary.  If you would like to shop via Etsy, we have a final offer, use the Coupon Code HOLIDAY10 at check out and received an additional 10% off the list price.  In some cases the items have been reduced in price.

You may also shop a select inventory right here from the Blog.  Just click the Shop Square Market tab at the top of the page.  Safe, secure, and check out using Square on line, simply click the shopping cart icon when you're through.  Easy-peasy!

We have more variety and some favorites at The CraftStar.  See what you like, but don't like what you see?  No problem.  We can create any of our designs in the beads or gemstone of your choice.  Send us an message from any of our online shops and we will be happy to make that special something just for you.

Dark Star Chainmaille Earrings




These cute Chainmaille earrings come in a variety of bead colors, or your choice of Silver-plated or Gunmetal jump rings.   Choose from Silver-line Czech glass beads in: Amethyst, Black, Crystal (clear), Emerald, Hematite (shown), Opal (A/B White), Ruby (Red), Sapphire (Dark Blue).  Don't have your favorite color?  Let us know and we'll be happy to stock it.

In Silver-plated Jump rings and Ruby Czech glass beads.


 If you would like your item to be a guaranteed delivery by Christmas, please place your orders no later than December 10th.  Final Shipping will be on December 15th, that's a Monday, in order to have your items to you before Christmas.  We cannot guarantee that your items will arrive on time if ordered after December 15th.

Handy links to find, follow or bookmark.

Offical Website
The CraftStar
Handmade Artists
Etsy
Facebook
Twitter



Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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