Welcome to the next stop in the virtual tour featuring Barbara Lewis’ brand new book, “Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: a Workshop in Painting with Fire”. I am honored to join in as Barbara is both a mentor and a friend. I was fortunate to meet Barbara when we hosted her workshop in Reston back in March of 2010. I can still remember the excitement in Barbara’s voice when she shared with us about how she recently signed a contract with North Light to write this very book. And like many other friends and students, I’ve enjoyed the journey along the way, listening to glimpses of what goes on behind the scenes in writing a book. Barbara sure made it look easy, but I can only imagine the work/fun and long hours!
The classroom is all set.
Barbara Lewis teaching a "Painting with Fire" workshop in Reston, VA 2010
I knew I was holding a thing of beauty when I first saw Barbara’s book. The cover told me so. And when I turned the pages, I could see one intriguing project after another. I was tempted to flip through the book and get ahead of myself, excited to see what was in store. I was drawn in by all that Barbara had to share and instead read “Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry” page by page. I could actually hear Barbara’s witty yet supportive voice as I read each paragraph…it made me smile.
You’ll have a feeling of support throughout the book. I think many people are a bit intimidated to work with a torch, or feel overwhelmed about how to get started. I know I felt that way. Just as she does in the classroom, Barbara will offer you clear instruction throughout the book. I found the large (and beautifully photographed) project photos, step by step pictures, and detailed instructions to be very helpful. Along with all of the details, the book is packed, packed with information!
Another facet that I love about “Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry” is that it is not only a workshop in enameling, but also a workshop in jewelry design. If you find that you’re not ready to take the plunge into enameling (but once you read this book, I think you’ll have all the reassurance you need to get started), you will learn many techniques you can apply to jewelry design in general. And while you’re gearing up to try enameling yourself, you can always try working with some of Barbara’s beautiful enameled beads to get started on these projects (found in her shop). Some of the techniques covered in the book are: wireworking basics, etching copper sheet, and working with tools such as a disc cutter and dapping block. Barbara reveals her own one-of-a-kind method for “heat-riveting” and solderless bezels. You’ll find something for skill level, and plenty of inspiration to get you through the dreary winter months ahead and throughout the year!
Barbara generously sent me a bunch of her beautiful enameled components to work with for this book tour. And lucky for me, they were in the shades of blue that I gravitate towards! I enjoyed spending time working through different design ideas (with my 3 year old at my side, hammering away on scraps of copper wire!), getting my tumbler out for action, and seeing the beauty that can be created with enameled beads.
This bracelet was inspired by the “Cute as a Button” project you’ll find in the book. Stacking discs is a really fun look, and I’d love to make earrings with this idea…and you know rarely make earrings.
Please visit all of the stops in the virtual book tour – there are 4 more remaining!
October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com October 15, Jen Judd Velasque, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot. com October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com October 25, Sharilyn Miller, www.sharilynmiller.com * new addition!
To thank you for stopping by my book tour post, I have a give away for you! One lucky person will win an enameled focal by Barbara Lewis –
I also made a pair of earrings with Barbara’s enameled beads to give away! These earrings were inspired by the “Cattywampus” project you’ll find in Barbara’s book.
Everyone has the same chance to win simply by leaving a comment. You can increase your chances of winning by …
1. Leaving a comment on this post and becoming a follower = 1 chance.
2. Tweeting, facebook or blogging about the giveaway and leaving a comment at this post: the original Virtual Book Tour post = 1 additional chance.
3. While you’re at Barbara’s Blog, becoming a follower or saying that you’re already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.
So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway. A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at Barbara’s blog or on mine for the name of the winner. There are additional prizes throughout the book tour, and several of you are already lucky winners!
For a chance to win the Grand Prize … a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience at www.paintingwithfireartwear.com ) … please leave a review at Amazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review … the book must stand on it’s own merits.
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I love your juwelry
Great review of Barbara’s book, just adore the necklace you made with Barbara’s beads.
Beautiful, Cindy! You’re amazing!
Your jewelry pieces are GORGEOUS! Great review of Barbara’s book!!
your necklace looks like the ocean to me! beautiful work….thank you for your contribution to this tour….
I am clicking your follower button, and looking forward to seeing all that you create. I am thankful to Barbara for gathering this amazing collection of artists.
Oh my heavens your jewelry is sooooo gorgeous! I finally got Barbara’s book now I just need to get the kit 🙂
Thanks for the tour!!! Your pieces are just amazing (I knew they would be), and I especially love the necklace.
I’m already a follower of your blog
Oh Cindy, I could barely stop looking at that necklace long enough to post a comment! The stacked pieces on the bracelet are just adorable. What really captured my eye was the stacked filigree piece in the necklace. My eyes just kept straying around, feasting on the lovely colors. You make it very easy to believe in the possibility of creating these awesome beads. Thank you for that, and for being such a wonderful person!
I posted this in my FB page.
I love what you created with Barbara’ beads!
Such lovely colors!
I have Barbara’s book and I agree with all you had to say in the book review. This book has something for everyone to learn from. Even if you aren’t ready to light a torch yet.
I am a follower of your blog. : )
Great review! I have the book, and you are exactly right in your observations. Your necklace is unbelievable gorgeous!
I am already a follower of your blog, and would love to win either prize!
You know I couldn’t wait to see what your view was on this book tour! I think you covered even more of what Barbara is trying to do by saying that after reading you will feel confident in venturing into this process! Great post as always Cindy
I would like to learn the art of enameling so I really want this book!
Love the pieces you made – especially that necklace!!!
Thank you for this giveaway. Your work is beautiful!!
Oh, your work is beautiful!
Wow, Cindy, that necklace is a stunner! With it you illustrate so well what you said about Barbara’s book– chock full of ideas for designs and lots of ways to use the techniques she teaches– it really goes beyond the enameled beads that are the foundation. Love what you did with Cattywampus– it was one of my favorite projects.
I love your review. I’ve got the book ordered and am anxiously waiting for it. I’m a little leary of working with a torch, too. But after reading all the reviews, I think I’m getting more excited about trying it. Plus it’s great to know there’s so many other ideas in the book. Your bracelet is so cute. And that necklace is to die for. Your earrings for the giveaway are very sweet too.
(I follow your blog)
I love your stuff! I’m so excited to have found your blog through Barbara’s! I will definitely be a follower! 🙂
Just tweeted about your review and giveaway.
http://twitter.com/KayzKreationz
Your new pieces are gorgeous, Cindy. No surprise there! But I love that necklace so much. It was eyeball bending for me. Keep finding new wonderful things in it the more I looked. Well done, girl!!
Beautiful work–love the enameled beads!
WOW!!! what amazing jewelery you have made with Barbara’s components!! I really love the necklace!
Well, I *am* already a follower of Barbara’s blog, I’ve just added your blog to my list of who I follow and I’ve also already posted a short blog (Oct. 10’s “It Pays To Be Crazy”) about the tour which also automatically uploads to my FB page… do any of those count??? (don’t know if y’don’t ask, eh? ~hee~)
I love what you did with the earrings, they’re delicious looking! I’m also looking forward to (and working up the courage to) trying out enameling. You’re right, working with a torch *does* seem a bit intimidating to those of us who never have. Thank you for the encouragement.
Beautiful work Cindy! Such great colors…some of my favs you know =)) You did justice with all of those beads & components that Barbara sent you!! Wonderful my friend! xo
Cindy, what a great review of Barbara’s book! The pieces you created with Barabara’s beads are beautiful!
I love the pieces you got from Barbara and the designs you created with them! I am a long-time follower 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
I have shared the virtual book tour on Twitter and facebook!
Great book review and tribute to Barbara Cindy. Love the bracelet and the necklace – it’s so bountiful! The enameled beads add so much beauty and design options. I’ll definitely be picking up Barabara’s Book — ‘cuz I know I don’t have the willpower not to. : )
Oh man! I love that jingly-jangly necklace! You always do such marvelous work. And isn’t Barbara the sweetest! I can’t wait to have the chance to meet her. I am so hoping that I can secure a spot in one of her classes, it will top of my list of wishes! Enjoy the day, Miss Cindy!
Erin
Wow…that is all I can really think of saying right now-I’ve always wanted to get into torch and enamel jewelry, and yes, it really IS intimidating when you really stop to think about it O.o
One day though!
It was so nice of Barbara to send you some beads-I have to say this is the most involved book tour that I’ve ever seen! And you did all those beads justice when you made those stunning pieces 🙂 I do particularly love the bracelet (and I’m hoping I can win one or the other of your beautiful prizes, too)!
So, here is my first entry and I’m already a follower 🙂
I tweeted:
twitter.com/#!/TheEclecticE/status/126424564833071105
(I would follow you if I could, but Twitter has just blocked me because of ‘follow limits’ Boo 🙁 )
I left a comment on Barbara’s original post and now I’m a follower of hers as well 🙂
Beautiful website and blog, too!
I love your necklace you made. I agree with your review of Barbara’s book! I find something new every time I pick it up! I just became a follower.
I am posting a link on Facebook.
Great neckless, great book tour thanks for sharing. Also off topic love the macro pics of the flowers great art and jewelry inspiration.
PS to those of you above that are a little intimidated by the torch, by all means respect it and be careful, but your biggest problem is not going to be the heat it’s going to be the addiction………………..LOL
Oh this is on my list of I need to learn! Just not enough time in a day. Beautiful necklace …..maybe come January I can treat myself!
Cindy, your bracelet is lovely and the necklace is wonderful. I just love how you used Barbara’s elements in your designs. This book tour has been such fun. It is really encouraging me to give torch fired enameling a try. I love Barbara’s book.
I am a follower of your blog.
Wow Cindy fantastic work, beautiful. All the pieces are really stunning!. I hope I can enamel, I am jumping in to the fire if I can get my torch set up,lol. Hope to see you soon!!!!
PS Following both you and Barbara:-)
Oh I LOVE your take on that “I can Soar” bracelet!! I wish I could add that personal touch when I design a piece. I think Barb’s book will encourage that….WHEN I get home at the end of Oct. Your necklace is to die for!!! I hope I’m lucky enough to win those earrings! 🙂
Doreen aka LuniLadi
I think I might have said this on Lori’s post, or maybe I just thought it. Anyway, I’m so interested in trying my hand at enameling! But I’m not going to lie – I’m a total klutz. I think maybe I need to go to a class first, but man, that book is calling to me!
One word… MmmMmmMmMmMmmmmmm ~~T
I love that color of blue too. This tour just gets better and better.
I love your bracelet and necklace! They’re gorgeous!
Cindy, this is such a wonderful review of Barbara’s book!! I’m slowly working my way through the book, absorbing everything I can and enjoying every minute!
P.S. Your jewelry is beautiful as always!
I love the earrings and would so love to take a class with barbara. The book is amazing I think I have made almost all the projects in some way
Cindy, I love the jewelry you’ve created with those fun enameled pieces!
I’m so eager to try this myself – those blues and greens are calling to me.
Your review made me want to read that book! The jewelry is your usual beyond-awesome, especially that amazing necklace! I can see that enameling would be another addiction for any newbies 🙂 I will have to just buy them already made, I’m overbooked now! Hey, I would so love to have those “sweet Cindy” earrings! And I’ve been a Follower for quite a while! Nicely done!
wow! Really love what you did with Barbara’s beads! Definitely going over to become a follower.
You rock everything you touch! Your blog post for Barbara is such a wonderful tribute to the book and obviously took a long time to do. I want that necklace so incredibly much! And if I had a tiny bit of your talent, too, well… would love that, too!