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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WOW – Beautiful, I’ve just created a new color green (with envy) over your jewelry. I just love what your designs. Many thanks for sharing and for the chance to win a great prize! The blogs you shared – amazing!
Thanks for your review of the book, very informative. I must also say that I love the examples of your work pictured. I am following your blog.
I hope I am not too late. I just got in from work.
Everything is beautiful!
OK Cindy, you know how I feel about online blog gushing so you know how totally genuine this comment is. The necklace is AMAZING. I want it. If I can’t have it, I must come over and see it soon. It is beautiful. Really. It is just beautiful.
Your necklace is jaw-dropping amazing, you really created a unique masterpiece any gal would be proud to wear!
Thank you, everyone. Your sweet comments really made my day! I’m enjoying the book tour myself and look forward to visiting the remaining stops on the tour!
Cindy, gorgeous, I’d love a chance to win!
Cindy your necklace is stunning and I love the cattiwampus earrings. There are so many things to create with enameled pieces this book and tour is going to provide inspiration for a long time! P.S. following you left me with some pretty big shoes to fill!
I purchased Barbara’s enamel kit last year in Tucson, but have yet to play with it. I can’t wait to try it out.
Both your pieces are just gorgeous Cindy! Blues and greens are one of my favorite combinations as well and I love the layered look!
i am sorry that i missed this giveaway, but very glad that i discovered your blog! such beautiful designs. ok, i have many posts to explore….
Hi Cindy, dang, missed a fabulous giveaway! Cool stuff. Thanks for dropping by Cindy! Always so great to see a message from you sweet one. I am so dang busy I cannot believe it, and I don’t have kids!! How do you do it? Love your samples up above, and look at Barbara! What a cutie pie, that talented little thing. Take care, and have a fabulous weekend! Hugs, Riki