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!
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!
To thank you for following along, Barbara is offering a BONUS PRIZE at the end of the book tour! All of the entries will be included in the drawing for a kit containing all the elements of “Floral Cascade,” one of the projects in the book. You’ll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!
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.
P.S. Unfortunately, the giveaways are restricted to U.S. residents. Winners should contact Barbara with their name and address through her author website: www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!
10/21/11 UPDATE!! The winners of the give aways have been chosen! Betty Stafford is the winner of the enameled decal pendant and Alice Peterson is the winner of the Cattywampus earrings!
Thanks to everyone who participated, visited my blog, and left such nice comments! 🙂
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