Spring Bling Torch-fired Enamel Necklace!

Just because it's the first day of winter doesn't mean we can't dream of spring.  These are pieces I made for a friend to give to his wife.  He sends me a wad of money and says, "go for it!"  He doesn't feel a need to have input into the design of the piece.  He trusts me.  I just do my best and this is what I came up with this year.  I used torch-fird enamel beads by me and gorgeous lampwork beads by Patti Cahill. I hope the Mrs. likes it!

Spring Bling ... torch-fired enamel, lampwork, bead clusters from semi-precious stones

Lampwork beads by Patti Cahill, PMC by me

A version of the book project "Beady Bangle"

Beads, Baubles and Jewels

I just got back from the Beads, Baubles and Jewels videotaping.  I was petrified before I left but came home feeling exhilarated and almost giddy with joy!  Sounds like I'm ready to have my medication tweaked!  But really, it was fun, fun, fun!


This is the Green Room and boy was it greeeen!  There's Mr. Painting with Fire working at the computer.  This is where you bring in your projects to set them up, hang up your wardrobe changes, and visit with each other while you wait your turn.  At one end of the room they have a large T.V. where you can watch the live feed of one of your colleagues being videotaped.


The artists who were there with me were Danielle Fox of "Stringing Magazine," Cynthia Deis of Ornamentea, Brenda Schweder, super-star of annealed steel wire jewelry and more, and Jackie Truty of Art Clay fame.

Here's Cynthia with her project.  We all had large baking sheets to lay out our projects.  Mike, one of the staffers, carries these into the taping room when it's your turn. 

I apologize for the reflection, but the room was so dimly lit that I needed a flash in order to capture Cynthia's lovely pieces. 

Here are the tools for one of my projects. 

Here I am in make up.  I had a great chat with Lorene, the make-up artist, and she gave me some suggestions on shades of different cosmetics from the Bobbi Brown line.  She is a wonderful lady with quite a varied background.  We both laughed about having been Executive Secretaries in a former life and having proficiency with Gregg Shorthand.  She said it was funny we were talking about it because she had just come across her old Gregg Shorthand textbook.  I told her she should hold onto it because it was probably worth a lot of money! 

The finished result.  They intensify your make-up and put highlighter  in any areas, like the sides of your nostrils, where the bright lights in the studio would cast shadows.  It was very interesting. 

Setting up the torch on the set.

One of the very kind people who helped things move along.  He was responsible for micing us and monitoring sound levels. 

Here's the lovely Katie Hacker getting her microphone attached. 

That is essentially it.  The day moved so quickly that for me it was over by 12:30.  Originally I was scheduled for taping at 2 p.m.  We benefitted from this change and were able to fly back that evening instead of staying over and being greeted by snow the next day!  It was a very enjoyable whirlwind!  

Beads, Baubles and Jewels

I am crazy flattered ... and more than a little nervous ... about taping two segments for Beads, Baubles and Jewels.  I didn't become nervous until Katie Hacker said, "Plan to arrive at 9:30 for make-up."  It was at that point that I felt I had to run to the bathroom!  All kidding aside, I'm looking forward to this ... well, kinda!  


Katie and I spent some time chatting and realized that we have a few things in common, especially the fact that we both live in rural areas where promoting ourselves as artists seems to be a losing battle.  Thank God for the Internet!  I encourage fellow artists to consider going online to make connections and be seen, but a lot of times I'm met with, "Oh, I don't use the computer much" or "I don't know how to do that."  


Geez Louise!  If they only knew ... Had I not braved the new frontier, I would not have met all of you, which has been a very bright spot in my life.  We leave next Wednesday for Cleveland and tape on Thursday. Please pray for me.  Be specific. Pray to the Big Guy, "Please don't let Barbara Lewis flub up!"  Hugs, Barbara

Webinar Link

Hi all, Here's the link for the Painting with Fire Webinar at Create Mixed Media. 


We're going to cover the basic of the immersion process of torch firing, decorative techniques (millefiori, decals, liquid enamel, etc.) and color development.


Registration is free, but limited, so sign up early. :-)