tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88796221914928823152024-03-14T01:32:06.800-04:00Barbara Lewis : torch-fired enamelEnamel jewelry kissed by the flame! Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-16479622562046678932019-03-11T07:49:00.000-04:002019-03-11T07:49:28.902-04:0047th Wedding Anniversary!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hate it when the time changes because my sleep gets interrupted! It's 4:45 am! So, I'll tell you a story. I met my husband through a work friend, Maria Cordone, on February 22, 1971, the freezing night of George Washington's Birthday. It was about 7 pm when we arrived at Maria and Doug's apartment and it was love at first sight! We were engaged after two weeks ... but we allowed ourselves a yearlong engagement for possible reconsideration! Ha! </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our wedding day, March 11, 1972, was cold and blustery. I wore a white mini-skirt and matching top I had made from the NEW fabric that didn't need ironing! It was a polyester double-knit probably still survives at a landfill somewhere. Fr. Petrini officiated the wedding ceremony before a few friends and family at St. John the Baptist De La Salle, Chillum, Maryland. </span> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKzLIPFra9g/XIYj403REXI/AAAAAAAAE2A/qGDcZQm6VIwrt6VYLYBb5v-wUgq-bqKxACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.58.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="796" height="569" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKzLIPFra9g/XIYj403REXI/AAAAAAAAE2A/qGDcZQm6VIwrt6VYLYBb5v-wUgq-bqKxACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.58.39%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">St. John the Baptist De La Salle<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reception was at our apartment in Queens Manor Gardens, Mt. Rainier, MD, a few blocks from the Washington, DC line. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDVrejxqIKY/XIYnor9WadI/AAAAAAAAE2M/Ph9wlrFwvewS0Bp8YRcSd_-K8y4T7JWSACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.12.19%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1334" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDVrejxqIKY/XIYnor9WadI/AAAAAAAAE2M/Ph9wlrFwvewS0Bp8YRcSd_-K8y4T7JWSACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.12.19%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our apartment building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had been planning to marry in May, but when the apartment became available in February, we moved our wedding up. We were practical people ... and neither of our families had any money to host a wedding and reception, which made it quite easy to change the wedding date. Jim's mother had been widowed a year earlier, leaving 6 children without a father and my mother was a single mom raising 4 kids. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We managed to get our apartment through the influence of my grandmother, who also lived there. It was unspoken but understood that you needed a reference to gain occupancy. The management discriminated against young people and minorities. Our $112 a-month rent got us a 2-bedroom apartment with beautiful parquet floors in a solid early 1940's building. Current rent for our apartment is $1400. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our building had four apartments. I didn't know much about two of our neighbors, but our downstairs neighbor, Mr. Tinsley, worked at the local funeral parlor. When I told him that my wish was to be cremated when I died, he was aghast and described what sounded like the fires of hell! This didn't bother me a bit. I found it preferable to being buried in the dark, moist ground with worms. I mean, I shouldn't care ... presumably I'll be unaware of where I am! I've since made my children swear to uphold my cremation wish, however, because I secretly suspect a traditional burial would suit Jim better. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 1971, Jim entered his first year of the Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Program at The Catholic University of America (est. 1887). Coincidentally, this was a school he said he would never attend because its spooky and foreboding architecture. He also said that he would never work with children in his psychology practice but which became a focus of his career. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwHg7s9aHWM/XIYt5jRS5HI/AAAAAAAAE2k/qIYEceYoZVoqAQ8OcMLwBOhDjH6F435WgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.29.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1478" height="361" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwHg7s9aHWM/XIYt5jRS5HI/AAAAAAAAE2k/qIYEceYoZVoqAQ8OcMLwBOhDjH6F435WgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.29.39%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was working as executive secretary to George Kourpias of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at 1300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D. C. Mr. Kourpias would ultimately become President of the Union. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhkeTYRfKVo/XIYqBtLQLSI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/NsiPIe-AcPU0csergtALft48S1sktskUwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.26.57%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="786" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhkeTYRfKVo/XIYqBtLQLSI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/NsiPIe-AcPU0csergtALft48S1sktskUwCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.26.57%2BAM.png" width="564" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">International Association of Machinists Building<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since Jim got home before I did, he started doing some of the cooking. I wisely complimented him on his chili. Little did I know it would become a weekly staple! But, he branched out to Steak Diane and other tasty dishes. Listen, I really don't enjoy cooking and hate going to the grocery story, so I was thankful. To this day, he does all the grocery shopping and cooking. On the rare occasions that I go into the Publix with Jim, they smile when they meet the mystery woman ... since Jim knows the cashiers by name ... and probably knows the names of their kids and their birthdates. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">July, 1973 saw us leaving for Jim's internship in Miami. It was either Boston or Miami, and we wisely chose Miami. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We traded in my 1969 Plymouth Barracuda</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QQryM9zijU/XIY2EyOasYI/AAAAAAAAE28/Qd8NTERrfFQNttCcEZ3lJlRbXkPxvh3kACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.56.04%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1064" height="374" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QQryM9zijU/XIY2EyOasYI/AAAAAAAAE28/Qd8NTERrfFQNttCcEZ3lJlRbXkPxvh3kACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.56.04%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for a Volkswagen 411 ...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YlBSSAdkEE/XIY2UKAZyMI/AAAAAAAAE3A/C9XTHnBtQ3g2dpIMQoDPuiNnzGjy29kiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.55.30%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1186" height="340" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YlBSSAdkEE/XIY2UKAZyMI/AAAAAAAAE3A/C9XTHnBtQ3g2dpIMQoDPuiNnzGjy29kiwCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B4.55.30%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Miami was the scene of many fun times. We moved into a former hooker motel that had been converted to one-bedroom and studio apartments at the exclusive address of 2665 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL. In our bedroom, our full-size bed nearly went wall to wall. Talk about tiny!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many weekends were spent snorkeling at Long Key State Park, sleeping in a tube tent. It is currently described as an "emergency" tent. Heck, we didn't know that or we would have splurged for something much nicer! No, this was our go-to shelter.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCHROwEvWK4/XIYw27Wb0sI/AAAAAAAAE2w/ue43-dKWnJoUjH-rDvYvz24Rsi_ylGKYACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.54.48%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1032" height="606" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCHROwEvWK4/XIYw27Wb0sI/AAAAAAAAE2w/ue43-dKWnJoUjH-rDvYvz24Rsi_ylGKYACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-03-11%2Bat%2B5.54.48%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tube Tent ... which we used on our many camping weekend at Long Key State Park </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The social life at the apartment complex was wonderful. We all moved in at the same time and became fast friends, with people the likes of <a href="http://new.darrylepollack.com/2010/07/the-legend-of-leapin-larry-greene-2/">Leapin' Larry Greene</a>, who was behind the camera filming for CBS, etc. Unfortunately, Larry was <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"> </span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/09/06/national/main521088.shtml" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">killed in a US Navy helicopter accident flying over the North Arabian Gulf near Iran, </a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">in September 2002, shooting a story for CBS. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, it's now 6:30 am. We're planning a trip to Anna Maria Island with our friends of 43 years, Jan and Tom Moskitis. We were neighbors in Clinton, Maryland, where we both become homeowners for the first time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This has been a meaningly walk down memory lane for me. Since I seem to be blogging about once every two years, we might have to wait for my 50th anniversary for the "rest of the story," as Paul Harvey would say. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you've hung in 'til the end, thanks for allowing me to share part of my life with you! Barbara</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-6196498859689357832017-08-23T12:41:00.004-04:002017-08-23T12:41:54.261-04:00The "little-known" parathyroid gland! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friends, I'm writing this in the hopes that my experience can save you from the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> devastating effects of an often over-looked disease. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you tired, irritable, and depressed? Do you feel older than your chronological age and have "foggy brain?" Have you suffered from kidney stones? How about constipation, GERD, and other digestive problems? If so, you might have Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Yes, it's a mouthful but it describes these teeny, tiny "punks" that are robbing you of full and happy life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If your blood labs have shown high calcium levels, there's a 99.9% chance you have a benign tumor on one of the parathyroid glands. Post-menopausal women are at higher risk. If you've never heard of parathyroid glands, you're not alone. We have four and they rest on the thyroid. They control the amount of calcium your body produces. If your calcium blood levels are normal, it means that your parathyroid glands are taking a nap. If your levels are high, it means they are fully engaged but should be napping. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, what is a high calcium reading? For someone in their 50's or 60's it would be in the 10's. In 2014, my calcium level was 10.5. My doctor never addressed my high Calcium level. I noticed it but thought it was good. I thought it meant I would have strong bones, which is so laughable to me now that I realize the devastating effects of high calcium. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In 2017, I started seeing a new PCP, Dr. Gigi Lefebvre. Besides having a very pleasant demeanor, she's very thorough and methodical during patient visits. She doesn't miss a thing. At the end of the visit, she hands you a copy of the notes she took during your visit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My first blood labs with Dr. Gigi revealed high calcium of 10.7. I had two doctors prior to Dr. Gigi who didn't notice or address my high calcium levels. Dr. Gigi referred me to an endocrinologist who ordered more tests with the same results, normal PTH and high Calcium. He said, "You can wait and see ... or you can go to the Norman Parathyroid Center (NPC) in Tampa." By the time of my visit with the endocrinologist, I had already researched the Norman Parathyroid Center. They specialize in parathyroid surgeries. That's all they do. People from all over the world come to the Center and here I am living across the bridge. I thought, "Hell no! I have three years of blood labs showing high calcium levels, I don't have to wait any longer." If it had not been for Dr. Gigi, I would still be suffering!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I filled out the NPC online questionnaire. They received my records from Dr. Gigi within three days. Dr. Daniel Ruan, who would be my primary contact on my three-member surgical team, called me on the phone while driving to his vacation destination. In short, he said I had primary hyperparathyroidism and the only cure was surgery. I said, "What's the next step? Do we meet?" He said, "I'll meet you on the day of surgery." In the meantime, the surgical appointment was set up and I started receiving informational emails from their supportive staff. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the ugly thing they removed from my neck 6 days ago!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsE9fjxYA8E/WZ2pWQLYV7I/AAAAAAAAE0I/B8OBByal2jAOZ8itzrdcXsIN6mz_-qA-gCLcBGAs/s1600/PTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsE9fjxYA8E/WZ2pWQLYV7I/AAAAAAAAE0I/B8OBByal2jAOZ8itzrdcXsIN6mz_-qA-gCLcBGAs/s400/PTH.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My gland should have been the size of a grain of rice not the size of a kidney bean! They use a specialized scope to detect the amount of hormone the gland is producing. Normal limits are between 30 and 80. The reading of this tumor was 1709! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you've made it this far, what you've read is a patient's explanation of hyperparathyroidism. If you want to hear the explanation by my surgeon, an expert in the field, click <a href="https://drlindseyberkson.com/episode-64-dr-daniel-ruan-hyperparathyroidism/">here</a>. You'll hear Dr. Danial Ruan explain this often overlooked disease in an easy understandable way. Please don't let the day go by without taking a look at your last blood labs! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments. Here's to good health! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-20475633809780066822016-07-14T09:26:00.002-04:002016-07-14T09:28:05.078-04:00Hello, friends! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">'s been a long time, but Facebook doesn't give me enough room to really write! I miss writing ... not enough to write another book ... but enough to get my blog going again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Family is so important. People ask me, "It's great that you all live near one another. How did not happen?" Well, it wasn't an accident, let me just say that! From the time Laura was 12 years old she complained of Maryland winters. She would say, "When I grow up, I'm going to live some place warm." This was not a single complaint mind you. This happened every winter. I'd hear the familiar refrain many times throughout the cold, dark Maryland winters, something not easily forgotten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, when it came time for Laura to transfer to a four-year university, I said, "If you want to live some place warm, why don't you consider finishing your degree in a warm climate?" Then I put on my thinking cap, "Hmmm, where would Jim and I like to live?" He did his psychology internship in the mid '70's in Miami, but so much had changed there. When we lived in Coconut Grove, it was filled with creative people who owned and operated the shops in the village ... instead of Banana Republic and Gap!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">St. Pete's sense of community, affordable housing, arts and culture, and beautiful water has been a great choice for us. We bought a home for Laura to live in while finishing her degree in Finance at USF. The difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition nearly paid for the monthly mortgage payments. We moved Painting with Fire to its location on Central Ave and David, our inventory specialist, came with it. Laura graduated from college, she moved out of the house, we moved in! It was like synchronized swimming, very well orchestrated, with God's hand moving us as if we were marionettes. Life is good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A birthday celebration is all the sweeter when you're with family. Jim graduated from his 66th birthday (which he called being "two-thirds evil") to 67. His interest in music was re-emerging. He figured out how to create a play list on Amazon through his Prime membership. :-) Songs we grew up with by Creedence Clearwater, Gordon Lightfoot, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix ... it was quite the mix. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then the light bulb went on ... Jim used to love to play the mandolin. When I first met him he serenaded me with Quicksilver Messenger Service's "Who Do You Love?" I was impressed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ovDPP9gQPBY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">His mandolin was so tired looking and had a crack. It was barely holding it together. David, our musician son, picked out a beautiful mandolin for his father. Without any thought, Jim placed the mandolin here ... Could it be a more perfect setting? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KdthAHd8Xw/V4eMYRygViI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_Ki2LYQnlNkeCp85So5D38NmKL07WzY1gCK4B/s1600/Mandolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KdthAHd8Xw/V4eMYRygViI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_Ki2LYQnlNkeCp85So5D38NmKL07WzY1gCK4B/s640/Mandolin.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Laura and Matt, our daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb, brought plants. Here's the little vignette they created on the porch. This is only a sample of what they've done in the yard since Father's Day! I feel as though they're landscaping the yard a little bit at a time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIsAg-MDFl8/V4eM7PLOBnI/AAAAAAAAEyc/xYS8DYmCLQ8V3OFWZnB_iaaRKKEyRUoZgCK4B/s1600/Dill%2BPlants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIsAg-MDFl8/V4eM7PLOBnI/AAAAAAAAEyc/xYS8DYmCLQ8V3OFWZnB_iaaRKKEyRUoZgCK4B/s640/Dill%2BPlants.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was the perfect day. I'm now babysitting the plants so they won't die in his brief absence. I'm really not a good babysitter! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd love to hear about special moments you share with your family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">See you soon! Hugs, Barbara</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0Historic Kenwood, St. Petersburg, FL, USA27.7746748 -82.67264690000001827.7606258 -82.692816900000011 27.7887238 -82.652476900000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-59744114428781333492015-12-08T05:58:00.000-05:002015-12-08T05:58:37.053-05:00Sources of Inspiration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9kXFZkoj8k/ViKZYYCkqPI/AAAAAAAAEv0/XQvUcrNJ3MA/s1600/440e08647ecc8f648011abb1db8cb33c.jpg" title="Burning Embers" /><a href="http://pennielily.tumblr.com/post/38233901314">http://pennielily.tumblr.com/post/38233901314</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever gazed at the burning embers of a fireplace and thought, "I wish I could get my enamel (or ceramic glaze, or textile surface, etc.) to look like that? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These earrings by Lynn Burcher of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117721399/burning-embers-clip-on-earrings-fused?ref=market">Gilded Lily Glass</a> on etsy is a perfect example! These made-to-order earrings "smolder with red and copper dichroic glass." Lynn also makes a matching pendant. And, guess what, we're coming into that time of year where fireplaces will be lit ... even in St. Petersburg! </span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHFOWNEzzII/ViKhga4gXMI/AAAAAAAAEwc/Sngq9Kd7FPg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.28.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHFOWNEzzII/ViKhga4gXMI/AAAAAAAAEwc/Sngq9Kd7FPg/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.28.31%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117721399/burning-embers-clip-on-earrings-fused?ref=market">https://www.etsy.com/listing/117721399/burning-embers-clip-on-earrings-fused?ref=market</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can get inspiration from the work of other artists, too. I'm drawn to the richness of the work of Janet Loomis of Anvil Artifacts, where the edges of painted tin appear to have been lovingly rubbed to reflect the patina of age.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZJCAUbHlio/ViKgecXp3ZI/AAAAAAAAEwM/KW9T1lKdXMw/s1600/0d6630c2f576634a4ce7e7efa2b687e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZJCAUbHlio/ViKgecXp3ZI/AAAAAAAAEwM/KW9T1lKdXMw/s640/0d6630c2f576634a4ce7e7efa2b687e9.jpg" width="635" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6o3dQs1bIg/ViKggs44nuI/AAAAAAAAEwU/NxN9Ods8LAM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.24.10%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6o3dQs1bIg/ViKggs44nuI/AAAAAAAAEwU/NxN9Ods8LAM/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.24.10%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was writing my second book, I thought, "How can I recreate that look of wear?" "I'm Distressed" a project from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Torch-Fired-Enamel-Jewelry-Painting/dp/1440311749/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445112048&sr=1-1&keywords=mastering+torch-fired+enamel+jewelry">"Mastering Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry"</a> is my stab at it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9PXlDsmxKs/ViKdv2L0IsI/AAAAAAAAEwA/U37OtOB5Wlo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.12.22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9PXlDsmxKs/ViKdv2L0IsI/AAAAAAAAEwA/U37OtOB5Wlo/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.12.22%2BPM.png" width="518" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are the steps I took to make these earrings. You could also bump it up a notch by adding painted detail through the use of acrylic or liquid enamels!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VbxkvZUTIE/ViKn_SS7jXI/AAAAAAAAEw4/5ZgnwiXWSTU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.54.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VbxkvZUTIE/ViKn_SS7jXI/AAAAAAAAEw4/5ZgnwiXWSTU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.54.46%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yYcFQMKWV4/ViKn_eKy9pI/AAAAAAAAExA/SBrqK4NCMbw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yYcFQMKWV4/ViKn_eKy9pI/AAAAAAAAExA/SBrqK4NCMbw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.00%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhkx3LM-ogw/ViKn_YKdpPI/AAAAAAAAEw8/X6OLOILjM7A/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhkx3LM-ogw/ViKn_YKdpPI/AAAAAAAAEw8/X6OLOILjM7A/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.07%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYBQ-3MCuzQ/ViKoBR2YswI/AAAAAAAAExQ/eqMh21wwZkw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYBQ-3MCuzQ/ViKoBR2YswI/AAAAAAAAExQ/eqMh21wwZkw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.17%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDj98P1WbYk/ViKoCZ0i9bI/AAAAAAAAExU/WPwzBzcG_IQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.26%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDj98P1WbYk/ViKoCZ0i9bI/AAAAAAAAExU/WPwzBzcG_IQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.26%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlvvZ2fmpKU/ViKoCZArq8I/AAAAAAAAExY/i-9zYUCBhp4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlvvZ2fmpKU/ViKoCZArq8I/AAAAAAAAExY/i-9zYUCBhp4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-17%2Bat%2B3.55.36%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature" style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd love to hear about some of your favorite sources of inspiration and would be happy to post them on my blog as a follow-up to this post! This could be fun! All the best, Barbara</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can find Janet's lovely work here:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">www.anvilartifacts.com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">www.anvilartifacts.etsy.com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">www.amazon.com/handmade/anvileartifactsdeux</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-5595436542351830892015-09-03T12:24:00.000-04:002015-09-03T12:26:17.074-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateHeader" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-top-width: 0px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="headerContainer" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top"><img align="left" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/6c1124e8-ca23-401b-aecd-12b155a2dd47.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; max-width: 600px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-top-width: 0px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="padding: 18px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-top-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 6px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/28b9c200-5f1f-47c5-8151-a8f60eb08400.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; max-width: 1055px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><h2 class="null" style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64) !important; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -0.75px; line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 41.599998474121094px;">New Classes:<br /><span style="font-size: 20px;">Lost Wax Casting & Metalworking I & II</span></span></span></h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">In the 3-day Lost Wax Casting Workshop, you'll learn this age-old art that dates back to 4500 BCE. <span class="goog-text-highlight">You'll participate in creating your own wax jewelry or component pieces, attaching them to the "tree," and casting them in sterling silver. <br /><br />The Painting with Fire Team has been enjoying casting organic pieces as a part of a ring. A pistachio shell on top of a ring with 2410 Copper transparent enamel in the interior is our new favorite. One of the wonderful things about cast jewelry is that you can eliminate solder joints, which prove to be somewhat problematic when enameling pieces. I find this to be a very big deal! </span></span></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/bfa93868-829a-4e57-9178-4b102fb44627.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; max-width: 929px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">Casting offers options for creating jewelry that would be all but impossible using fabrication techniques. You'll experience the ease of carving, filing and polishing wax, which will then be transformed into sterling silver. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: falsepx;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px 9px;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/61bd2a9e-18ba-473f-acac-92168cab2874.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 600px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="564"><span style="font-size: 18px;">The cast tree! Look at all the pieces one tree can hold! It's amazing!</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: falsepx;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px 9px;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/f0727755-e39b-4cad-9bf6-51ecfb67528a.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 600px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="564"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Let's shine it up :-)</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 19px;">We have also added Metalworking I & II to our class schedule as well as other new project workshops.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: falsepx;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px 9px 9px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/workshops-in-store-workshops-metalworking" style="word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f6532ea4ef979d3e7ee8ba60d/images/30c1522f-8086-43ba-8cf5-f156adb6fce9.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 640px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="564"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Please register <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/workshops-in-store-workshops">here</a> and pass along to a friend. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateFooter" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-top-width: 0px; width: 600px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-39299184073152292952015-08-25T08:31:00.000-04:002015-08-25T08:31:49.297-04:00When "DIY" can hurt your business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">This thoughtful post is from my daughter, Laura Lewis Albright, Manager of Painting with Fire Studio</span></span><br />
<br style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">First I would like to say that I absolutely love do-it-yourself projects. From making my own garlic olive oil to dying lace curtains (to replace the ones that my dog destroyed during her puppy chewing phase!) But when does "do-it-yourself" become do-it-inferior? </span><span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">Maybe a better question is, "When a company or individual gives you an idea or teaches you how to 'do-it-yourself,' how do you show your support of that small company or individual?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">I will admit that there are times when I've picked up Elmer's glue from the grocery store to make my own "Modge Podge" instead of going to my local art supply store. But you know what? Most of those times I couldn't get the right consistency and I didn't feel good about not supporting a small business, like the Art Supply Store across the street from our studio. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHDOQ6v7oa0/VdulfrIfjUI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/jp7ph-8BkZc/s1600/LoveYourNeighborhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHDOQ6v7oa0/VdulfrIfjUI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/jp7ph-8BkZc/s640/LoveYourNeighborhood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">I know the purpose of do-it-yourself is to be more cost-effective and experience self-gratification for a job well done. However, when does that come at the cost of quality? For example, in our small city of Saint Petersburg, we have a specialty olive oil shop. My husband and I love to garden and are growing garlic. So, of course, we want to try making our own garlic olive oil :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">It would be very easy for us to go out to our local super center or grocery store and buy an inexpensive brand, but we like to support the business that gave us the idea! To show our support of Kalamazoo Olive Company, this is what we do. We buy one of their simple olive oils that has no zest or extra pizzazz. We can take James' great olive oil and spice it up ourselves, while saving a few dollars and supporting a small business. Voila! I feel good about supporting the individual or small business that was generous with their knowledge and ideas while still being able to do it myself. </span><br />
<br style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">For our family, we see teaching and, hopefully, the inspiring of others to "D-I-Y" as our calling in life. We truly admire and appreciate our customers, friends and those who inspire us! We appreciate their support so that we can continue to do what we love to do which is to ... you got it ... teach and inspire others. Through their support, they give us a reason for our calling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes it may require a little extra effort, but it can be so worth it for all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;">Please share if you love do-it-yourself projects and have a calling or desire to support creative individuals and small businesses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: LucidaSans; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-84684932210633001592015-08-07T10:36:00.000-04:002015-08-07T10:37:23.072-04:00An interesting use of torch-fired enamel!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to remind myself that not everyone who uses the immersion process of enameling is a jewelry maker. Recently I received an email from Robin of <a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/069/0/6134974/il_570xN.810598480_ntrv.jpg">The Dancing Goats</a> saying that he bought my book and taught himself how to torch-fire enamel to be used as an accent to his spectacular turned wood. Isn't this stunning? I just love the enamel tide pool with the turquoise inlay! Take a look at his <a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/069/0/6134974/il_570xN.810598480_ntrv.jpg">etsy</a> shop. You'll find some really beautiful things ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rj9G8wXVP3k/VcS5ISdNQaI/AAAAAAAAEu4/NN-HwDoZUco/s1600/DancingGoats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rj9G8wXVP3k/VcS5ISdNQaI/AAAAAAAAEu4/NN-HwDoZUco/s640/DancingGoats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you use the immersion process to enamel items other than jewelry? I'd love to feature it here. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-76079891082890933542015-07-14T13:13:00.000-04:002015-07-14T13:13:55.322-04:00Silhouette Die<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inspiration can come from the unlikeliest place. How about the result of cleaning out your garage? Absolutely! Some time ago I picked up this hunk of metal from a recycler. I don't even know why or when I bought it but it sure made a great silhouette die for the hydraulic press! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci5vqQ513UE/VaU9UZcPs3I/AAAAAAAAEuU/sNjcdNDw-8M/s1600/HydraulicPress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci5vqQ513UE/VaU9UZcPs3I/AAAAAAAAEuU/sNjcdNDw-8M/s640/HydraulicPress.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hunka, hunka metal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">24-gauge copper over the silhouette die produced a great form, but I see this as only "the beginning" with this die. Liquid enamel painted on the front and back with 2300 Opalescent Green sifted on top produced the "canvas." A few strokes through the liquid enamel with the end of a mandrel produced some graceful forms. These particular <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/polka-dots-and-patterns-half-sheet-decals/dp/2759">pattern decals</a> have become a favorite for background texture. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaQ2PLhvNYM/VaVAk6HPzbI/AAAAAAAAEug/dI83kGAEObY/s1600/liquid%2Benamel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaQ2PLhvNYM/VaVAk6HPzbI/AAAAAAAAEug/dI83kGAEObY/s640/liquid%2Benamel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Multiple layers usually equals rich design. Sometimes I think we stop too soon. Keep going with color, scratch marks, decals and see what you get.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever had the experience that you stopped too soon in the design process? I'd love to hear about it.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-31117665927668703432015-07-01T10:04:00.000-04:002015-07-01T10:05:17.887-04:00True Confessions: I was a color-phobe! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know, it's hard to believe that I really disliked color ... in the past! I used to wake up and wonder what shade of beige I would wear that day. It wasn't until I was introduced to over-fired enamel that I became enamored! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8jhy90QmxM/VZPtymLSf7I/AAAAAAAAEto/uBbcW1oKTdI/s1600/DSCF0858%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8jhy90QmxM/VZPtymLSf7I/AAAAAAAAEto/uBbcW1oKTdI/s640/DSCF0858%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over-fired white enamel features subtle color with added texture being added by copper oxides that bubble to the surface. I was in love!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But over time, more color crept into my work ... </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcIbD1MdqgY/VZPtscWaZNI/AAAAAAAAEtg/XiHmWtzSxX0/s1600/10679743_10153144243244008_7993354937987891058_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcIbD1MdqgY/VZPtscWaZNI/AAAAAAAAEtg/XiHmWtzSxX0/s640/10679743_10153144243244008_7993354937987891058_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although, currently, a little less color appears ...</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vInKkfhKaX0/VZPu7bw_E3I/AAAAAAAAEt0/h-94YTFbBCw/s1600/11705607_10207108216248099_7237725141943592817_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vInKkfhKaX0/VZPu7bw_E3I/AAAAAAAAEt0/h-94YTFbBCw/s640/11705607_10207108216248099_7237725141943592817_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I find that I want a BALANCE between having color that will KNOCK your eyes out and no color at all, plus now I want BLING! But I know very little about stones because, like I said, I never liked color. I mean, my birthstone is Diamond so I guess I could have been working with Diamonds! LOL!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I signed up for the <a href="http://www.gia.edu/gem-education/program-accredited-jewelry-professional">Accredited Jewelry Professional</a> course offered by the Gemology Institute of America. Shane Socash, owner of <a href="http://www.jewelrystpetersburg.com/">David Reynolds Jewelry and Coin</a>, can be credited with bringing this information to the students of the <a href="http://www.pcsb.org/Page/6983">Jewelry Making and Repair Program</a> at Pinellas Technical College. AJP classes begin July 7, 2015. I've always loved being a student. Thank you, Shane, for sharing your information and experience. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-24749588464095925702015-05-13T12:59:00.001-04:002015-05-13T12:59:01.261-04:00Alternative shopping sites for jewelry tools! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I make jewelry so I usually check out sites that sell jewelry or metalworking supplies when I need a tool. But friend, Larry Mellgren, St. Petersburg jewelry artist, tipped me off to another way to shop. He buys many of his tools on Ebay by searching "Machinist Tools" instead of "Jewelry Tools." He's found that he pays a fraction of the price had he bought the same tool through jewelry searches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking his advice, I searched Ebay for a digital caliper. I was looking for a <a href="http://ecatalog.mitutoyo.com/Calipers-C1331.aspx">Mutitoyo</a>, which I discovered are quite pricey. The budget doesn't currently permit this purchase, but some darling dividers popped up on the screen. In a recent workshop with <a href="http://www.hammeredbywendy.com/">Wendy Thurlow</a> I admired her smart-looking 3" divider, which was easily maneuvered in one hand. Mine, on the other hand, were big clunky things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Say hello to my new "$15 purchase," a divider made by Starrett, a USA company manufacturing precision tools since 1880 You'll notice the $58 price tag on their website. Mine even came with little covers to protect the points of the legs, which may no longer be offered by a review of their listing. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpXTWIsNQns/VVN6Ltf7KfI/AAAAAAAAEsw/upZSnroHhXE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-13%2Bat%2B12.21.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpXTWIsNQns/VVN6Ltf7KfI/AAAAAAAAEsw/upZSnroHhXE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-13%2Bat%2B12.21.09%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just to visually compare the Starrett divider with the others I own, the divider in the middle is one I bought from Eurotool. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's unwieldy when compared with the Starrett. The divider on the right end has some nice replaceable points, but is even larger.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6RxEvQBe3c/VVN4xHCP5BI/AAAAAAAAEsk/n793o6ggHsA/s1600/Dividers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6RxEvQBe3c/VVN4xHCP5BI/AAAAAAAAEsk/n793o6ggHsA/s640/Dividers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The divider doesn't replace a caliper. It is simply used for marking ... or dividing ... lengths. For instance, you can easily mark off a strip of metal by placing one point along the edge of metal land drawing the other point along the metal; mark divisions on a ring; mark lengths of a prong, etc. These tasks can all be done with a divider. I'm still in the market for a digital caliper. I'm sure I'll be checking Ebay! </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-30739567794467790322015-05-12T15:51:00.000-04:002015-05-12T16:28:17.230-04:00The beauty of Liquid Enamel! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I absolutely love the versatility of liquid enamel! I also love the satin surface of the fired enamel, which is very unlike other enamels. The porcelain clay in liquid enamel contributes to its buttery smooth surface. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRPbrW1wt4A/VVI-aJfBlPI/AAAAAAAAEsA/Qayow1fPGzc/s1600/Liquid%2BEnamel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRPbrW1wt4A/VVI-aJfBlPI/AAAAAAAAEsA/Qayow1fPGzc/s640/Liquid%2BEnamel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Enamel over Copper Pipe, Copper Mesh, and Copper Sheet<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use liquid enamel ... </span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">as a replacement for Klyr-Fire. You can apply it to the entire piece of copper and sift 80 mesh enamel onto the surface before the Liquid Enamel dries. This approach gives you a good foundation for other techniques</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">when I want to do sgraffito. Sgraffito is a technique where you scratch through the unfired surface of the enamel to reveal either a different base layer of enamel or the metal beneath. The lines of the sgraffito design remain dark as a result of the oxidation of copper during firing. Sifting colored transparent enamels on top doesn't budge the toasty brown color of the oxidized copper. In fact, the transparent enamels can be layered upon each other to create shading and entirely new colors. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">when I want to accent etching. You can dip an etched piece into liquid enamel, allow it to dry, and finger sand the enamel from the high points of the etched design. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">when I want to preserve a very delicate material, such as copper mesh. Because glass is an insulator, applying liquid enamel to delicate metals will protect them. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pictured below is "A Mother's Heart," by Kathleen Kilgore, Tampa Bay Sculptor. Welded from strips of steel, Kathleen wanted to add color. White liquid enamel was handpainted by Kathleen on each of the strips. Orient Red (1870) and Sunset Orange (1840) with a smattering of Raspberry (2836) enamels were sifted onto select areas of the sculpture. The heart received multiple firings.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiMZdORHNd4/VVJiHsvTukI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Un7iQPe4WrM/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiMZdORHNd4/VVJiHsvTukI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Un7iQPe4WrM/s640/IMG_1672.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A Mother's Heart" by Kathleen Kilgore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a "first look" at liquid enamel. Stay tuned for more. </span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-35781865573481919852015-05-05T11:37:00.002-04:002016-06-13T15:18:00.074-04:00Let's Talk About How to Get Clear, Bright Enamels! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Today let's talk about the flame you get with a <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=502">Hot Head torch</a>. This "single gas" torch has been around for about 40 years and is the workhorse of portable torches. Hooked up to a 1 lb. tank of MAP gas (propylene), it is meant to be fired in an upright position.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Take a look at this video and then continue reading. I hope the information is helpful to many of you who are making torch-fired enamel, but may be questioning … or reaffirming … your color results. :-)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RMs00cQsu-g" width="560"></iframe> <span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">There are three types of flames: an </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>oxidizing</b></span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame, a </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>neutral</b></span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame, and a </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>reducing</b></span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">When you light your torch, 99.9% of the time the flame will be at too great an intensity for general firing. The flame is very loud … it's nearly roaring. This is a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>reducing</b></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame. This bushy flame has an orange interior with yellow mini flames flashing at the edges. This fuel-rich flame has a lot of non-combusted fuel. This extra fuel will be deposited in your beautiful enamel and turn your colors a muddy gray or brown. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">To reduce the flame intensity, turn the knob to the right. Turn, turn, that's right, keep turning. Turn the flame down until it is nearly off; then turn the knob to left about a half a turn. This is an </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>oxidizing</b></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame. An oxidizing flame is a cool flame. It is a flame with a clear blue cone. It will take you forever to fire a bead in this flame. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Now turn knob to the left about one to two turns. This is a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>neutral</b></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame. It should have a clearly defined inner blue cone with slightly bushy yellow edges. This is the ideal flame … the one you're shooting for. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Within the </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>neutral</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame, however, there is a </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>reducing</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> part of the flame, a </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>neutral</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> part of the flame, and an </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>oxidizing</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> part of the flame. Remember, we're talking now about a flame that is set to the </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>perfect intensity</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Starting at the torch end, you'll find t</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">he </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;">reducing </span>flame<span style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;">. </span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> If you move 2.5" to 3" from the torch end, you'll find the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>neutral flame. </b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Beyond the neutral flame is the </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>oxidizing</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> flame. Each of these flames are useful to the torch-firing enamel artist. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">T</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">he </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>neutral flame</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> is where you'll find the </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b>"sweet spot"</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">. It is where there is a near perfect balance of oxygen and fuel, which is what makes the flame hot AND clean. This is the area with which you'll have the best relationship! Bright colors are produced in a short amount of time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #666666;">So, when and why would we be interested in reducing and oxidizing flames? I primarily use the </span><span style="color: purple;"><b>reducing</b></span><span style="color: #666666;"> flame to create special effects. After I've fired the enamel to maturity (a glossy finish) in the sweet spot of the flame, I can finish the piece in the reducing flame to create a smokey haze. Remember, the reducing flame contains non-combusted fuel. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #666666;">The </span><span style="color: purple;"><b>oxidizing</b></span><span style="color: #666666;"> flame, which is beyond the sweet spot, is a great place for "flame annealing." Flame annealing allows you to control how quickly the glass cools, which prevents thermal shock. For a bead with a few layers of glass there isn't a need for controlled cooling. However, controlled cooling is essential for enamel head pins. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Use the flame to your advantage, whether you're firing enamel onto metal, getting special effects from a reducing flame, or annealing enamel head pins. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I'll respond. Have a great week! Barbara</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-49948966572700470812015-04-20T05:58:00.002-04:002015-04-21T18:26:24.115-04:00Enameling Clay ... Who Knew?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know what really gets my juices flowing? It's when I get a fabulous result from a "what the heck?" idea! That's what happened when I decided to enamel ceramic beads. I mean glazes are glass; enamel is glass. Made sense to me; in addition to the fact I had at lot of these ceramic beads hanging around from another lifetime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The things I discovered ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have to give them a hefty warming-up period</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A bead with a small hole is more likely to crack because the heat transmitted by the mandrel to that small area gives it an early dose of of concentrated heat before the rest of the bead gets warm. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beads stay "hot" longer after firing than do metal beads, so be careful not to burn yourself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beauty of transparent enamels over white ceramic beads is hard to describe!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6sAtOAHUq8/VTTKPVMMJrI/AAAAAAAAErc/LzpvxmrtRMQ/s1600/ClayWorkshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6sAtOAHUq8/VTTKPVMMJrI/AAAAAAAAErc/LzpvxmrtRMQ/s1600/ClayWorkshop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slip cast and hand-built ceramic beads fired with Thompson Enamels </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17NqBFvajHw/VTTKgabx29I/AAAAAAAAErk/2cfbQtcJd6s/s1600/Nystrom-Beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17NqBFvajHw/VTTKgabx29I/AAAAAAAAErk/2cfbQtcJd6s/s1600/Nystrom-Beads.jpg" height="586" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange and Teal Leaves and Orange Flower fired by PWF Teacher Judi Nystrom, Sprinfield Illinois<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because it is so much fun! ... we decided to offer a workshop on making and enameling ceramic beads in The Studio at Painting with Fire. <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/vitreous-enamels-on-clay/dp/2783">Check it out</a>! We'd love to have you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I go, let me ask you, what has been your unlikely discovery and is it still in use? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-12362353601485127032015-03-13T08:56:00.001-04:002015-03-20T11:44:00.642-04:00Team Building<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night was a team building event for 12 staff of Intel Security at Tech Data, Clearwater, Florida. One of their lovely team members, Tracy, had been to Painting with Fire before and tipped them off that we might provide something different for their team building event. Alex and Silvana conducted reconnaissance ... what could we do for their team, could we have food, would their people be interested? Jim was the lead on our end of the mission. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We knew we wanted to do a combination of "hot and cold" ... torch-fired enameling and sea glass wire wrapping. Bren McCoy designed the project, organized all of the supplies and packaged them in a kraft paper jewelry box tied with a sari ribbon. The ribbon color indicated the enamel color they be using on their enamel bead. While this was going on at the studio, Jim was doing what he loves best, which is to cook! He prepared a great menu for the team. Laura and David threw themselves into the project by pricing jewelry, setting up the studio, cleaning, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the night arrives! We're all abuzz! Here's a "Before" photo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvrhWl5-T5c/VQLY1Q5_GjI/AAAAAAAAEqs/BIxlwwbB0Dc/s1600/DataTech2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvrhWl5-T5c/VQLY1Q5_GjI/AAAAAAAAEqs/BIxlwwbB0Dc/s1600/DataTech2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POThjMlFU_c/VQLY1DqKrSI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Y6NDtYLzikQ/s1600/DataTech1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POThjMlFU_c/VQLY1DqKrSI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Y6NDtYLzikQ/s1600/DataTech1.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Painting with Fire team assuring there were no burns! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgxvAEx3cls/VQLY1K9WU2I/AAAAAAAAEqg/BYQmwE4m0iI/s1600/DataTech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgxvAEx3cls/VQLY1K9WU2I/AAAAAAAAEqg/BYQmwE4m0iI/s1600/DataTech.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the necklaces were assembled, the troops were rounded up for an "After" shot. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJzgmaa7Auw/VQLbn2WcW2I/AAAAAAAAErA/4JnDrFnNjW8/s1600/DataTech3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJzgmaa7Auw/VQLbn2WcW2I/AAAAAAAAErA/4JnDrFnNjW8/s1600/DataTech3.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compare the smiles on the "After" photo to the ones of the "Before" photo! They definitely had fun with the event, with their peers, and left with a personal creation and a good memory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to the whole Intel Security team for trusting us and a special thanks to Alex, Silvana and Tracy for making it happen! </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-34842265156380552912014-11-09T08:23:00.006-05:002014-11-09T08:24:51.794-05:00More enameling fun and a giveaway!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friends, I'm sitting in my room at the Hilton Hotel near the airport waiting for our departure flight to Florida ... and reminiscing over the past week. It started with two days in Austin. My husband is a avid fan of Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives so dinner on our first night in Austin was at the Monument Cafe, Georgetown, TX. The food was great, but we also enjoyed the surrounding sights and smells at the vegetable/herb gardens and market of the Monument Cafe. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPB5RycPb54/VF4YKrR1fHI/AAAAAAAAEnM/7in7rAE9QpU/s1600/MonumentCafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPB5RycPb54/VF4YKrR1fHI/AAAAAAAAEnM/7in7rAE9QpU/s1600/MonumentCafe.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument Cafe, Georgetown, TX</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Traveling for me always includes scouting out craft galleries where I can breathe in the creative energy of local artists. This happened during a stop at <a href="http://www.oxidizegallery.com/">Oxidize Metal Art Gallery</a>. Oxidize Gallery is a tiny space! But don't be fooled. It is filled with lots and lots of spectacular jewelry! I had an opportunity to meet the lovely jewelry artist, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/elizabitster">Elizabeth Boswell</a>. Guess what we talked about ... enameling! She's currently adding color to her jewelry with the technique of powder coating. Elizabeth explained that powder coated metal would not chip, even when flexed. She's very interested in enameling, though, especially after I told her how easy it was! While in Austin I saw her book order come through the website! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W0iUxdQnAw/VF4bAn79AVI/AAAAAAAAEnY/8GlvM4WdlXE/s1600/ElizabethBoswell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W0iUxdQnAw/VF4bAn79AVI/AAAAAAAAEnY/8GlvM4WdlXE/s1600/ElizabethBoswell.png" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Elizabeth Boswell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From there we headed to Guero's, a highly-recommended Mexican restaurant on South Congress Street, which is alive with craft vendors, food trucks, and people merrily buzzing throughout the unique indie shops.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FKlgGDCbUg/VF4e4meqMZI/AAAAAAAAEnk/DGoH2tN14mI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-08%2Bat%2B7.46.17%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FKlgGDCbUg/VF4e4meqMZI/AAAAAAAAEnk/DGoH2tN14mI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-08%2Bat%2B7.46.17%2BAM.png" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Adjacent to the restaurant was a small, but bustling craft show. Who would I run into there but Carol Bradley, an online friend and registrant in two of my upcoming classes. Carol's enamel work is gorgeous and we had fun talking about colors and techniques. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Two hours later would find me at an evening of "performance art" at a creative hot spot for jewelry ... <a href="http://creativeside.org/">Creative Side Jewelry Academy</a>, where lots of happy campers were finishing up a fantastic metal casting workshop with <a href="http://wolftools.com/">Kate Wolf</a>. Jim and I absolutely were enthralled with Kate's hour and a half demo of wax carving. Like all professionals, she made it look way toooo easy. I mean, 40 years in the business has a way of doing that! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esEyZWamE5o/VF4hgIAmFRI/AAAAAAAAEnw/bLjNkKFINX4/s1600/CreativeSide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esEyZWamE5o/VF4hgIAmFRI/AAAAAAAAEnw/bLjNkKFINX4/s1600/CreativeSide.png" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Creative Side Jewelry Academy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The following day we fled the traffic congestion of Austin and headed for Texas Hill Country and <a href="http://www.theprairiebyrachelashwell.com/">Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie</a>. The countryside reminded me so much of my former surroundings in Maryland, with rolling hills and pastures sprinkled with lush green trees. <a href="http://www.vivimagoopresents.com/">Art Retreat at The Prairie </a>was where we would teach our students, learn from our students, and mix and mingle with other students and teachers. What a beautiful setting to relax and learn something new! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWPQ6CxnhyA/VF4ywoaVYYI/AAAAAAAAEoA/cwlE1lnbbEk/s1600/PrairieCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWPQ6CxnhyA/VF4ywoaVYYI/AAAAAAAAEoA/cwlE1lnbbEk/s1600/PrairieCollage.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Myers, Barb Solem, Julie Panusis, Barb Solem, Deryn Mentock, Diane Cook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Results of the Shield of Faith project, which emphasizes overfired white enamel, gives the enamel artist two necklaces in one! Each side of the pendant is so different, you'll be able to wear it on one side one day and then reverse it for a whole different look! A necklace for each of your personalities! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djb6AvfJ0O8/VF9jfXl9LPI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/3lvRIgvMfQI/s1600/Shield%2Bof%2BFaith%2BStudents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djb6AvfJ0O8/VF9jfXl9LPI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/3lvRIgvMfQI/s1600/Shield%2Bof%2BFaith%2BStudents.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2X0RLaf3fc/VF9jiob_ZJI/AAAAAAAAEoY/ECeRDbQoLdA/s1600/Shield%2Bof%2BFaith%2BStudents%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2X0RLaf3fc/VF9jiob_ZJI/AAAAAAAAEoY/ECeRDbQoLdA/s1600/Shield%2Bof%2BFaith%2BStudents%2B2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Cynthia Hill, Shonna Estep, Leslie Todd, Carol Bradley, Mary Word, and Gracie Albright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Barb Solem through Vivi Magoo Presents! hosts a well-planned event at a great location, with wonderful food. Her dedication and planning of the event gives her students and teachers the ability to relax and do what they love to do most ... create beautiful jewelry! I would definitely do this retreat again in a heartbeat! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vivi Magoo Presents will be hosting <a href="http://www.artretreatinthedesert.com/">Art Retreat in the Desert in Tucson</a>, but don't forget that <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/workshops-tucson-2015">Painting with Fire </a>will be there, too! Somehow I think Tucson is big enough for the both of us ... plus a million other people either selling or teaching! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now on to the Craftsy class giveaway! All you have to do is to leave a comment at Stacey Merrill's blog, <a href="http://artsnark.blogspot.com/">Artsnark Artifacts</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9tsLXGnq0I/VF9otg33xuI/AAAAAAAAEoo/smjfesRsxoU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-09%2Bat%2B7.13.30%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9tsLXGnq0I/VF9otg33xuI/AAAAAAAAEoo/smjfesRsxoU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-09%2Bat%2B7.13.30%2BAM.png" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Stacey, for hosting this giveaway. I've been getting great reviews from students and I particularly like how students can ask questions at any point in the video. Their question indicates the lesson and the time in the video when the question was generated. How genius is that? Those guys at Craftsy have it goin' on! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been wanting to learn torch-fired enameling? Now's the time! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So let me ask you ... when you travel, are there particular types of places you look forward to visiting? Have you been to an interesting place lately that just fed your soul? I'd love to hear about it! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-33725405512368257642014-10-31T07:21:00.001-04:002014-10-31T07:22:36.509-04:00So what's in the Craftsy class, you ask? <span style="font-size: large;">"A lot!" would be the answer! Take a look at what we'll cover ... </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhYts3VTog/VFNotvLMHGI/AAAAAAAAEmA/O0sQySdLZIE/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhYts3VTog/VFNotvLMHGI/AAAAAAAAEmA/O0sQySdLZIE/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 1: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We're going to start with learning all about the different types of enamels (transparent and opaques, 6/20 enamels, threads, etc.), the types of metal you can use, including how to shop for brass, the setting up of your workstation, assembling the torch & safety tips, lighting and using your torch. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsSD8Vbjp80/VFNpXGjMBRI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/s9iQstTEGa0/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsSD8Vbjp80/VFNpXGjMBRI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/s9iQstTEGa0/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-18.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 2:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll introduce you to enameling iron beads, how to troubleshoot your results, how to blend transparent enamels to create new and exciting colors, how to create a tri-colored bead. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2gi3h-wJw/VFNnl9GIdTI/AAAAAAAAElg/-X-4bV677BQ/s1600/4875_Torch_Enameling_Brass0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2gi3h-wJw/VFNnl9GIdTI/AAAAAAAAElg/-X-4bV677BQ/s1600/4875_Torch_Enameling_Brass0.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 3:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll work with steel wire to create a gorgeous link: form it, how to fire a larger piece, and the importance of flame annealing.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz31dZx9WmU/VFNpkFTQDeI/AAAAAAAAEmY/zbG6m3jNH74/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz31dZx9WmU/VFNpkFTQDeI/AAAAAAAAEmY/zbG6m3jNH74/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 4: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now we'll use some of the decorative enamel supplements, like 6/20 and enamel threads, on copper and also create round head pins and flower head pins. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_B-L7XyXgo/VFNpmTyIFXI/AAAAAAAAEmg/qcIth1TzBo0/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_B-L7XyXgo/VFNpmTyIFXI/AAAAAAAAEmg/qcIth1TzBo0/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Lesson 5:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We're on to enameling brass and how to achieve clear, juicy, and luscious transparent enamels. We'll shape and enamel free-form brass flowers, explore the blending of transparent enamels and finally we'll enamel a large brass angel wing. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmyoFZDEqHM/VFNo2qLzVFI/AAAAAAAAEmI/xk0s7VzCN1M/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmyoFZDEqHM/VFNo2qLzVFI/AAAAAAAAEmI/xk0s7VzCN1M/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 6: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In this lesson we'll be working with liquid enamel and learn how to create a design using the sgraffito technique. I'll also teach you how to refire a piece. Remember, with enameling, you get do-overs! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9dUYFgnddI/VFNnoSZv7fI/AAAAAAAAElo/_HfOhDI3ue0/s1600/4875_Torch_Enameling_Sgraffito0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9dUYFgnddI/VFNnoSZv7fI/AAAAAAAAElo/_HfOhDI3ue0/s1600/4875_Torch_Enameling_Sgraffito0.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>Lesson 7:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll introduce you to the different types of decals, how to apply them and how to fire them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ax_pnG7iirA/VFNos5ftAMI/AAAAAAAAEl4/V4NJoy33mO8/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ax_pnG7iirA/VFNos5ftAMI/AAAAAAAAEl4/V4NJoy33mO8/s1600/4875-Immersion%2BTorch%2BEnameling-7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plus, the great part is that, even though I won't actually be in the room with you, it's almost as if I am. You'll be able to ask questions at any point in the video. I'll check the site daily and get back to you with the answer to YOUR question. Not only that, but you'll be able to view questions asked by others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Craftsy is a very COOL platform developed by some techie guys. They're the tech behind the gorgeous work being created by all kinds of artists. You'll find classes in photography, painting, drawing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, jewelry-making, cake decorating, woodworking, gardening ... sorry, I need to take a breath ... but that's only the beginning! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow we talk more about the workings of <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">Craftsy</a> and how it benefits you! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2NOTJqsWck/VFNsHPfpdUI/AAAAAAAAEms/xBSwfPGbwO8/s1600/titleCard.jpg" height="362" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-59578726669820876022014-10-30T08:15:00.001-04:002014-10-30T08:15:50.442-04:00Craftsy launch Tuesday, November 4! <span style="font-size: large;">How would you like to work in a place like this?</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4k7jETNbqw/VFIfisjXuoI/AAAAAAAAEkY/5KhU6F0p1YE/s1600/craftsyOffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4k7jETNbqw/VFIfisjXuoI/AAAAAAAAEkY/5KhU6F0p1YE/s1600/craftsyOffice.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, there are people who actually have jobs like this ... over 200 of them! It's in a place called, "Denver," which has the distinction of being a "mile high" up in the sky and to being home of Craftsy where you can ...</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWeCS17w0Ks/VFIgyBkY2UI/AAAAAAAAEkk/Ccn0_Poli_g/s1600/Craftsy%2BLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWeCS17w0Ks/VFIgyBkY2UI/AAAAAAAAEkk/Ccn0_Poli_g/s1600/Craftsy%2BLogo.png" height="374" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I learned of Craftsy in July when an email appeared in my inbox announcing a class. What caught my eye was their great graphic artwork! I went to the site and thought, "Hey, what's this?" The wheels started turning and before long I was sending a email saying, "Wouldn't you like to offer an enameling class?" A few days later came a response, "Of course we would!"</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The detail to which Craftsy produces a class is like nothing I've ever experienced before. I had two lengthy conversations with Grace, their acquisitions editor, where we discussed the content of the class. I submitted a formal class proposal backed-up with photographs. A contract was signed and I was passed off to my producer, Amana. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the few weeks, Amana and I talked on the phone for 4 hours, going over the class outline. Because I was teaching in Denver in late August and the filming was scheduled for mid-September, Amana came and spent several hours observing the workshop and reading my first book. Her intent, before filming, was to know as much about my topic as a student leaving a workshop. She sure accomplished her goal.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What I guess I'm trying to say is that Craftsy's preparation through all phases of the class development, starting with their interactions with the instructor, insures that you have a great learning experience. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S0DrnGcDAk/VFImOhO22rI/AAAAAAAAEk0/L9oJ3yS7l-A/s1600/titleCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S0DrnGcDAk/VFImOhO22rI/AAAAAAAAEk0/L9oJ3yS7l-A/s1600/titleCard.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Craftsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The launch of the class is Tuesday, November 4. Please visit my blog every day until then because I'll be posting more information about my experience, what you can expect to learn in my class, and information about the learning powerhouse known as "Craftsy!" And, guess what? We'll be having a class giveaway! So, come back for the next episode ... "Craftsy: How it All Began." </span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-71354491550529442072014-10-24T07:19:00.003-04:002014-10-24T07:20:34.112-04:00White is White ... Except for When It's Not! Thompson Enamel produces 9 different white enamels, which gives the enamelist some nice variety. So, if you're looking for a more translucent white, you can find that with 1040. If you're looking for a very opaque white, you can find that with 1055 and 1060. But, if you're looking for one of my favorites, you'll find that with 1020, which is also very opaque. <br />
<br />
While I like 1055 and go to it often, I find 1020 to be much more reactive to copper when torch-firing the enamel. To me this means that with just a little over-firing, you can get gorgeous blue-green freckles peeking through the surface of the white enamel. If you've got a big lampworking torch like I do, I can over-fire enamel all day for special effect, with very little effort. If you have a smaller torch, the fact that 1020 is so reactive will make a big difference. <br />
<br />
Today I took a break from packing for Art Retreat on the Prairie to play with some Titanium White. Here are the results ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ILZpDWGPQ/VElUIE1BeiI/AAAAAAAAEkI/B6_OKxN_Lv4/s1600/Titanium-White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ILZpDWGPQ/VElUIE1BeiI/AAAAAAAAEkI/B6_OKxN_Lv4/s1600/Titanium-White.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really got into decorating #1. You know the old joke, "How many artists does it take to do a painting? The answer is "two." One to do the painting and the other to shoot him when he's done." Yes, it's easy to continue to play with color because it's so addictive! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#2 was simply several layers of 1020. When you over-fire enamel, it pulls away from the edges, leaving you a rusty, crusty frame around the piece ... which I LOVE! This piece is sans decoration now, but will probably get a ceramic decal! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#3 is given the same firing technique, but is decorated with Flame Orange and Raspberry (transparent). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of <span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">2836 - Raspberry</span> ... if this is one of your favorite colors, please know that it is currently unavailable and will not be available for AT LEAST a month. There are issues with the availability of the ingredients that go into make the glass. Now for the shameless plug ... We have some in <a href="http://www.paintingwithfirestudio.com/2836-raspberry-%28t%29/dp/1000000204">stock</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the perks of being a Thompson Enamel distributor is knowing what's available, what's in the pipeline, and what's dried up like a cracked river bed ... at least temporarily. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-73831765254880486902014-10-23T07:24:00.000-04:002014-10-23T08:46:49.913-04:00Dammit! I HATE google!!!I have a love-hate relationship with google. I don't want to even honor the name by starting it with a capital letter! I'm glad they're not in the room with me now or someone would get hurt! <br />
<br />
The first thing ... I thought it would be a great idea to start an etsy de-stash page ... to offer inventory to customers at greatly reduced prices. Enamel beads, pendants, etc. grow like Gremlins at our studio because we generate them during demos, workshops, and when we have fun experimenting with enamel color combinations. (Stay tuned for that, btw.)<br />
<br />
So, I set up a gmail account "pwfdestash@gmail.com." Well, this great idea for the destash shop never got off the ground ... But, do you know what gmail account google made as primary ... yes, you guessed it!!! pwfdestash@gmail.com.<br />
<br />
GUESS WHAT? You can never ever change your primary google account for as long as you live!!! So, now I'm stuck with a gmail account that is primary and which I have never used. Until yesterday, I never even looked at it and found I've missed some notices from Youtube, etc. Sorry, friends, if I missed your call. <br />
<br />
So then I got this other bright idea to start a new blog and try to get my followers to the blog with the same name as our business: Painting with Fire Studio. When I started this blog (the one you're reading now) in 2008, I was masquerading as Painting with Fire Artwear. Over time, I felt this name didn't as accurately reflect who we were ... so the name change.<br />
<br />
In the process of doing that, we lost the "Google Friend/Follower" gadget! I still have the friends listed on my dashboard, but I dare you to try to install that gadget because GOOGLE RULES THE WORLD!!! The gadget is broken ... boo hoo, F .... YOU! (I'm sorry, now I'm beginning to cuss!)<br />
<br />
I love their search engine, but Google Messenger, Google+, and the rest of the Google Empire sucks!!! Oh, but I did like that movie, "Interns," with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn where they're interning at Google. You definitely must watch that ...<br />
<br />
Look for more creative stuff and less ranting on this blog. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings because you love Google ... <br />
<br />
P.S. The solution might be for me to stop having "great ideas" ... because they get me in trouble with google!!!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-28742783774465153852014-04-09T07:07:00.003-04:002014-10-22T08:05:10.462-04:00Sale at PWF, Book No. 2 Pre-orders at Amazon … Gosh, a lot happened yesterday. But first let's get to the thing that is time sensitive. We're having a sale at PWF! Heck yeah! We have a lot to be happy about …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIdec8cqMxU/U0UoNjGQUFI/AAAAAAAAELY/HzqCh6qBLWA/s1600/RetroWomanSale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIdec8cqMxU/U0UoNjGQUFI/AAAAAAAAELY/HzqCh6qBLWA/s1600/RetroWomanSale.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A facebook friend called to my attention the fact that Book No. 2 was available for pre-order at Amazon. Holy cow! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5ZeNGrgBEE/U0Uo4Nh-ipI/AAAAAAAAELg/waA5rwPlN_k/s1600/Book2Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5ZeNGrgBEE/U0Uo4Nh-ipI/AAAAAAAAELg/waA5rwPlN_k/s1600/Book2Cover.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the result of very generous online supporters. These figures will fluctuate wildly, especially in the beginning, but I'm enjoying the glow of the moment. Thank you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YazL7YmSFfk/U0UpFfoYJ-I/AAAAAAAAELo/LHL6Fs1YiSA/s1600/BookStatistics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YazL7YmSFfk/U0UpFfoYJ-I/AAAAAAAAELo/LHL6Fs1YiSA/s1600/BookStatistics.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-21551236617193846872014-04-08T06:39:00.001-04:002014-04-08T06:39:48.217-04:00How to train employees … <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GARB7SfQEOc/U0PPm0edDTI/AAAAAAAAELI/lOcxp2KFr_M/s1600/WhenImDead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GARB7SfQEOc/U0PPm0edDTI/AAAAAAAAELI/lOcxp2KFr_M/s1600/WhenImDead.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I get lots of email from customers & students asking questions and I almost always send a copy of my responses, for educational purposes, to Laura, David and Rachel, who help me run the business. My daughter, Laura, is our Business Manager. While she knows a great deal about the areas of Finance and Business Management, I have her beat on the subject of enameling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I send these responses to help educate them. So, Laura asked me the other day if I could put "Info" as the subject line of the emails so that she could easily flag them. She continued, "You know you're not always going to be here." So, I said, "What if I use "When I'm dead and gone" as the subject line?" We both cracked up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The DEAD part we know doesn't leave us with many options, but the GONE part ... I mean, you might find me on a beach in Tahiti! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-73329756600277250982014-03-20T06:38:00.001-04:002014-03-20T06:39:37.008-04:00Back to school and a neat project! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In January, I went back to school! Yes, you're never to old to learn. We have a great vocational program two miles from my house. It's the Bench Jeweler's Program at Pinellas Technical. The program is headed by Mr. Do, who's been teaching it for 29 years. I'm amazed at the projects the students are working on. Of course, since I'm just getting started, I'm working on soldering some small jump rings. 26-gauge, 2mm jump rings are not the easiest things to solder. It does teach you control of the flame, however. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's my beginning …</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsdS8wKvsyk/UyrCz_fs1hI/AAAAAAAAEKc/_df50jg8GIg/s1600/jump+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsdS8wKvsyk/UyrCz_fs1hI/AAAAAAAAEKc/_df50jg8GIg/s1600/jump+rings.jpg" height="582" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's Ken's finished chain … </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5snOe0lmjbo/UyrC-MnSexI/AAAAAAAAEKk/0_MglPKo_vI/s1600/jump+rings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5snOe0lmjbo/UyrC-MnSexI/AAAAAAAAEKk/0_MglPKo_vI/s1600/jump+rings1.jpg" height="640" width="539" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me tell you, his chain represents probably over 400 jump rings. Soldering small diameter, fine wire jump rings will sure teach you control of your torch! Ken has just started on his chain with 26-gauge, 1mm jump rings! Yikes! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Switching gears a little bit … I'm finishing a Mixed Media Workshop sponsored by the Morean Arts Center. We worked with resin, patina, enamel, vintage watch crystals. We made our own jump rings, soldered them, tinted resin with pearl-ex powders and paint. Here's what Kathy made …</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1BnbLb5UUU/UyrD21MqZnI/AAAAAAAAEKs/q3FIbVXRPb8/s1600/KathysNecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1BnbLb5UUU/UyrD21MqZnI/AAAAAAAAEKs/q3FIbVXRPb8/s1600/KathysNecklace.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, here's the lovely Kathy wearing her great necklace! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwXxyNwexb8/UyrD404qplI/AAAAAAAAEK0/81VQ8X_8GZ0/s1600/KathysNecklace1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwXxyNwexb8/UyrD404qplI/AAAAAAAAEK0/81VQ8X_8GZ0/s1600/KathysNecklace1+.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We used snippets from a rhinestone chain and a 1934 Montgomery Ward catalog. It was fun!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you been working with some unusual materials lately … or want to? Which ones? Please share! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-23868639919504736382014-03-19T05:32:00.003-04:002014-03-19T07:19:23.262-04:00What the heck's been going on at Painting with Fire?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A lot's going on, but you wouldn't know it by my blog! Facebook seems to have lured me away from my blog, at least temporarily. You can find me at two facebook groups I started. The first is "Happy Accidents," which is where we share the serendipities of working in the studio. You know, when things accidentally work in our favor! Why don't you join me here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyaccidents/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Painting with Fire: Inspired Enameling" is a new facebook group for those who torch fire enamel using the immersion method but we're happy to have others who share an interest in enameling. Here's a handy link for your convenience: https://www.facebook.com/groups/paintingwithfire/ You'll also find posts here about where you can find workshops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's a great facebook group called "Enamel Jewelry Artists" started by Amy Sanders. You'll find lots of talk about graphite experiments, decals, resists, etc. You can find that group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361225034015845/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of decals, we'll be discussing them here soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the meantime, let me announce that I'll be teaching at "Art on the Prairie," sponsored by Vivi Magoo Presents. There's an interesting story about Rachel Ashwell and her B & B, <a href="http://theprairiebyrachelashwell.com/mystory.html">The Prairie</a>. I'm looking forward to the event for a number reasons, including the fact that we'll be offering a PWF Teacher Certification program there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the Shield of Faith workshop, where we'll explore overfiring of enamel and much more. The only enamel used in this pendant was 1055 White. All of this color is a result of overfiring. I think it's one of the most exciting things about enamel. We'll also do some riveting. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wH7eCWiEDc/Uyi6K2h924I/AAAAAAAAEJk/9Ag_n-vJR2o/s1600/Shield+of+Faith+closeup+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wH7eCWiEDc/Uyi6K2h924I/AAAAAAAAEJk/9Ag_n-vJR2o/s1600/Shield+of+Faith+closeup+copy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1w49zkkR6Fw/Uyi6NaFc6-I/AAAAAAAAEJs/Cy3jRU1c0SY/s1600/Shield+of+Faith+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1w49zkkR6Fw/Uyi6NaFc6-I/AAAAAAAAEJs/Cy3jRU1c0SY/s1600/Shield+of+Faith+copy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the Pop Rocks workshop we'll focus on 6/20 enamel and how to enamel brass, how to shop for it, why is one successfully enameled and another isn't … </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea5UWz6vtmE/Uyi6TKX3ZKI/AAAAAAAAEKE/NbS2xhoQD8s/s1600/PopRocks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea5UWz6vtmE/Uyi6TKX3ZKI/AAAAAAAAEKE/NbS2xhoQD8s/s1600/PopRocks1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoz1gTVKZ1E/Uyi6SnhKjBI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/l7cKOMHbnxY/s1600/PopRocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoz1gTVKZ1E/Uyi6SnhKjBI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/l7cKOMHbnxY/s1600/PopRocks.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIA_uJUJxIE/Uyi6TsUZM8I/AAAAAAAAEKI/YOIwmJSnSHY/s1600/PopRocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIA_uJUJxIE/Uyi6TsUZM8I/AAAAAAAAEKI/YOIwmJSnSHY/s1600/PopRocks2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the PWF Teacher Certification workshop, we'll explore lots of enameling techniques and then we'll talk about how to build your business!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please visit Barb Solem's outstanding <a href="http://artretreatattheprairiefall2.blogspot.com/p/class-details.html">event</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_156453280"></span><span id="goog_156453281"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-33111530285435937262014-01-07T19:02:00.001-05:002014-01-07T19:02:25.635-05:00What seemingly impossible task will you tackle in 2014?Do you sometimes look at others and think, "I could never do that." I know I did. It's sad that so many of us believe this. <br />
<br />
Is it time for a little pep talk? No one will hear you … go for it! What if I made some time for myself today? What if I put myself first? What if I started the day with creative work rather than paperwork? What if … what if … what if …<br />
<br />
What if I bring that big sofa through the window instead of through the front door? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSck5S5Bh5A/UsyTR67U6bI/AAAAAAAAEIE/wPN67SoflWA/s1600/2013-12-23+08.48.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSck5S5Bh5A/UsyTR67U6bI/AAAAAAAAEIE/wPN67SoflWA/s1600/2013-12-23+08.48.34.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHJnRuiPMqQ/UsyTSWJ8XzI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/n9now2itAiA/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHJnRuiPMqQ/UsyTSWJ8XzI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/n9now2itAiA/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.12.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ukvm3eLBFg/UsyTS4DAfQI/AAAAAAAAEIU/SXKL3AhUmzI/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ukvm3eLBFg/UsyTS4DAfQI/AAAAAAAAEIU/SXKL3AhUmzI/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.24.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR6S4ezohmo/UsyTTNG8lkI/AAAAAAAAEIc/HPlP4xViewU/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR6S4ezohmo/UsyTTNG8lkI/AAAAAAAAEIc/HPlP4xViewU/s1600/2013-12-23+08.49.30.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember to practice possibility thinking! You know, we're all not brain surgeons and yet we manage to do many things well! Hugs, Barbara</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879622191492882315.post-18409289729596871772013-12-19T08:39:00.000-05:002013-12-19T08:39:06.445-05:00BUY LOCAL! <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This video reflects a movement taking place in Ann Arbor, Michigan … and all around the country, including in St. Petersburg. Keep St. Petersburg Local is a collection of indie business owners supporting the idea of BUYING LOCAL when YOU can. Look to your local businesses first … you get to meet the guy who "imagines" the stuff, makes the stuff, sells the stuff. Keep your community unique, BUY LOCAL! </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please watch this video!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/27_6GEEuRlA" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for visiting me at Painting with Fire Studio!
www.paintingwithfirestudio.com
www.paintingwithfire.ning.com
www.facebook.com/paintingwithfirestudio
</div>Barbara Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09489926298058491835noreply@blogger.com0