Barbara Lewis - Painting with Fire Artwear

Introducing Lynnea Bennett

2012-02-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you to Lynnea Bennett! Lynnea is a member of the Painting with Fire Ning, which, btw, has nearly 2300 members! Anyway, Lynnea is a major contributor to the group in terms of her energy and talent. I thought you might like to know a little more about her and her work. Take it away, Lynnea!

How and why did I get started with torch fired enamels...

I discovered Painting with Fire one day while I was on Amazon...yes Amazon. I was looking at books for metalworking and forming and up popped an ad for this book called Painting With Fire by someone named Barbara Lewis. It looked interesting and so I Googled Barbara and found her website. As I read the website and blog and watched a video I was instantly intrigued. I loved that I could buy a few simple tools and create my own unique beads and focal pieces. I did a bit more research online and decided that I would just go ahead and buy the kit (the glory of the internet) and then waited for it to be delivered. I set up a spot for my work area. I also signed up for the Ning in case I had any questions and stalked, I mean friended Barbara on Facebook.

I've been making torch fired enamel pieces for about nine months now. I would love to take a class, but so far I haven't been able to. Yes, I burned up a few beads and there is a spot on the carpet that I so far haven't had to explain to my husband (hint – hot metal will melt acrylic carpet). At least if I ever need that shape again I know where to look! Between the book and the group of artists I get to chat with every week at the Ning, I have jumped in to enameling with both feet.

How have my other interests/hobbies/career influenced my enamel, glass or jewelry designs

My work began to evolve about 3 years ago and then in 2010 I was in a pretty serious car accident. I had a head injury and wasn't able to create easily for about 6 or 7 months. Then one day I had my mojo back! I started to do some work with resin, stamped metals and other mixed media. Making my own enameled pieces was another piece of this artistic puzzle I had started to put together. Enamel work led to fold forming metal. I made some beautiful leaves and lilies and enameled them. I have it on good authority that the ribbon I won this summer was because of the enamel work I had done. Painting with Fire opened a door to lampworking. Since I already played with fire why not make glass beads too? So I took a class in that and now I make most of my glass beads. My jewelry designs are now truly custom and one-of-a-kind pieces of art. I can create enamel and beads that are unique to that piece. I often make beads first and design later, but I also will think of something I want to make and will make beads to fit what I see in my head.

What inspires me and what makes my work unique

I am inspired by colors, shapes and texture. Yes I know this isn't very specific. I usually have one thing that I look at and think...hmmm what can I make with that? Since I started to do enameling and lampworking, I will often just make beads and when I am done (and the lampwork comes out of the kiln), I let them all sit together on a plate and decide who goes with who. Then I start to arrange them and add things to the plate such as sari silk and various metal and glass beads and charms. If I can't figure out how to make it work, I may walk away for a day or so and come back and play with the components again. If I really can't figure it out, I may put everything away and then some day in the future bead A rolls next to chain C with charm F and … voila! … a piece of jewelry appears.

I never thought what I did was very unique until recently. I have gotten so much positive feedback that I had to stop being so critical of my work. You can only have so many people tell you that what you do is art before you have to believe them!

Do I sell my work/where/what is upcoming that I am excited about

I have a web site www.designsbylynnea.com with links to my stores on Etsy and Handmade Artists Shops. I mostly sell in person at a variety of art shows and gallery shows. My client/customer/fan seems to be like me...they want to see and touch the jewelry and talk to the artist. I like to tell them what inspired a particular piece. I name most of my work and they seem to really like that I know the pieces by name. I have had people say, “I bought some of your jewelry and when they describe it to me I say, ‘Oh, that is (name of the piece) I loved making that.’ ” They seem to really appreciate that personal connection I have to my work.

I am slowly applying for shows in 2012 and there are several I did last year that I will definitely be doing again. I also have a standing offer to show at a small local gallery and I have a large dance convention that I will be selling at again this year. I plan to add a few more shows this year and see how it goes. I am sticking with shows in the Cincinnati/Northern KY area for now, not quite ready to hang with the big guys at the national shows yet.

One thing I am working on this year is doing better with my website/online stores/blog presence. As an artist I just want to make the art, but I know that if I don't sell what I make I can't buy more stuff. I also will be participating in Lori Andersons 5^th Bead Soup Party.

My advice and the rest of the story

I was in a class and one of the participants was worried that what she made didn't look right and that she wasn't doing it right. I told her that there was no right in art. Some of the things that I didn't think were very good turned out to be beautiful once I got over trying to be perfect and right. We tend to be our worst critics. Be happy and make what you love and you will find others who love it too.

Please visit Lynnea at
her website: www.designsbylynnea.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Designsbylynnea
Handmade Artists' Shop: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/DesignsbyLynnea

A new friend, Carrie Boucher!

2012-02-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have a new friend ... and a very talented one at that! It's funny how the internet leads you to people. You fall down the rabbit hole and where you end up is anyone's guess. I started my morning by indulging myself in a visit to Pinterest. I'm merrily going about my business and come across this!

My heart skipped a beat ... you mean a "person" made this! I followed the link to this etsy site and noticed that Carrie spent at least part of her time in Tampa Bay!

Her etsy site mentioned her blog, which was my next stop.

I loved Carrie's writing, which gave a good sense of who she is and what she was experiencing ... just the kind of person you'd love to meet and would feel comfortable around. I emailed Carrie and told her I had read her blog and was setting up a studio in St. Pete. When she wrote back, I was thrilled. We made plans to meet. She came to the studio/shop a couple of days ago wearing that gorgeous piece that led me to her in the first place ... and her zebra ballet slippers!

She explained a little bit about the piece. In my husband's hands he started playing pachinko with the three little stars that move. The piece is made of 6 sheets of sterling silver, a stock certificate, and cast resin. I felt somewhat embarrassed to introduce her to torch firing, but she loved it! I know in her hands she'll make something truly marvelous.

We had a wonderful morning of gab and a great lunch of Thai food at the Queen and I, just a few doors down from the shop. I've noticed a pattern with the Queen and I ... by about 11 a.m. the whole area is permeated with the smell of garlic! It's wonderful!

We're going to have another play date with Carrie, her mother, and her sisters before she leaves for Peru on March 22 for 6 weeks. She'll be spending the time at an artists' retreat.

Please visit Carrie's etsy shop and her blog. It's quite a treat. :-) Barbara

Back in Florida!

2012-02-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

What could possibly be so interesting to these grown men? I mean, they are staring intently at the asphalt! Why, they're deciding on the exact spot for the new gas hook up to the building which will fuel the on-demand hot water unit.

Fred Dion, general contractor (in white), Jim Lewis, hubby (in red) and Teco Gas employee (in green)

It's funny, these units are wildly popular in Florida and in Europe, but not in Maryland. You do away with the big hot water heater so that this little hot water gadget that is about the size of a large cereal box will supply the hot water.

We arrived on Sunday evening at about 7:30 p.m. So far we've ...
:: celebrated Laura's joy over getting engaged! Matt and Laura were giggling like school kids!
:: met with the general contractor about a dozen times
:: met with the metal roofing guy for an estimate on ribbed metal roofing for the awning
:: went to the retail fixtures place and got a steal on glass shelving units for the enamels
:: made several trips with the car to pick up shelving
:: ordered plastic jars so David can start weighing and labeling enamels to build up inventory in Florida
:: met with the owner of the Foodies store to purchase his reception desk/check out area
:: took several walks in our special areas of St. Pete ... the weather is gorgeous!

It's hard to show you anything substantial about the shop/studio yet, but here's a photo of the bathroom!

Here's the trim on the walls for the retail space.

Here are doors that I've carried hither and yon and will be used in the space. Who knows how ... but I'll figure out a way! My family secretly wishes I'd "lose" those doors!

A great shabby chic display case for jewelry. Love this!

A great folk art kinda thing for beads. Since it's a stepped cabinet, when you pull out each drawer, it doesn't cover up the contents of the beads in the drawer below. Notice the classy water bottle in the background ... gotta stay hydrated!

That's all folks! Talk to you later.

Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Book!

2012-01-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

Isn't this cover gorgeous! This is Lori Anderson's necklace on the cover of her new book ... of which my work will be a part! Please visit Lori's blog to read all about it and to see the list of the other lucky ones! Thank you, Lori, for the opportunity!

Art Saves with Erin Siegel and Stefanie Teufel!

2012-01-29T02:30:00.000-08:00

Please come and visit Art Saves today to see the goings-on of Stefanie Teufel and Erin Siegel! This finishes my week as Guest Curator for a fantastic site that gives the personal stories of curators and readers alike of how Art Saves ... by doing the power of good. The "byline" for the Crescendoh site is "Creative Passion, Authentic Community, and Focused Compassion." I'm glad Jenny Doh created such a wonderful site where we can also go for inspiration to coax out some of the feelings we suspect may be there and to create a connection with another who shares at least our love of the creative. Thank you for coming here this week to give a nod to our blogging friends. Their posts stood out to me as being "something special" ... as they are!

Art Saves with Cindy Wimmer and Diane Cook!

2012-01-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

Please come to Art Saves to visit our very talented friends, Cindy Wimmer and Diane Cook! Arts saves through the power of creativity. They say that when we're in the midst of creating, we're the closest to God.

Art Saves with Malin deKoning and Crystal Neubauer!

2012-01-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

Please come and visit Art Saves today for some serious and not so serious fun!

Art Saves!

2012-01-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

Please visit Art Saves today to read about the talented Greer O'Neill, Christine Damm, and Davinia Algieri! You're going to love Greer's Anvil!

Torch-ured Hearts, etc.

2012-01-25T04:20:00.000-08:00

Please visit our friends, Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and Andrew Thornton of The Writings of Andrew Thornton at Art Saves ... doing good through the power of art. This site is hosted by Jenny Doh, author of the book, "Art Saves." Jenny is the former Editor-In-Chief of Stampington Publications, which includes one of our favorites, Belle Armoire Jewelry!

With Valentine's Day approaching so fast, we thought we'd have a little fun with our "Torch-ured Hearts," which Chris, one of the PWF Team, so aptly named. These hearts are run through the rolling mill to create the most delicate little flower texture. They are treated to a "flame patina" and sterling silver is fused in place. They also have a nice varnish on them to prevent changes in the color. They measure 1.5" h x 1" w. You can find them at Painting with Fire Artwear's etsy shop for $12 each.

"Torch-ured Hearts"

Art Saves!

2012-01-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

Please come and visit Staci Louise Smith and Mary Jane Dodd today at Art Saves by Jenny Doh of Crescendoh!

2012-01-23T04:25:00.000-08:00

Please come and visit Lori of Pretty Things, Davinia of Deez News, Rosey Revolver and me at Art Saves today!

Art Saves!

2012-01-20T04:50:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, Jenny Doh, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Stampington Publications, asked me to curate the week of January 23 to 29 at Art Saves... Doing Good through the Power of Art. What that involved was for me to write an essay about how art "saved" me and to provide 15 individual blogs posts of others in which I found inspiration. Certainly, art did save me, as it has a lot of artists and next week you'll be able to visit blog posts from some of our favorite bloggers. Here's the line-up ...

Blog post for the week of January 23-29
A post by Rosey Revolver will air for the entire week. She's one cool chic who makes hot jewelry!

January 23
Lori Anderson of Pretty Things
Davinia Algeri of Deez News

January 24
Mary Jane Dodd of Maire Dodd
Staci Louise Smith of Love My Art Jewelry

January 25
Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone
Andrew Thornton of The Writings of Andrew Thornton

January 26
Greer O’Neill of Vintajia

Christine Damm of Stories They Tell

January 27
Crystal Neubauer of Other Peoples Flowers

Malin deKoning of Beading by Malin deKoning

January 28
Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studios

Diane Cook of Rosa-Josie's

January 29
Stefanie Teufel of Stefanie's Sammelsurium

Erin Siegel of Erin Siegel Jewelry

Please visit Art Saves and give our friends a nod on their day. I think you'll enjoy their posts. :-) Barbara

Pantone's Colors of Spring 2012

2012-01-19T04:18:00.000-08:00

I thought we'd have a little fun this Winter while we're waiting for Spring. We're talking about COLOR! Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color. Who better to guide us, huh? For 45 years, they've been guiding the fashion, home furnishings, and graphics industries on color. They've just released their colors for Spring and declared Tangerine Tango the color of the year.

Here's Pantone's Spring Fashion Color Report ...

The Painting with Fire Team took a look at this chart and said, "Well, what the heck! Let's try to replicate it in Thompson Enamels!" Here's what we came up with!

The icing on the cake is that for the next 8 Sundays, we'll be introducing the Color of the Week with a 20% off sale on the enamels that go into making that color for that week. So, by the time Spring is here, you can have all of the enamels you need to produce your own pieces inspired by Pantone. Some of you already have these colors in your inventory, so go ahead and get started making pieces in the Colors of Spring. I thought you might like this!

Fibers for Jewelry

2012-01-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why fabrics have become so important to jewelry design? Do you think the cost of metal might have something to do with its popularity? Could it be that fibers used in jewelry are just so scrumptious you can't resist?

Well, I'm in the last camp. Fabric was my first love. I learned to sew at the age of 12. For about 15 years, I made nearly all of my own clothes including my bathing suits, lingerie, underwear and my husband's jeans. Even though I haven't done that much sewing in a long time, I still love fabric. That's why I'm so excited about the sari silk I've been carrying at Painting with Fire. But now I've just received a shipment of Japanese Chirimen Cording! Find out more at my website.

Japanese Chirimen Cording, 3.9 yards

Here's my "Evil Eye" bracelet with chirimen fabric and "groovy cord" in a color called "Hydrangea." The beads are ceramic that have been torch-fired with Sky transparent enamel. One side of the lentil bead has a "blue eye" and the other side has a "red eye." You can find this piece at my website too!

Thanks for visiting! Have a great day! Barbara

Cabin Fever Clay Fest in Laurel, Maryland

2012-01-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

What you'll make in a Painting with Fire Workshop!

Hi folks, It's still bright and sunny out, although cold. I don't care as much about the cold as I do about the lack of sunshine so I'm enjoying this beautiful day. I wanted to mention that there's still room in my February 17 full-day workshop at Cabin Fever Clay Fest, Laurel Maryland.

Although it's not part of the workshop, I'll be doing a demonstration of applying and firing ceramic decals to enamel. You can find out more about the workshop and how to register here.

There's also room for two in my February 5, St. Petersburg Workshop. I know it's Super Bowl Sunday, but the workshop will be over in plenty of time for your football viewing pleasure! You can register for the workshop here. I'll look forward to meeting you there!

The Bead Pulling Station Gets a Facelift!

2012-01-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I can't believe it's been this long since I've been with you here. I've been busy, as I'm sure you have been. The holidays are wonderful, especially when they're over! I know, I know ... I shouldn't have said that, but I feel that way sometimes. Here's what I've been up to. I look forward to having time to check in on you guys!

:: Beads, Baubles and Jewels
:: Webinar
:: Get together with Jim's side of the family for pizza
:: Pick up daughter and boyfriend from the airport
:: Take daughter and boyfriend downtown
:: Meet friends for lunch
:: Shop
:: Cook Christmas Dinner for my side of the family
:: Drive 13.5 hours to St. Pete, correction - add one hour for traffic
:: Meet with general contractor
:: Pick up son, David, and Chris Connolly and Toni Maddox the PWF Team at airport
:: Show them their new apartments and PWF home
:: Celebrate New Year's Eve
:: Meet gutter guy
:: Meet decking guy for rooftop deck
:: Meet ventilation guy
:: Buy stackable washer and dryer for shop
:: Spend several hours with designer
:: Spend more time with designer
:: Meet with Deputy Director of Building Permits for St. Pete
:: Meet with ventilation guy
:: Meet with Diamond Tech regarding torches
:: Pick up newly-designed bead pulling stations!!! No clamps required! Pretty snazzy!

Spring Bling Torch-fired Enamel Necklace!

2011-12-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

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

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

Lampwork beads by Patti Cahill, PMC by me

A version of the book project "Beady Bangle"

Beads, Baubles and Jewels

2011-12-10T03:32:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the tools for one of my projects.

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

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

Setting up the torch on the set.

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

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

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

Beads, Baubles and Jewels

2011-12-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

Webinar Link

2011-12-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

Webinar

2011-11-29T03:09:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

Hey, who stole my red crayon?!!! That might not be the title of my upcoming webinar for Create Mixed Media, but it may as well be. When asked if I'd be interested in giving a webinar, I said, "Heck yeah! Wait. What's a webinar?" I thought maybe I should find out what I was signing up for first.

Low key and low stress ... yep, I'm interested. It's basically a PowerPoint presentation narrated by me. At the end of a 40 minute or so presentation, there's a Q&A period.

Besides covering the basic PWF technique, I will divulge some of our favorite color blends. Being surrounded by over 100 enamel colors definitely has it's advantages and I want to share them with you. So, please mark your calendar for Thursday, December 15 at 1 p.m. and we'll chat! I'll be sharing the link with you soon. :-)

Winners of Torch-Firing Kits and Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T03:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your encouragement this year. Had it not been for you, this little hobby would not have turned into a business that allows us to continue to share the good news of torch-firing!

torch-firing kit

A giveaway for a torch-firing kit was announced during the virtual book tour. Because sooo many people submitted book reviews, I've decided to give away two kits! The winners are: Sea Christine and Charlottegabriele. Please get in touch with me through www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com! Happy Thanksgiving!

Now, we're on to Barnes and Noble! If you purchased the book through B&N and you leave a review, your name will be entered into a drawing for another torch-firing kit. The winner will be selected on December 10. Please pass the word!

Remember, you still have time to register for the drawing at Create Mixed Media ... the giveaway is good until the end of the month.

Have a wonderful holiday with the ones you love! Be safe!

The iPhone 4S

2011-11-21T05:52:00.000-08:00

What do grown-up people do with the iPhone 4S after they've had a few beers? Okay, get your minds out of the gutter ... we're not THAT bad! But we did have a little fun with Siri ... the iPhone's virtual assistant. We definitely tested her patience!

I have to give you a little background first. My husband has been reluctant to get a smart phone. In fact, he lovingly calls his phone a "dumb phone." He can't imagine typing in a little small space on the screen of a smart phone. He's not really technologically saavy. Jim's life resides in a B&W marbled composition book! You know the ones .... the OLD-fashioned kind!

Well, during the time we were at the Washington Bead Society Bead Bazaar, Jim couldn't find his phone. The lady next to us on the exhibition floor had an iPhone. By the time we left there, Jim was primed. When we got home, however, he found his phone in the refrigerator! This is how our lives are. It's not pretty, but it is true!

So, Jim ordered his iPhone. It came in two days ago. Last night we decided to test it out. First let me say that Jim has not "typed" a single thing into the phone. If I were the jealous type, I'd be upset with Jim's relationship with Siri. But, alas, after nearly 40 years of marriage I'm pretty secure in my relationship. If he hasn't figured out how to escape by now, he's not goin' anywhere!

Last night our relationship with Siri escalated to a new level. My son, David, speaks into the phone, "Siri, I'm drunk." She replies, "There are several meetings near your location." OMG! We're laughing hysterically! He says, "Siri, I'd like a prostitute." She replies, "There is an escort service 3.6 miles from your location." It gets better ... David says, "Siri, I think you're beautiful." She says, "I bet you say that to all the virtual assistants." By then, we were laughing so hard we were crying. Of course you have to consider that we had been imbibing earlier in the evening and we were with friends of 35 years, so things became doubly funny. I have to tell you, though, with a clear mind this morning, I still think it's pretty damned funny!

Have a great day everyone!

A Home for Painting with Fire Studio!

2011-11-18T03:53:00.000-08:00

We went to settlement yesterday on a teaching and retail space for Painting with Fire! Here's a photo of how it looks today!

The address is 2428 Central Avenue, which lies within the boundaries of Historic Kenwood and is two blocks from my house! Central Avenue is the main drag from downtown St. Pete to the Gulf beaches. The studio is in the Grand Central District, which is an artsy area full of personality. The neighborhood is great about supporting local businesses and I can't wait to meet more of my neighbors. Businesses on my block include those for stained glass and graphics, art supplies, cupcakes, a half a dozen restaurants, cigars, antiques, real estate ... and now torch-fired enamel!

I'm really looking forward to this space being a place where torch-fired enamel artists can gather. I'll have open torch times where you'll be able to try different enamels before buying them. You can come in with questions. It's going to be great.

Getting back to the building ... the space on the far left will be the teaching part ... the torches will be lined up on the left wall and we're meeting with the ventilation guy tomorrow. Behind that is storage room and office space. The area behind the colorful balls will be the retail space. We'll sell everything we currently do online, but will also have a greater selection of other beads and beading accessories. A very lovely bridal salon occupies one of our spots.

There are two one-bedroom apartments upstairs, one for my son, David, and the other for Chris and Toni, all who are studio artists at PWF. Both David and Chris are talented teachers and Toni is a fine artist. I love her eye for design and I look forward to getting into mischief with her. Chris, Toni and David, all 25 year-olds, will infuse Painting with Fire with energy ... in more ways than one!

I've had this urge to offer Winter Retreats in St. Petersburg. Who wouldn't want to go on a learning vacation in January, February or March? This space also will provide lots of opportunities for things like this.

It will take us several months before we're down here full time. My target date is May 1, but we'll be hosting lots of workshops and other events from now until then. I hope you'll follow along as we make changes to the space to get ready for opening. It should be fun!

2011-11-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

Please come back tomorrow!

Life is funny!

2011-11-15T02:47:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel your life is like an episode of Seinfeld?

Source: Uploaded by user via Nick on Pinterest

If not Seinfeld, then how 'bout The Simpsons?

Source: sharetv.org via Dragana on Pinterest

That's exactly how I felt when I heard this announcement over the loud speaker at the Washington Bead Society Bead Bazaar on Saturday ...

"In fifteen minutes, Barbara Lewis will be doing a torch-firing demonstration in Room C."

"Is that Jim?" ... I said ... "THAT'S JIM!" I started laughing so hard I had to wipe away the tears. I guess the inside joke about this is how proud my husband is of me. He's always been like that. One time, when we were first married, I noticed that a bunch of our party guests had disappeared. I started searching for them in a 2-bedroom apartment, which didn't take long. I found them in my bedroom with Jim pulling clothes from my closet saying, "She made this and she made that." You gotta love him! Really, though, Jim needs to be on this show ...

Source: Uploaded by user via Mike on Pinterest

Have a great day everybody!

Torch Firing Kit Giveaway at Create Mixed Media

2011-11-12T03:57:00.000-08:00

If you haven't visited the Create Mixed Media site yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. Sponsored by F&W Media, the parent company of North Light Books, CMM is beautiful ... just like North Light's books. But more than that, there's great content. They present everything from the practical aspects of being an artist to downloadable how-to's. But before I go into more information about the site, you MUST go there before the end of this month to register to win a Torch-Firing Kit and book! With this combo, you'll be enameling your own beads and pendants in no time.

But, getting back to the CMM site, it's really kind of hard to describe because it's so comprehensive. There are podcasts, including one this week by Kelly Rae Roberts on finding balance. There are free e-books, including "Wired Up" with the work of Robert Dancik, Jennifer Swift, Giuseppina Cirincione, Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling.

There are four contributing editors with varied backgrounds from art therapy to creative coaching, but all share an interest in art ... and pretty soon there's going to be a fifth contributing editor ... me! I'm excited, but more than a little nervous ... I hope what I have to say will be of interest. I mean, I'll try to make it interesting to you, but you'll just have to let me know. :-)

A Steal of a Deal on The Book!

2011-11-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

I interrupt this previously recorded program to bring you this message. Shop Mixed Media, the publisher's website, is having a great deal on my book ... $11.75! Buy it for yourself or for a friend for Christmas!

Another way to promote ...

2011-11-11T03:06:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can set up a google alert? What's a google alert? It's a way for you to monitor the web for interesting new content. You simply type in the words or series of words that you want to monitor. Everyday you'll find an email in your inbox with a list of goggle sightings for that word(s). For instance, I've set up several google alerts, including for the words "Barbara Lewis," "torch-fired enamel," and "handmade jewelry."
Much of what I was reading were press releases, some by local newspapers, but lots by press release services like PR Web. Here's a little blurb from their website that explains the overall concept ...
"It’s simple. You write an announcement about your organization – a new product launch, current promotion, or local team sponsorship - whatever. We distribute your release to every major news site and search engine on the Web, and can put you in front of consumers and journalists."

They'll give you as much or as little help as you need ... for a price,

of course. Here's what came to my inbox today ...

When I clicked on the message, it brought me to this spot ...

You can track how many times your press release has been read fully and people's impressions of the headline.

#1 Craft Book of 2011 on Amazon!

2011-11-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

I had a different blog post planned for today, but yesterday something really amazing happened. I received an email from the F&W Media's publicist. She was talking about something else and midway down the email she says,

"On a separate note, TFEJ has been named the #1 Craft book of 2011 on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000744591."

What?!!! Holy Cow! I'm still floating on Cloud 9. Where is Cloud 9 anyway? Wherever it is, I'm on it! I'm grateful to all of you for your encouragement over these many months. I'm glad the book is doing what I intended it to do, which was to encourage you to try this incredible technique. The "immersion process" of torch firing has taken on a life of its own ... no doubt about it.

I've written the first page of Book No. 2 ... actually it's the book concept. It will thoroughly explore enameling decorative techniques and color through the creation of jewelry. Having taught for the past couple of years and moderating the ning for nearly the same amount of time, I've been in a position to see what inquiring minds want to know. I'm thinking that writing Book No. 2 may be easier than Book No. 1 ... kind of like having a baby!

Sale ... Washington Bead Society Bazaar ... Look What I Made!

2011-11-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Sale! We love saving money, yay! For a limited time, when you buy the kit, you'll get 4 - 3 oz jars of enamel instead of 3 jars, which is nearly a 10% discount off the retail price of the kit. We'll also throw in some extra beads to help you get started. :-) The offer applies to kits without torches and those with torches.

Next ... I'll be at the Washington Bead Society Bazaar this Saturday and Sunday. If you come to the booth to say hello and tell us that you're a follower, you'll get a 10% discount off your entire order. Besides that, I'll get to meet you! Just click on the link for details. I'll be doing a demo from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday ... something I love to do!

And, for your viewing pleasure, look what I made today ... which was photographed by Toni Maddox, the newest member of the Painting with Fire Team. Thank you, Toni, you did a great job!

"Shabby Chic Bouquet" at Etsy

Knotty Do-It-All ... it's more than about knots!

2011-11-08T02:49:00.000-08:00

Cords, fibers, leather, and suede are so in vogue now. I think the cost of metals is partly responsible for this really wonderful trend. Sometimes working with a new medium can seem daunting, but Sandra Younger, inventor of Knotty Do-It-All is eager to help. Not only has she created this wonderful tool, but she also has great videos and demos that will talk you through the process of using the Knotty Do-It-All while providing you with lots of inspiration.

The Knotty Do-It-All by Sandra Younger

I've used the Knotty Do-It-All for knotted bracelets like this one ...

But what I really like about the Knotty Do-It-All is it's ability to keep chains straight! Making charm bracelets and any piece with a series of dangles used to be an exercise in frustration! They required a lot of after-creation fiddling. You think you've got it straight and then there's one (or two or three) little dangle(s) sticking out like a stray hair(s)!

The Knotty Do-It-All comes with assorted steel pegs. It has neat channels for holding jump rings and beads. Sandra's thought of everything, including little rubber feet that prevent the board from slipping.

Some of Knotty's tools

There's a handy ruler to measure your chain, leather, etc. I used the Knotty Do-It-All today to make a necklace. Here's how I did it ...

My chain was 9" long. I placed a steel peg with alligator clip at the 0" and 9" marks on the board. I clipped one end of the chain in the 0" alligator clip and the other end at the 9" alligator clip, making sure to have the links straight and the chain taut. I wanted to add dangles to the center four inches of the chain. I started at dead center, which was indicated by the 4.5" mark, but I also marked the center of the chain with a piece of wire. I worked out 2" in one direction from center and 2" in the other direction from center. The Knotty Do-It-All had my dangles lined up like little soldiers!

When you're finished you'll end up with something like this ...

"Harvest Moons" for sale at Etsy

The Knotty-Do-It-All is worth every penny. I highly recommend it for lots of things, including for measuring out yards and yards of sari ribbon! :-) One complete trip 'round the Knotty Do-It-All is 1 yard! I really like this thing!

Just some eye candy!

2011-11-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

THE END

Enameling on Clay!

2011-11-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about teaching is that you learn so much from your students. When I was teaching in Tucson last year I had a student contact me about taking a workshop. She asked if I had tried enameling ceramic beads. I told her that I didn't know if it could be done, but to bring some things she'd like to try. Usually I suggest that students not bring anything too precious in case it doesn't work. But I'm all for trying new things, which is how I found out that enameling iron beads worked!

Here we are, months later and one of the members at the Painting with Fire Ning site is experimenting with enameling on clay ... and having great success I might add. We're up to 1760 members at the site, so things are really getting interesting and diverse! The day before I left for Florida I knew I just had to take a few moments and try it myself. Sure enough, it worked! These are the results of that afternoon, which are headed to Lisa Petrillo today as one of the winners at the Virtual Book Tour!

Enameled Ceramic Beads

The lovely Marla James of Bisque Bead Supply and Beads of Clay member contacted me and generously offered to send me some beads to play with. I didn't expect a whole big box of them, but was grateful! Thank you, Marla. I couldn't wait to tear into the box and get started. Here are the results of that session.

Bisque beads from Marla James of Bisque Bead Supply

While there is some crazing (crackle lines) in the enamel, I never considered that a defect in pottery glazes unless the purpose of the piece was to serve food. Actually, my next step will be to rub some India ink into the crackle lines to accentuate them.

There are a couple of things that make this an outstanding discovery. First is the selection of enamel colors provided by Thompson Enamel. Any potter will tell you how difficult it is to get a beautiful blue-green Celadon glaze. Well, it wasn't hard for me ... all I had to do is to reach for the Nile Green transparent. The red in the back is Woodrow Red transparent, the pink is Rose transparent, the lovely lavender is Harold transparent, and the yellow is Egg Yellow transparent.

But what might be even more important than that is the fact that you can design on the fly! What I mean by that is usually you glaze your piece, put it into the kiln, fire it, wait for it to cool before you decide whether you like it or not. Well, with enameling the piece, I was able to make adjustments DURING the firing process. I enameled one of the shells with Opalescent Green transparent but thought a pinch of Lime Yellow transparent would spice things up a bit. Sure enough, punch!

I enameled the pieces like I would a metal bead by putting them on a mandrel and heating them in the flame. A slow warm up is recommended, which takes only a few seconds longer, but insures no cracking for delicate piece. If you'd like more information about this process, please get in touch with me ... I'd love to share my excitement! In fact, the talented Sally Stevens, a wonderful Baltimore, MD jewelry designer, wrote yesterday, "We have been enameling all the many clay charms and doodads that we have made over the years and it is so much fun to see the transformation." So, there you have it!

2011-10-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

I'm becoming a Pinterest freak! It took me more than a minute or two to figure out how to navigate the site ... but that's just me. The site is wonderful for inspiration. You can set up virtual mood boards to which you "pin" images that you admire or for some reason want to revisit. You can become a follower of another. Which is how I saw this wonderful display cabinet. Barbe St. John had repinned this to her board. Then ... I fell down the rabbit hole!

Source: re-store.org via Barbe on Pinterest

You know that wonderful feeling where you follow links and you forgot where you got started ... something I commonly do in conversations. Anyway, I saw that this image came from restore.org. It's a nonprofit organization that repurposes stuff into beautiful things. Too bad they're clear across the country in Washington state, but no worries, I can still drool from afar.

While I was at their blog, I clicked on "Apartment Therapy" only to find out how to do this ...

and this ...

Remember to leave a trail of bread crumbs so you find your way back!

The Virtual Book Tour says so long ... but not goodbye!

2011-10-26T01:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you for coming with me on this wonderful ride. Even though the Virtual Book Tour may be over, it doesn't mean we have to stop having fun!

Source: allposters.com via Linda on Pinterest

Before I give you some interesting numbers,

I want to say ...

Source: None via Abbie on Pinterest

to a whole bunch of people!

Mary Jane Dodd, Gaea Cannaday, Linda Larsen, Andrew Thornton, Lori Plyler, Diane Cook, Lori Anderson, LeAnn Weih, Jen Judd Velasquez, Melissa Meman, Lisa Crone, Shannon LeVart, Cindy Wimmer, Laura Twiford, Erin Prais-Hintz, Jennifer Cameron, Sharilyn Miller and YOU!

Even though I haven't been able to communicate with each and every one of you, I've read every comment you left here and at the other artists' blogs. Thank you for your enthusiasm, kind comments, and for making this event so much fun!

THE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR INVOLVED ...

17 ARTISTS

20 DAYS

19 PRIZES

1,105 BLOG COMMENTS!

But before we go we have a winner to announce! The winner of the Floral Cascade Necklace kit is ...

Kay Thomerson of Kayz Kreationz!

There's still time to win the Torch-Firing Kit ... or equivalent ($110 value) from www.paintingwithfireartwear.com. All you have to do is to leave an honest review of the book at Amazon and wait for the winner to be announced on November 24! How easy is that? :-) I'll be able to leave a comment on your review at Amazon as a way of communicating with you ... and you can always check back here to see if you've won. But I hope you don't wait until then to visit me!

I feel really weird right now ... like I'm saying goodbye and going on a long trip ... but I'm not ... I'll be back in a couple of days after I get some sleep! Actually, I'm beginning taping of an online Painting with Fire Workshop! More on this later ... but for now, hugs to you all!

The Grand Finale ... Sharilyn Miller!

2011-10-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

We're down to the last artist, but don't be discouraged because this one's a doozy, plus tomorrow we get to announce the winner of the Floral Cascade kit! Sharilyn and I struck up an easy online friendship ... I wish we lived closer. She's a very generous person. Not only is she a talented jewelry designer and teacher, she's the author of nearly a dozen books!

We're all in luck today because Sharilyn is sharing her tutorial on how to make these cage beads at her blog! I think these are some of the cutest things ... they have so much personality. They're like a family! You've got the fat one, the skinny one, and the one with the crazy hair!

Sharilyn Miller's Cage Beads!

But Sharilyn didn't stop there! Wait 'til you see the creation she made with these beads ... WOW! Please make sure to visit Sharilyn's blog today to find out how she make these cute little darlings and uses them in her design! You can find the great review she wrote for my book HERE.

Before we get on with the rest of the details and rules, I'd like to announce the winner of the enamel head pins. Congratulations, Patti Van! You're the winner! Please get in touch with me through www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com

The winner of these darling pair of earrings by Jennifer Cameron is none other than Theresa Fosdick! Theresa, please contact Jenny!

Please come back tomorrow where we sum up the tour and announce the winner of the Floral Cascade Necklace kit! And remember we have a major drawing for a Torch-Firing Enamel Kit! But if you've already got the kit, you get a $110 shopping experience at www.paintingwithfireartwear.com. Think of all the good enamels that will buy! All you have to do is leave a review of the book at Amazon ... Just be honest about your appraisal of the book. We'll have a random drawing on November 24 for the winner!

Remember, you're at the Virtual Book Tour for this book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com

October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com

October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

October 25, Sharilyn Miller, www.sharilynmiller.blogspot.com

To thank you for following along, we will have a BONUS PRIZE at the end of the book tour! All of the entries will be included in the drawing for a kit containing all the elements of "Floral Cascade," one of the projects in the book. You'll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

For a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience atwww.paintingwithfireartwear.com) - please leave a review at Amazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review... the book must stand on its own.

Thanks for playing along! This is going to be a lot of fun!

P.S. Unfortunately, we have to restrict the giveaways to U.S. residents. Winners should contact me with their name and address through my author website: www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!

Jennifer Cameron's in the house ... no wonder it feels hot in here!

2011-10-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

I'm always tickled when I find that a lampworker wants to try the Painting with Fire technique. I guess it's because I know what a treat is in store for them. If an artist can make beautiful lampwork beads, they can make enamel ones in their sleep using the PWF method. They just don't know it yet. Well, that's the feeling I had when Jenny Cameron came around!

Some of Jenny's first beads went into making these darling earrings, which she provides the tutorial for HERE. She wrote a rockin' review of my book HERE. I think she nailed it and I'm very grateful ... I know how much time she spent on the review ... it's so thorough.

Jenny's Lantern Earrings

Today I'll be giving away some enamel head pins. I know some of them look like glass ... well enamel is glass, what am I saying?!!! But the largest head pins with the transparent glass are made with a Thompson Enamel grain size called 6/20, which is the size of lampworking frit. The book goes into detail on how to make an enamel head pin. I know you're sitting there thinking, "What the big deal?" Well, enamel head pins have a tendency to crack, leaving bits of enamel chunks on your beading table. I spent so much time trying to figure out a foolproof way to get enamel head pins. If you're interested in learning how, join www.paintingwithfire.ning.com and search the forum for "enamel head pins." It's all there, free of charge, plus you'll also find it in the book.

Here's the giveaway from my blog...

Head Pin giveaway!

Jenny has a great blog giveaway. On Friday, she will post the directions on how to make these great earrings and have kits for sale for those you don't want to enamel their own.

Jenny's earring design giveaway!

We have giveaway winners ... Stephanie McGinley, you're the winner of Erin Prais-Hintz's darling earrings "Nothin' but Blue Skies."

Erin's earring giveaway

Courtney of Beads by Breul is the winner of a signed copy of the book. Congratulations, ladies. Thank you for following along!

Remember, you're at the Virtual Book Tour for this book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com

October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com

October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

October 25, Sharilyn Miller, www.sharilynmiller.blogspot.com

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

Thanks for playing along! This is going to be a lot of fun!

Erin Prais-Hintz, our Resident English Teacher, what say you?

2011-10-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

Source: None via Brent on Pinterest

Well, our interesting character today is Erin Prais-Hintz! As our "Wordsmith" and Resident English Teacher, Erin has agreed to review the book as only she can. Thank you, Erin!

We have two great giveaways at this stop ... Erin's beautiful earrings "Nothin' but Blue Skies" and a signed copy of my book. All you have to do to have a chance at winning is to leave a comment at Erin's Blog and here at mine. We'll take care of the rest!

Erin's Giveaway!

My giveaway!

BTW, the winner of the porcelain beads with torch-fired enamel is Lisa Petrillo of Lucid Moon Studios! Congratulations, Lisa!

Porcelain beads with torch-fired enamel

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com

October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com

October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

October 25, Sharilyn Miller, www.sharilynmiller.blogspot.com

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

Thanks for playing along! This is going to be a lot of fun!

Stop #14 ... the unique work of Laura Twiford!

2011-10-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

Let's take care of yesterday's business first by announcing the winners from Cindy Wimmer's blog post. The winner of these gorgeous earrings is ...

Alice Peterson

The winner of this decal is ...

Betty Stafford

Congratulations ladies! Cindy will be in touch with you or you can get in touch with her ...

Now, on with the show! I have really enjoyed getting to know Laura. We've giggled a lot over the past couple of years ... in classes I've given and classes I've taken when Laura and I were students. My daughter's name is even "Laura." We found out that we have a lot in common. I don't know if you saw the photos Laura posted on her blog of her studio during the "cleaning up" phase ... I thought, "OMG! She's me!" There was jewelry stuff, a sewing machine, pottery stuff ... which is my creative history!

When Laura said that she was drawn to the No-Solder Bezel project, I thought, "That's great!" But, I had no idea how much she liked it! LOL Look at these! But you must go to her blog because there's much, much more! Laura, your success with these bezels is definitely a pat on my head!

The No-Solder Bezel by Laura Twiford

As a tribute to Laura's love of pottery, we're giving away these porcelain beads that have been torch-fired! Yes, you heard me right ... these are clay beads that I've torch-fired with enamel like I do a metal bead.

Porcelain Beads that have been torch-fired with enamel

Remember, you're at the Virtual Book Tour for this book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com

October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com

October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

October 25, Sharilyn Miller, www.sharilynmiller.blogspot.com

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

Thanks for playing along! This is going to be a lot of fun!

Allow me to introduce the lovely Cindy Wimmer!

2011-10-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

We're with the talented Cindy Wimmer at Stop #13 on the Virtual Book Tour for "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: a Workshop in Painting with Fire." But before I introduce Cindy, I want to announce that

Sally Anderson of www.wildsallyroad.blogspot.com

has won the enamel bead giveaway by Lisa Crone at www.abeadaday.blogspot.com.

I met Cindy in March 2010 at a Painting with Fire Workshop that she and Jeanette Ryan hosted in Reston, VA. What I lacked in experience as a teacher, I made up with enthusiasm. It was only the second time I had taught the workshop, but I don't think anyone knew it. Well, lets put it like this, I didn't advertise it. :-) We had 15 people ... quite a crowd. Everything was so well thought out and planned. Cindy baked goodies. We dined on yummy sandwiches by lakeside. It was unseasonably warm for March 5, with temperatures in the 70's.

I was on top of the world! Jeanette and Cindy had primed the audience, so to speak. I met so many enthusiastic and talented students that day. I was then and still am so grateful to have had that experience. It really helped to cement me as a teacher ... at least in my mind! Here we are, a year and a half later and I find I'll be teaching four workshops at Bead and Button this year ... but we'll talk more about that later.

So, what does a talent like Cindy do with a couple of beads ... look for yourself! These would look great with the shirt I'm wearing right now! But some lucky reader will be winning these and the decal pendant.

Cindy's rendition of "Cattywampus" earrings

I'm going to leave Cindy's creation as a surprise for you ... so you'll have to visit her blog. But we all know what to expect of Cindy ... nothing but the most gorgeous, detailed, and feminine work possible! Wearable shabby chic that shows off Cindy's way with wire!

Remember, you're at the Virtual Book Tour for this book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com