Toil and trouble can lead to success ... sometimes. :-) I've been struggling with the torch-firing of a bangle bracelet made from wire. Talk about frustration!@#^ Well, persistence paid off and I want to share the results with you. Here's "In Flight." The colors are a gorgeous baby blue opaque with drippy transparent pink enamels on part of the bracelet. There's an enamel swallow charm (hence the title, "In Flight" < :-) > and another charm with a leaf design in a purple called "Iris."
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| In Flight |
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| In Flight |
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In Flight, detail
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The charm on "Meadowsweet" was made in a Painting with Fire Workshop. It's one of the final things we do that leaves students saying, "Wow! I didn't know you could do all this with torch firing!" To fire the charm, I dangle it from a mandrel and when it glows orange, I dip the piece into enamel. Repeat two more times. Then I transfer the mandrel to my nondominant (left) hand. I tilt my hand slightly so the mandrel is in a more parallel position to the ground. Using tweezers in my right hand, I place the flower chips where I want them. The yellow stripe is a cat whisker I added and to the upper right is some larger grain size enamel in the transparent enamel color "Copper." All of these items are at my website (www.paintingwithfireartwear.com) if you want to try it.
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| Meadowsweet |
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| Meadowsweet |
The colors in "Reef" remind me of all that's good about summer! Turquoise makes an appearance with abandon! This 14mm ridge bead is topped with etched bead caps. An enameled head pin, some shiny faceted crystals in turquoise and a rhinestone rondelle finish things off. The color of the bead is something my son, David, developed in the studio. It was great discovery and is even more beautiful in person. It's our new favorite! :-) We call the color blend "Caribbean."
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Reef
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Reef, detail
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I'm glad you were able to visit me today to share in my delight that the problem of enameling wire is solved! I love the wonky, organic nature of the bangle, so my persistence definitely paid off. Can you think of a challenge in your own work that you've conquered? I'd love to hear about it!
P.S. Check out www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com for some other bangles I love to make!
