An interesting use of torch-fired enamel!

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 The Dancing Goats 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 etsy shop.  You'll find some really beautiful things ...

Do you use the immersion process to enamel items other than jewelry?  I'd love to feature it here. 

White 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.

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.

Today I took a break from packing for Art Retreat on the Prairie to play with some Titanium White.  Here are the results ...

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! 

#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!  

#3 is given the same firing technique, but is decorated with Flame Orange and Raspberry (transparent).  

Speaking of 2836 - Raspberry ... 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 stock. 

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. 

The eCourse returns!

By popular request, the eCourse is being offered again. You'll get 3.5 hrs of enameling videos, 30 minutes of video content on some of my favorite tools, access to the site for four months from the date of purchase, scheduled chats, and personal guidance. We're doing things a little differently this time. All of the videos have been loaded at the site so that when you enter the site for the first time, it's all there. In the past I've introduced new videos over a three week period. I think this will be a welcomed change. 

This video on Compound Shapes is one of the eCourse videos and will give you a taste of what you'll learn. 

An eKit that accompanies the eCourse is available. The kit contains everything you need for the projects and is offered to you as a convenience. During the first 30 days of your registration, you'll receive 10% off on enamel purchases. You can read more about it here. 

It would also be useful for you to own the bead pulling station, which is the workhorse of this system.  Check out the torch-firing kit here. We also sell the kit without a torch. 

We're over the holidays and while we catch our breath, why not learn something new!  

Simple Summertime Necklaces

I don't know about you, but when the temperature and humidity start to soar, I wear less jewelry and what I wear is usually pretty minimal.  These necklaces were designed with that in mind.  Simple, but sweet and sassy, torch-fired enamel.  You will find them at my etsy shop.

Torch-Fired Enamel ... Summertime Necklaces

Maire Dodd ... Enamel Expressions

Mary Jane Dodd's jewelry is some of my favorites.  I love the way her use of enamel serves as an accent to her metalworking.

Mary Jane has used one of the techniques from the book ... the no-solder bezel ... to create this gorgeous piece.  A hole is punched in the metal and the sides are raised to create the bezel.  I think her enamel cabochon looks like a semi-precious stone.  Please visit Mary Jane's blog for more details about her work.  I'm so grateful that Mary Jane is a part of this virtual book tour ... I find her work to be "rustic romantic!"

A simple technique

Haven't we all played around with bending and folding wire?  It's the 3-D equivalent of doodling.  Sometimes things accidentally work in your favor and you end up with something that is identifiable. :-)

At the top right you see something I call a "slide."  Another wire doodle.  This handy little thing dispenses with the knot at the back of the neck.  I hate that big bulge resting on my neck.  The slide keeps the ribbons where they're supposed to be and allows you to adjust the length of the necklace.  Just add a bauble to each end of the ribbon to prevent the ends of the ribbons from completely slipping through the slide and you're finished.

One of the great things about having a bunch of ribbons in a basket is that you can get some neat random color combinations.  When I saw these gold and shocking pink ribbons together, I knew it was right!  Their color vibrations practically sent a pulse out into the room! Let me ask you something ... do you find yourself being attracted to off-beat color combinations or do you like more harmonious color pairings?  Inquiring minds want to know ...

Lilac Bangle

It seems weird that amidst the devastating loss of life and sorrow the Japanese people are experiencing that I can write about my Lilac bracelet being in a Treasury ... but here it is.  I woke up thinking that at any moment, for reasons out of my control, my life could take a dangerous turn for the worst.  Praise God that today I am alive, well, and with family.

Be Prepared!

I was trying to come up with something catchy for my booth in Tucson to advertise the torch firing kits when I had this "eureka" moment. I think it's because I've been working with a 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog to make decals for enamel pendants and charms.  Those vintage images have sunk into my noodle.  The kit that we're offering in Tucson is a little different from the one we offer at our website because we won't have vermiculite and brackets with it. I had to draw the line with what I could bring to Tucson.  I just couldn't see myself checking in a bale of vermiculite as baggage!

Last week I shipped off bunches of enamel. I'll be teaching the Painting with Fire technique to 37 students ... I can't wait.  I love teaching! I'll get a chance to meet Andrew Thornton ... he's going to be in next Monday's class.  I've had some wholesale inquiries about my work, there are parties to attend, people to meet.  My booth is right next to the booth of Karen Ovington.  She makes the most extraordinary glass beads.  The ones I love most of hers are those that look as though they've been dug up from an archaeological site!  I've been eyeballing her work for yearrrrs.  Unfortunately there has never been a convenient time to take one of the few workshops she offers a year. Julie Picarello will be right across the aisle.  She makes absolutely awesome polymer clay pendants and beads.  Come hell or high water I'm meeting Patty Lakinsmith.  She's a member of Love My Art Jewelry with me.  Ohhh so talented she is! She's at a different location but I'm sure there'll be a lot of cabs in Tucson over the next three weeks. :-)  

I know I'll come back tired ... but really inspired by being with such talented people. But, I have to tell you, one of the really good things about preparing for this show has been the things that are coming out of the studio.  I'll be posting them in a few days. I can't wait to show them to you.  I hope you like them!

Bead Fest, Philadelphia, August, 2011

Oh my goodness ... I'm going to get to meet a lot of you in person ... because I know a lot of you go to Bead Fest in August ... I've seen the photos as proof!  Even if you're not in my awesome workshop,  "Forging the Way ... to a new direction in torch-fired enamel jewelry," I hope to see you on the bead floor!  If you decide to take the workshop, not only will you learn the Painting with Fire Technique, but we'll forge beads into flattened and square shapes during the enameling process.  We'll use those beads, plus some others we'll enamel earlier in the day, to make a bangle bracelet.  Learn to make an S-clasp and also some really neat links, courtesy of some heat.

Forging the Way ... to a new direction in torch-fired enamel

Forging the Way (detail)

I hope some of you can break away from your busy schedule for some fun and learning at Bead Fest Philadelphia on August 20, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a flame-inspired creative jewelry project~ 

I was hoping to teach at Bead and Button this year and, in fact, made the first cut ... but not the second.  So, we'll have to try again next year for you Mid-Westerners!

More Art from the Fire!

I had a chuckle last night when I was working with these photographs.  It seemed as though nearly every name I came up with was reminiscent of good times.  Like "Dusty Springfield,"  I mean, really!  And, the letter pendants ... all I could think about was Sesame Street.  By the time I got to "Festivus," I nearly roared in laughter!  Some of you Seinfeld fans will remember that one.  Actually, Wikipedia has a pretty good entry on it.

I'll be listing these at my website, plus I have some other neat pendants that are like the Dandelion earrings.  They are enamel pendants with images of antique dress forms, vintage Underwood typewriters, 1935 deodorant commercials ... yes you heard me right!  I'm still laughing!

Dandelion Earrings, with 1/2 round sterling wire

Ring Around the Rosy

Ring Around the Rosy detail

Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield detail

And?

Brought to you by the Letter "A"

Brought to you by the Letter "S"

Letter "S" detail

Brought to you by the Letter "C"

Festivus

Come for a visit to my studio!

If you want a tour of my studio, visit me at Love My Art Jewelry blog.  I'm waiting for you!  Barbara

Call to Create

There's a new guy in town!  Take a look at Love My Art Jewelry blog to find out how to win all of the beads that were used in my necklace, "Autumn Bliss," which is on the cover of Handcrafted Jewelry.  Please spread the word about Call to Create.

Vergata Rayon Ribbon

For about six months now I've been working with this great variegated rayon fiber called "Vergata."  It is what I used in the "Autumn Bliss" necklace for Handcrafted Jewelry.  It is incredibly silky smooth ... perfect for around the neck ... a sensitive area.  The colors are scrumptious and the price ... very affordable at $6.00 for 12 yards.  You'll find it at my website.  But, just to tempt you a little, here is the crayon box of colors.

Happy Jungle

Into the West

Muddy Jeans

Picking Wild Berries

Rhubarb Pie

School Colors

Sedona

Texas Lupines

Handcrafted Jewelry Cover!

I went on an internet hunt to find the new issue of Handcrafted Jewelry and was surprised when I saw my necklace, "Autumn Bliss," had made the cover with jewelry greats, Deryn Mentock and Sherri Haab!  I can't wait to see the issue to enjoy the work of the great artists in this issue.  But, for my part, you'll find step-out photos of the Painting with Fire process of torch firing and the making of the necklace.

This all took place in the Spring, well before my photo shoot at North Light, which really educated me on the importance of recording "hand movements" in detailing a process.  My son, David, took all of the step-out photos.  He did a great job and also has become an expert enamelist ... without a doubt he's my equal.  I think it's that fine motor control of the musician (guitar and drums) that contributes to his finesse.  In fact, some of the enamel beads in the necklace are ones he created.

Painting with Fire really is a family business.  I'm just waiting for Laura to take over the financial part of the operation.  She's well into advanced statistics and accounting classes in college and wants to start sitting for the CPA exam in the next year.  Boy, do I need her.  I rib her, "Hurry up ... or you'll be visiting your mother in jail!"  I subscribe to the shoe box method of record keeping.  Actually, it's more like the credit card statement of record keeping.  If it isn't on the credit card statement, it didn't happen!

Do you have any record keeping secrets you'd like to share to keep an old lady outta the slammer?

A Red Hot Treasury

It's  always a treat to see a conversation at your etsy site ... and better yet when someone says that they have used a piece of yours in their treasury.  

Thank you,  Alilb.  I wish you had a store that I could promote! 

New Work ... Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Gosh, it feels good to be back in the saddle again without having to write down every step I take to make work.

I went to Buttons, Bangles and Beads, Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach to browse around for beads for Triple Delight.  It's amazing how relaxing a bead store can be ... or at least how relaxed I can feel in a bead store ... I think that's more accurate.  That long bead to the left of the large nubby silver bead reminded me so much of the ancient Roman glass or Afghani beads that are gorgeous but very, very pricey.  This strand of beads was an affordable $12.

I had some of the rhinestone rondelles in a bead tray that I had brought to Florida with me.  After I put the bracelet together, I realized that it didn't have any torch-fired enamel beads on it and it felt too constricted.  I needed an "outlier," which is the enameled sterling disc.  I used some of the microfine beading thread that is commonly used with kumihimo. It's a bright purple which compliments the other beads.  I'm proud of the fact that I soldered the sterling links ... on a day that I was in a total state of relaxation ... which is what I need to attempt soldering.  Hopefully that will change in time! :-) where I don't need a brain transplant to be successful!

Triple Delight (delight)

Confetti

If you've been visiting me for a while you know that I make these things called "Bench Collection" necklaces.  They were born from times when I make jewelry at the same time as I am attempting to clean up my work area.  Basically, my thought is this, "If I use this bead in a bracelet or necklace, then I won't have to find a home for it."  Now, I've found another place ... in bracelets ... my favorite things to make! And, nothing has to match!!!!

Roman Spice

There's one of those great beads again with some torch-fired enamel ... a small lime green disc and a sterling disc torch fired with Nile Green transparent ... love those rhinestone dealies ... and that is a wrapped bronze wire bead.  I used a drill with a mandrel and slid the wire into one of the slits in the chuck to hold the wire in place.  Press the button and guide the wire.  

This has been fun, fun, fun ... I'm starting to feel like myself again!  Thanks for coming for a visit!  

Teaching at Art and Soul, New Orleans!

I am so lucky to be giving three great workshops at Art and Soul, New Orleans, July 7 -10, 2011. The Art Retreat will be at the Sheraton, French Quarter, right on Canal Street. Besides learning some great art techniques, NOLA is a great place for antiquing! I'm keeping my fingers crossed to make some unusual finds for my jewelry! We could search the shops together!

Two of the projects will be from my book and the third is the Painting with Fire technique, where we enamel 60 beads and several pendants in the workshop. We learn how to embed things in the enamel and talk about the effects of the flame on the color and texture of the enamel. Because I give so much attention to the workshop, students are surprised at how much they're able to accomplish and learn.

Every student has their own torch and work station for all of the workshops. I bring over 35 different colors of enamel for students to experiment with so that they can learn which colors they want to have at their own enamel inventory. We have a blast!

At Forging the Way and Luscious Links we start the workshop by learning the Painting with Fire technique. We'll enamel several beads, some of which we'll use in the project.

Forging the Way will teach how to change the shape of copper beads that we'll be enameling with millefiori, cat whiskers, lump enamel. We'll make this link ...

Luscious Links - Enamel Exploration Bracelets covers decorative techniques such as champleve, the use of stencils, underglaze crayons, graphite, ceramic underglazes, liquid enamels. We'll create 6 discs using these different techniques, which we will then use to create TWO bracelets. It's a really fun workshop and you'll take your enameling techniques to the next level.

We can explore some of New Orleans together or meet for Cafe du Monde and some beignets!

You can find out more about my workshops and those of other great artists by clicking on this link: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/NewOrleans-2011-artists.php

Oh, any registration starts tomorrow, Friday, September 24th. My workshop at the Hampton Art and Soul Retreat filled in less than a month, with seven months to go before the workshop!

No experience is required for any of the workshops and you need not take the Painting with Fire technique workshop in order to take the other two.

Beads Featured in Stringing Magazine!

Painting with Fire Artwear appears in Bead Beat of the Fall Issue of Stringing Magazine. Check out page 8!

Torch-Fired Enamel Workshops!

The Annapolis workshop is already FULL, 2.5 months ahead of time! Six students, out of a possible 12, are already on the list for the workshop at the Morean Arts Center and registration hasn't even opened yet!

I just want to remind you that registration for Art and Soul, Hampton, VA opens tomorrow. I don't want anyone who wants to take the workshop to be disappointed because it has filled. We enamel over 50 beads and embed watch gears into enamel pendants ... and do other cool stuff like that!

Here's a peek at one of the projects for the book and at what you can do with torch-fired enamel!

My list of "partners in crime" is growing! Come join us!

Great Enamel Supplements to do Special Things!

Do you want to broaden your enamel horizons to a more painterly approach ... or how about just dots and lines? These are the items that will do it for you and are at my etsy shop:

Cat Whiskers, Multi-Colored

Cat Whiskers, Black

Created with Clear Liquid Enamel and White Liquid Enamel.