Sources of Inspiration

http://pennielily.tumblr.com/post/38233901314

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? 

These earrings by Lynn Burcher of Gilded Lily Glass 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!  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117721399/burning-embers-clip-on-earrings-fused?ref=market

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.

When I was writing my second book, I thought, "How can I recreate that look of wear?"  "I'm Distressed" a project from "Mastering Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry" is my stab at it.  

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!

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

You can find Janet's lovely work here:

www.anvilartifacts.com

www.anvilartifacts.etsy.com

www.amazon.com/handmade/anvileartifactsdeux

   

Silhouette Die

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! 

Hunka, hunka metal!

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 pattern decals have become a favorite for background texture.  

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.

Have you ever had the experience that you stopped too soon in the design process?  I'd love to hear about it.  

True Confessions: I was a color-phobe!

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! 

Over-fired white enamel features subtle color with added texture being added by copper oxides that bubble to the surface.  I was in love!

But over time, more color crept into my work ... 

Although, currently, a little less color appears  ...

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!

Today I signed up for the Accredited Jewelry Professional course offered by the Gemology Institute of America.  Shane Socash, owner of David Reynolds Jewelry and Coin, can be credited with bringing this information to the students of the Jewelry Making and Repair Program 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. 

The beauty of Liquid Enamel!

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.  

Liquid Enamel over Copper Pipe, Copper Mesh, and Copper Sheet

I use liquid enamel ... 

• 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
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

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.

"A Mother's Heart" by Kathleen Kilgore

  

This is a "first look" at liquid enamel.  Stay tuned for more. 

More enameling fun and a giveaway!

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.

Monument Cafe, Georgetown, TX

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 Oxidize Metal Art Gallery.  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, Elizabeth Boswell.  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!  

photo: Elizabeth Boswell

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.

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. 

Two hours later would find me at an evening of "performance art" at a creative hot spot for jewelry ... Creative Side Jewelry Academy, where lots of happy campers were finishing up a fantastic metal casting workshop with Kate Wolf.  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!  

photo: Creative Side Jewelry Academy

The following day we fled the traffic congestion of Austin and headed for Texas Hill Country and Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie.  The countryside reminded me so much of my former surroundings in  Maryland, with rolling hills and pastures sprinkled with lush green trees.  Art Retreat at The Prairie 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! 

Carol Myers, Barb Solem, Julie Panusis, Barb Solem, Deryn Mentock, Diane Cook

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!  

From left to right:  Cynthia Hill, Shonna Estep, Leslie Todd, Carol Bradley, Mary Word, and Gracie Albright

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! 

Vivi Magoo Presents will be hosting Art Retreat in the Desert in Tucson,  but don't forget that Painting with Fire 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!  

Now on to the Craftsy class giveaway!  All you have to do is to leave a comment at Stacey Merrill's blog, Artsnark Artifacts.  

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! 

Have you been wanting to learn torch-fired enameling?  Now's the time!  

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!  

So what's in the Craftsy class, you ask?

"A lot!" would be the answer!  Take a look at what we'll cover ... 

photo:  Craftsy

Lesson 1: 
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. 

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 2:
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. 

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 3:
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.

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 4: 
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. 

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 5:
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. 

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 6: 
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! 

photo: Craftsy

Lesson 7:
I'll introduce you to the different types of decals, how to apply them and how to fire them. 

photo: Craftsy

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.  

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!  

Tomorrow we talk more about the workings of Craftsy and how it benefits you! 

photo: Craftsy 

Craftsy launch Tuesday, November 4!

How would you like to work in a place like this?

photo: Craftsy

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 ...

photo: Craftsy 

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!"

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.  

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.

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.  

photo: Craftsy

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."

The studio is alive with workshops!

I just experienced my first full year of business in Florida!  Painting with Fire has been open for a little over 18 months and during that time we've expanded the space, I've written another book, and we're deep into the PWF Teacher's Certification Program!

I've also experienced something else very noteworthy ... the seasonal nature of doing business in St. Petersburg!  It's as if someone "turns the faucet off" at the end of April and everyone caravans out of the town.  

Of course, I don't blame those lovely people who come to the land of sunshine where it's 75F from November through April.  I also love it here during those gorgeous days!  However, during the summer, I'm convinced we're living on the sun.  Don't get me wrong, the D. C. Area (which I used to call home) can be pretty miserable in the summer and much hotter than St. Pete, but the "summer" isn't as long! So, I've decided to "get out of Dodge" and travel teach in the summer.  One of my stops will be at the Rocky Mountain Bead Society in August.  Denver in August has to be a lot cooler than Florida.  Right? 

If you're interested in hosting a summer workshop and you live in a place cooler than Florida, please get in touch with me! But this post was supposed to introduce our winter line-up of classes, so let's get started!

Here's what we've got going on  ...

We've got openings in Linda's Sea Glass Jewelry Class on December 14.   If you can find a free hour and a half, we've got the talent and authentic sea glass waiting for you to create gifts or stocking stuffers for the special people in your life.

There's still a chance to get in on Carrie Boucher's jeweler's saw class Saturdays from 1 pm to 4 pm.  You can join Carrie for one of the remaining classes or both. I really couldn't believe how great her students did after the first lesson!  Looking at some of Carrie's work might help you decide!  It's not only gorgeous, but she's knows how to teach it, too!

I've just submitted a great line up to the Morean Arts Center.  I've had a wonderful partnership with them since 2009, except now the classes are held at our studio because we have that great ventilation system. There are new classes and some old favorites with new twists.  For instance, the Floral Cascade Workshop will incorporate enameling juicy transparent enamels on brass, even though we'll still be "cannibalizing" those iron beads! It's just too much fun to tear into them!   In the Susan's Sunset Earrings Class, we'll be etching and otherwise texturing metal to create our own special bead caps. 

But I have some other tricks up my sleeve ...

You can sign up online at the Morean Arts Center or sign up at our store.  Either way, we're glad to have you!  

A "happy accident" with enameling

Yesterday, during my demo at a workshop I was teaching at the studio, I grabbed for the container of Aqua.  Unfortunately, I thought I was picking the Opaque version, but instead chose the Transparent one.  Not a big deal, you might think, but it can be.  Most of my experience with transparent enamel over filigree beads has been one of a dark enamel where the color is barely perceptible, which is why I recommend that you apply two layers of an opaque enamel as a base coat.  It provides the canvas for the transparent enamel.  Yesterday I had a surprise! 

The bead on the right is an example of Aqua transparent over two layers of white.  The bead on the left is the one I created yesterday ... three layers of Aqua Transparent over metal!  It's a deep rich color that the photograph does not adequately capture, but I think you get the picture!  


The Happy Accidents Group on facebook is shaping up to be a really nice crowd.  Why don't you join us?  Would love to have you! 

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

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

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!