October 7, 2011

Painting With Fire: My New Flame (And, Yes! There Are Prizes!)


Hello and welcome to the Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting With Fire virtual book tour! If you are familiar with Barbara Lewis and her Painting With Fire brand then you know how beautiful and creative her torch-fired enamel jewelry is. If you are not familiar, you probably don't know how easy it is! As I am a certified, card holding Scaredy Cat and prefer to keep my heat and flame, safely contained within 6 inches of fire brick, I was dubious about "Painting With Fire"! Isn't that what our mamas told us not to do? But do we always listen (Calder and Magnolia plug your ears) to our mamas? Having said that, I was so enthralled with Barbaras techniques and talent that I just got over my cheep self and jumped in! Barbaras new book Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting With Fire, is just for us Scaredy Cats and the more daring folks among us. I practically bum-rushed the poor folks in line at the post office to open my copy when it came in the mail and am proud to say that she used a few of my beads in one of her projects!
As with ceramic glazes, you can use Mason Stains to tint clear or white enamel, which would make it very versatile in my studio! I have done a few  projects with my enamel set and love the colors! Oddly, my favorite enamel colors to work with are white and nut, great neutrals for adding color to but perfectly shabby chic on their own. This book isn't just a tutorial but a gorgeously inspirational jewelry book with much more that strait forward enameling techniques. I am itching to try the etching and heat riveting techniques!

Perfect for my copper rings!

 Yes! That is a teeny tiny enameled head pin in that giant rock! 
 Torch enameled "s" hooks. The enamel is beautiful plus is smoothes any rough cut edges and fuses the openings!


Playing perfectly with ceramic, glass or metal, enameling is perfect for when I am looking for another handmade element to add to my designs and adds another great too to my ever expanding tool box. Barbara is as generous with her information as she is wonderfully creativity! Thank you Barbara! Here are some other stops on the Book Tour...

Mary Jane Dodd, October 6 www.mairedodd.blogspot.com 
Gaea Cannaday, October 7 www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com
Linda Larsen, October 8 www.objectsandelements.typepad.com
Andrew Thornton, October 10 www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com
Lori Plyler, October 11www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com
Diane Cook, October 12 www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com
Lori Anderson, October 13 www.lorianderson.blogspot.com
LeAnn Weih, October 14 www.summersstudio.blogspot.com
Jen Judd Velasquez, October 15 www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com
Melissa Meman, October 17 www.melissameman.blogspot.com
 Lisa Crone, October 18 www.abeadaday.blogspot.com
 Shannon LeVart, October 19 www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com
  Cindy Wimmer, October 20 www.sweetbeadstudio.com
 Laura Twiford, October 21 www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com
 Erin Prais-Hintz, October 22 www.treasures-found.blogspot.com
 Jennifer Cameron, October 24 www.glassaddictions.com
JUST ADDED! October 25, Sharilyn Miller, http://sharilynmiller.blogspot.com/

You can win a copy of Barbaras Book from my blog and other prizes from other blogs, here's how...

We'll have prizes throughout the book tour plus a grand prize at the end! The more you spread the excitement, the more chances you have to win some of the goodies our bloggers are giving away!

Leave a comment at your host's blog and become a follower = 1 chance.

Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post (the original Virtual Book Tour post)  = 1 additional chance.

While you're at Barbaras blog, if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.

So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway.  A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at my blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.

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!


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




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!"
at

42 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 7, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    WOWZERS, this is the perfect pair- the enamel and the ceramic ! I'm in love!!!!

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  2. vdumasOctober 7, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    These pieces are amazing.. I love the ceramic look. Are the s-hooks durable? I can't wait to try making a few of my own. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. KristiBowmanDesignOctober 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    Everything is so beautiful!!! Love enamel paired with ceramic!!

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  4. ClickNCameraOctober 7, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    Enameling is a perfect accompaniment for your amazing ceramic pieces! Love it!

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  5. Lynnea BOctober 7, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    I love Painting with Fire and have been including enamel pieces in my work for about 2 months now!

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  6. Laura TwifordOctober 7, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    As a host myself I can't enter the giveaway but wanted to comment on those s hooks, very cool indeed! The idea of combining ceramic with enamels is a perfect match!

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  7. UnknownOctober 7, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    I am a scardy cat too and you made it sound so easy and fun. Your use of the technique is awesome.

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  8. CinderOctober 7, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    More and more inspiration in every blog on this "book tour". I am now a follower of you blog and look forward to seeing your beautiful pieces.

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  9. RebeccaOctober 7, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Lovely pieces, thanks for the inspiration, I'm now a follower of your blog.

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  10. AnonymousOctober 7, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Fantastic - thanks for the tip about Mason stain

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  11. AliceOctober 7, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Love the copper rings and the hooks! The colors of the enamel are just gorgeous.

    I'm already a follower of your blog.

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  12. jessememanOctober 7, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    I love those hooks! Yet another thing you do with torch-fired enamel!

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  13. In the Light of the MoonOctober 7, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    I am so relieved to hear that I am not the only scardy Cat!!!hehee..Everything looks so beautiful and I am so inspired to try this.Warmest Regards,Cat

    I am now a follower so please add me to this generous giveaway!!

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  14. bludawgdesignsOctober 7, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    I love the soft, shabby chic look of your jewelry! It so pretty. Thanks for showing us other things to be done by torching with fire.

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  15. Barbara LewisOctober 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Our mamas also told us not to run with scissors, but we do that too! LOL Your work is wonderful! I love the S hooks! And, guess what, I just started enameling ceramic beads. No kidding! You might wonder why enamel them when you can glaze them, but you get immediate feedback. You can let the bead cool for a few seconds and if you decide it needs more, back into the flame you go! Can't wait for you to try this!

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  16. JackieOctober 7, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Oh I think I'm becoming VERY INSPIRED, I can't wait to start using enamel with my pieces.

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  17. CSOctober 7, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    This technique gives such awesome results. I too am a scaredy cat but just maybe... I am inspired!

    I will become a new follower of your blog!

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  18. CindyOctober 7, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    Gaea, what a perfect combination - ceramic with enamels. Truly creates an all-handmade piece! :-)

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  19. LottieOctober 7, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I love the combination of your ceramic beads with the simple enameled clasp. And the rings with enameling are wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  20. LuniLadiOctober 7, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    I have the book but won't have a chance to start because of prior committments! Oh My! Enameling on ceramic!! Who would have thought?!
    Oh this blog hop is just SO exciting. Thanks for the yummy eye candy and inspiration!
    Doreen aka LuniLadi

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  21. Courtney BreulOctober 7, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I love what you did with the clasps! And the ring! Love.

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  22. RosalynnOctober 7, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    I think I will have to save a copy of each of the blogs for inspiration and ideas. I am a huge fan of your beads and now have some wonderful ideas of how to use enameled components to set them off. Thanks for sharing your experience for the fraidies. I am definitely one of them, but I am now encouraged.

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  23. DorisOctober 7, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Love the idea of enameled hooks. That's something I have to try son. And those rings - gorgeous!

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  24. Jennifer CameronOctober 7, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Lovely work! I adore how you took the techniques and made them your own and it's obvious you're having fun. However, if you're playing with fire, how can you NOT be having fun? LOL!

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  25. MoOctober 7, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    LOVE love love the combinations!!! I hadn't thought about enamel sealing connections... hmmmm.... ;-) Happy fire-play! ~ Mo

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  26. Sally AndersonOctober 7, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Boy, do I love this stuff! Those hooks are great. Wonderful colors. Love this blog hop, too!

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  27. CynthiaOctober 7, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    I really love that little enameled head pin in the big rock - so unexpected!
    I have the kit and am itching to get started.
    I'm already "a follower"!

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  28. CarleneOctober 7, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    I already have the book and am a follower, but just wanted to say how much I love the enameled hooks! What a clever idea.

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  29. susan berkowitz, slpOctober 7, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Love the enameled hooks! What a wonderful idea.

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  30. LindaKOctober 7, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    I make lots of hooks but never thought about enameling them! They are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your work.

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  31. moonlitfantaseasOctober 7, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    I have had her torch firing kit since last January, and wwas afraid to use it till I actually had a class with her, which I just did last Thursday!!! Now my work area is all set up and I am having so much fun! L ove the idea of enameled s hooks! too cool!

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  32. Amy FOctober 7, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Love those clasps!!

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  33. ThoughtfulhandsOctober 7, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Love the clasps they look gorgeous on that bracelet.

    This is the coolest tour...

    Was already a follower.

    Theresa

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  34. CaroleOctober 7, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I am also a fire coward but have actually nerved myself up to fire up a torch. I'm new to enameling but am excited about all of the possibilities. I've become a follower too.

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  35. megapeg51October 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    So much beautiful creativity, my head is spinning!I can't believe we are only on day 2! Everything is gorgeous.

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  36. Debora MauserOctober 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    its obvious that knowing ceramics and adding enamel is going to be succesful for you. I think one of the best parts of the book tour is being exposed to all these new artists

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  37. ChristineOctober 7, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Your enameled hooks are amazing! Love the rings, too!! I'm going to have to follow the book tour to see the other fabulous artists!

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  38. Shannon ChomanczukOctober 7, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I love those clasps and your ring bands are to die for.
    I am a follower, of course :-)

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  39. A Crafty LawyerOctober 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I love how you've used the enamel in unexpected ways.

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  40. Shoshana from The Art CornerOctober 7, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Lovely work I really like the bezeled piece:)

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  41. DeborahOctober 8, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    I love playing with fire and metal - adding MORE color and texture with enamel makes it even MORE fun!

    Thanks so much for this giveaway!

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  42. KayzKreationzOctober 13, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I guess I missed the review in time for your giveaway, but I love your review. And those torch enameled s-hooks are great.

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