Today it's my turn to participate in Barbara Lewis' virtual book tour! Sixteen people review Barbara's book "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry - A Workshop in Painting With Fire". At the end of the review, you'll get to download a FREE tutorial, and learn how to win some pretty mega-awesome prizes.
Barbara and I have known each other for a couple of years. I've taken her class (twice) and she's visited my home, where I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of her book before publication. Let me tell you, the book is eye candy for the beading soul. I can also tell you, as a veteran of two of her classes, that even for a class klutz like me, the pieces are quite doable.
Yeah. Photo from two years ago. I have my finger in the bottle of water because even though I'm smart enough to not touch the bead while it's in the FLAME, I'm apparently not smart enough to not touch the bead if it falls onto the TABLE. So remember that, m'k?
Seriously, though, touching hot beads aside, and whether or not you choose to make your own beads (which is actually simple to do) or buy Barbara's beads (which is also quite simple to do), you can make the beauties in Barbara's book. They'll also help you envision your own unique jewelry, and send you on your way to an entirely new way to design.
Now here's the free tutorial!
Click here to go to the page for the download for the
"Harem Bracelet" tutorial.
(The download is clearer than just viewing it online.)
(The download is clearer than just viewing it online.)
AND, you can WIN a full kit for the bracelet
by leaving a comment on this blog.
(An extra point for a Twitter, Facebook, or blog post.)
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
October 7, Gaea Cannaday
October 8, Linda Larsen
October 10, Andrew Thornton
October 11, Lori Plyler
October 12, Diane Cook
October 14, LeAnn Weih
October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez
October 17, Melissa Meman
October 18, Lisa Crone
October 19, Shannon LeVart
October 20, Cindy Wimmer
October 21, Laura Twiford
October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz
October 24, Jennifer Cameron
To thank you for following along, Barbara has 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 (and the necklace you see below)! You'll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!
 |
| Floral Cascade |
But, that's not all!
For a chance to win the Grand Prize ... a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience at www.paintingwithfireartwear.com) ... please leave a review of the book at Amazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review ... the book must stand on it's own merits.
 |
| Torch Firing Kit ... with everything you need but the gas! |
Thanks for playing along!
P.S. Unfortunately, Barbara has to restrict the giveaways to U.S. residents. Winners should contact me with their name and address through her website www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!
Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and wrote the blog An Artist's Year Off. She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene and is the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.
wow. that looks so fun. I'm tempted to buy a torch.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of this tour. What beautiful things, and thank you for the free project. I'm becoming a follower of your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun giveaway for a beautiful bracelet!
ReplyDeleteThis is on my short list to learn, when can I
ReplyDeletecome for a visit and play?:) Hope all is well!
Lori, you are so funny! When people ask if I use Chris's torch, I tell them that putting me with fire is not a GOOD idea! I was fortunate to visit with Barbara in Tucson this spring. Lovely woman, gorgeous beads!! Hope I win the kit!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute photo of you, but where's your pink hair?
ReplyDeleteI'm a klutz, and a dork, so I'm guessing there would have to be medics in the classroom, or at least a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Love the bracelet!!
I have this book on order and an dying to try out this technique. If it takes much longer to arrive (are you listening amazon?) I'll have to order the kindle version!
ReplyDeletetoo funny!!! I just ordered more stuff from Barbara look forward to playing more. And I'd love to win of course ")
ReplyDeleteI have this book on order (in fact it's been on order for the last few weeks, are you listening amazon?). If it takes much longer I'll have to buy the kindle version. Must remember iPad and fire don't mix.
ReplyDeleteA good lesson to us all! I would love to win this kit, it is so cute and fun...enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteLOL, your finger in the water bottle reminds me of me. I took one torch class, and was smart enough not to touch the glass while it was in the fire, but if it started falling, I kept trying to catch it. :( This looks like so much fun, though, I'm really tempted to try it. I love her things.
ReplyDeletei get more and more tempted each day to break down and get the whole kit and caboodle. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance.
I just tweeted about your review and giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/KayzKreationz
Just posted on my facebook page about the Book review and tour and giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://facebook.com/KayzKreationzGlassKreationz
Looks like fun - something I think I should try!
ReplyDeleteI am in love, the bracelet is so beautiful. I have downloaded my free copy. Thank you Lori and Barbara.
ReplyDeleteHey...don't touch hot beads! I dropped one and kind of said OH SHOOT a few time trying to figure how to pick it up. Love the sari silk in your prize! colors are so yummy.
ReplyDeleteNice post...and love the kit.
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelet kit!
ReplyDeleteI have a torch and enamel. All I need now are some beads to paint with fire!
Can't wait to get started!
You make it look like fun!
I'm following your blog.
(Thanks for the project)
I took Barbara's torch firing class at A&S in Hampton this year. Oh so much fun! And yes, the beads are hot when they fall on the table. I found that out too!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to have time to break out my torch I even bought a full can of gas!
ReplyDeleteYou are just adorable Lori, even with your finger in the water bottle :-)
You look so happy in the photo - sorry you burned your finger, tho! I have Barbara's book, and I bought her kit. When I find a suitable place to set it up in my house, I hope to have as much fun as you seem to be having (without burning myself, or the house!)
ReplyDeleteI posted on fb!
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out the tutorial when I have more time. Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have got to get a torch! This just adds one more reason.
ReplyDeleteThe flame calls to me....
I love this photo of you...you are truly in your element! Great tour we are on...thanks for letting us join in on the fun. Your Harem bracelets are F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.!!!
ReplyDeleteBlissful beading dear...
Oh Lori leave it to you to cause yourself injury and still produce gorgeousness! I really like your part of the tour. Hey it's been a while and I am totally loving the hotter pink hair! Rock on Sista!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all these gorgeous enamel pieces. It's something I'm really wanting to try!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to try out the harem bracelet. Thank you for your generosity - and your beautiful eye candy! What fun! Now I'm away to find you on Facebook... ~ Mo
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet looks like so much fun to make. I'm loving this tour and was so happy to see you were participating. Love your blog:)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of both yours and Barbs blog.
What great happy and fun stuff here on your blog:) love the photos of the antique stuff. I'm here thinking oooo I could use that and that and that .......:) great bracelet thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteReally love that torched Fired enamel! That book is on my wish list. Her beads are gorgeous! You look like you are having fun. I wasn't sure about the torch, but now seeing you with one...it doesn't look too bad. Would love to win a kit!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really cool, and I'd love to win the bracelet kit!
ReplyDeleteYou know Lori,I started this blog hop really nervous about handling a large torch,but everyday I am getting more and more confident.Thank you for helping me face my fear.By the way your new profile picture is wonderful!!Hugs,Cat
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warning, I'm one who would try to stop a bead from "getting away" and likely burn myself, too! :D I bought the book for my Kindle, so I don't get the color pics (unless I'm reading it from my iPhone, then it's mmmmmmMMMMMmmmm!) and I haven't read the whole thing, yet, but what I have read it SO easy to follow and she makes it a conversation. You don't feel like you're being talked AT, but being talked TO (if you catch the difference). Can't wait to finish and write a review on Amazon!
ReplyDeleteLooks like (even with a burned finger) you were having fun in class. And the torch set up - from that angle - doesn't look so intimidating. Will have to work with husband on setting this up in the garage pdq.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I've mentioned it on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to go -got the book and supplies but really need a clamp for the torch on the table.The book is delicious!
ReplyDeleteLoved your blog, we have a lot in common. Thanks for being on the tour. I love the new creative things I am seeing.
ReplyDeleteLast comment for today: I blogged about the book, the blog tour etc.
ReplyDeleteWith each blog on the tour, I learn new things. This is definitely something I needed to learn. Can't begin to count all the burn scars I have from curling irons, hot pots, etc! Thanks so much for your giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour. I am now 'following' your cool blog!
ReplyDeleteYou look too cute Lori. Great information and the tutorial is awesome. That kit sure would be great to win :>
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Theresa
I love the harem bracelet! I also know how hot the beads are! The mandrel gets hot too if you get in too much of a hurry to start another bead! I am posting a link to you on Fb for my friends!
ReplyDeleteyou know, two of my fingers are still healing up from picking up a bead that fell off the mandrel and on to the floor at the class I took with Barbra at Art and Soul Portland.....but I haven't dropped a bead since, and I have been enameling every day since! it is so much fun! I sure would love to win the harem bracelet kit, it looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteLori, you have inspired me to give this torch fired enamel a try. I love your giveaway. I find Barbara's book so inspiring and just beautiful to look at. I have a fear of the flame but now I know enough to bring a tall cool drink along for relief should I need it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to always be able to laugh at yourself. I want to meet you and have you for a best friend.
I have been very intrigued by that book! Thank you for all the great info and also all the fun giveaways!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win all those beady goodies!
ReplyDeleteThe Harem bracelet is so fun - this book tour comes with so many fabulous ideas! Thanks for the chance on a great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteHave never heard of this technique but am eager to learn more about it. Sounds fascinating although I'm a little worried about the heat! Am a klutz sometimes! Pleass count me in! Although I live in the Philippines, I have a US mailing address. Thanks! Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Lewis and her husband at Bead Fest Philadelphia. Lovely people. I would love to win the kit since I am not allowed to play with fire.
ReplyDeleteI got my copy, now I just need the city studio to finish remodeling & start classes again, come on Spring!
ReplyDeleteLori, I am also a finger in the bottle of water girl. I can not tell you how many times I have put my fingers on something hot - oven, studio, bbq - you name it and my fingers are all over the stuff you shouldn't touch.
ReplyDeletei so love this picture of you! and don't feel too badly, i do dumb 'reaching for hot metal' things too...
ReplyDeletePick me! I want to learn how to do the enameling
ReplyDeleteWhoo-hee look at those glorious colors in that bracelet! Thank you for the tutorial:) I have everything except the gas to start doing this. Scardy pants I am that I will have to stick MY finger or boob or something in ice water!!
ReplyDeleteThe Torch Fired Virtual Book Tour is like no other I have ever seen.Just more and more awsome artist.This Bracelet is so happy ! Lori you have a wonderful eye with color !
ReplyDeleteIt's all so pretty! Love the colors in the bracelet. I would really love to learn this technique!
ReplyDeleteHolding your finger in a bottle of water is very clever my friend! xo
ReplyDeleteThe finger-in-the-water-bottle photo makes me feel better about entering, because I, too, am a huge klutz. I once burned a hole through my shoe when I was taking a metalsmithing class in college. If that wasn't enough to convince me that maybe this wasn't my thing, I also repeatedly broke saw blades... and stabbed my hand with the broken pieces.
ReplyDeleteI don't have to saw anything, right? Because I really would like to learn enameling!
Lori - I can FEEL your fun looking at that pic! Even with the sore fingers ;) Beautiful - you, the beads and the bracelet! ~~T
ReplyDeleteThat was a blast - Barbara's class in Reston. I remember how excited she was talking about just signing her contract...and now the book is a reality! I treasure my first beads from her class and was just looking at them the other day!
ReplyDeleteI posted on my blog ~~T
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely on my list, to play with fire. But I would definitely need a lesson, not attempting that on my own. I've burned my hair and eyelashes and that was not even during crafting so I'll play it safe this time.
ReplyDeleteelahnah@aim.com
Oooh, that looks like a blast! (even with a burned finger... that is saying something!)
ReplyDeleteFB'd https://www.facebook.com/SoulsFireDesigns
and Twittered
http://twitter.com/#!/SoulsFireDesign
Ouch! (and I've done it too while soldering) Love that bracelet project, so pretty :)
ReplyDeletethis makes it look so 'easy'...i'm sure it's more of a learn while doing skill that i just might have to light up and try! thanks for the chance to win the kit, too~
ReplyDeleteLove the bracelets you made! Gorgeous! Also I am now a follower of your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome giveaway! Thank you. I am so tempted to learn how to do this myself!
ReplyDeleteTweeted this! http://twitter.com/#!/LindaLandig
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have been able to take classes from Barbara herself. The more I see, the more I want to try it too.
ReplyDeleteI love Barbara's work and am so tempted to get into enameling- MUST resist!! Someone has to buy the beads form her correct!!! that does not mean that I cannot get the book however!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove LOVe!!!!