Thursday, December 29, 2011

Embracing Color...

Last year in Tucson, I took a workshop with the very talented Barbara Lewis.  I had a wonderful time, but was reluctant to put together my enameling workstation.  I had all the equipment, but there was just this mental block that prevented me from getting things setup.

When Barbara came out with her book, Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire, I simply couldn't put it down.  It's just full of beautiful projects and tons of inspiration!  I used it as a prompt (along with my "resolution" to complete projects) to finally get things put together and start enameling.

Above are the results.  I'm slowly playing around and testing out the various color combinations and the reactions to the flame.  It's my hope to build a recipe book and a color-wheel, so that I can recreate particular colorways.  It's very exciting and my brain is buzzing with all the potential things I can make!

15 comments:

Alice said...

Lucky you to have taken Barbara's workshop! I have the book, but I learn better in a class.

I look forward to seeing more of your enamelled beads!

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

Yay you! I've had my supplies for over a year a purchased Barbara's book a few months ago. I still haven't set up my station but hope to in the next couple of weeks while my daughter is on winter break!

Barbara said...

I've only experimented with friends and several times on my own and I'm jealous of your results. Just in my own tinkering, I'm having trouble getting my hands to manipulate the fiery bead to get the enamel to adhere consistently the entire bead. I can't wait until Barbara has her shop set up here in FL. I hope to take a day trip over there to learn from her in person!

Andrew Thornton said...

I think that one of the things that helped me out getting started was using smaller beads and working my way up to the big ones. I had tried to start out with the larger ones, but getting an even coating was tricky. I also think that the size, shape and fullness of the enamel containers I dip into also played a role in how even the coating turned out.

Marie Cramp said...

I think your results are way better than mine so far! lol It would help if there weren't so many little people running around the house, might get a little more practice ;)

Great job, love the colours you used :)

lunedreams said...

wow, you went to town!! looks great. hooray for breaking mental blocks!

Jenni said...

Your beads look fantastic, Andrew.will look forward to seeing your further adventures with the enamel.
Jenni

moonlitfantaseas said...

your beads look wonderful! I took her work shop last September, and had a great time......I set up my work station on my dining room table, and played with it for a couple of months, till the holidays and needed my table for holiday related things....so now I need to get it set up in a more permanent place, as I would love to play with fire some more!

Rebecca said...

They look beautiful, like sweeties, and I love the cut glass bowls holding them. Very tempting...

Crimson Frog Designs by Kinga Nichols said...

Such intense, vibrant colors! Andrew, it's such a pleasure to read about your beady adventures. May the new year bring you much joy, happiness and color!

SoulsFireDesigns said...

Wow! Look at you go, Andrew! Those look absolutely wonderful! It is amazing what a little inspiration and determination can do!

Unknown said...

Sometimes your soul has to be in the right place to experiment. :)

Sharon Driscoll said...

Incredible colors Andrew! Nice palette to work with.

Anonymous said...

How inspiring Andrew! & what scrumptious colors!

TesoriTrovati said...

These beads are like candy. You can't stop at just one! I just got Barbara's kit and the enamels a few days later due to a glitch. Now I need to find the time to set it all up and find a suitable place to do this. Do you do this outside? In your kitchen? in a workshop? I am curious. I have a studio space but I cringe at the fire. I truly need to take her class this summer. I hope I can get in at the B&B!
Wonderful results, Andrew! I look forward to seeing what becomes of these!
Enjoy the day!
Erin