I spent almost all day on Wednesday cleaning up my workbench. What a mess! So, what to do? I purchased Barbara Lewis' Painting with Fire book, and all tools, etc. necessary to enamel some beads. I have had this for ages.... I have read - reread - and reread again - the instructions, but just could not bring myself to light that torch! It's not that I am afraid of fire, which I am, I was just afraid of failure, I think. But, since the bench was all cleaned off, I decided it was time to try.
Although I did not burn any beads (yet), I need to practice A LOT MORE! I find that I am not getting the greatest coverage on the cones in particular. I did much better on smaller beads. However, I am loving the deep blue color on the large filigree beads. I have ordered more iron beads from Barbara and will continue perfecting this most awesome technique!
After playing with the enamel, I wire-up this pretty necklace, with gorgeous lampwork from GlassBeadArt:
I can't believe it is Friday already - time is going by so quickly lately. I hope you have a nice weekend and thanks so much for stopping by!
I know exactly what you mean about painting with fire! I have Barbara's book, was hoping to take a class with her at Maryland Hall when she was still here and never could fit it into my schedule, and now I'm still trying to talk myself into lighting the torch and trying it out! The fire frightens me too! I think your results are great considering it was the first time. Love your necklace, the lampwork is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great first attempt to me Patti - I need to get back at it too, I have a go and then leave it for weeks and that's no way to improve. That dark blue is gorgeous. Love the necklace - it's so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti,
ReplyDeleteI bought Barbara's book, but that is as far as I have got with enameling. Your first attempt looks very pretty. I really like the little blue beads. Your necklace is beautiful the big lamp worked bead is a gorgeous focal.
Therese