Friday and My First Attempt at Painting with Fire!

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!

Tuesday....already?

Exactly where did the 3-day holiday weekend go??? Went way too fast...and it was way too hot and humid.  I spent most of the time in my basement creating - or at the computer editing pictures.  In fact, the last few weeks have been too hot for me...and it is still May!  ugh....Anyway, this is what I have been up to lately...

My mother is extremely stylish...the shoes match the purse, the necklace matches the blouse, etc. She has a beautiful outfit with a very deep pink and black pattern.  I did not want crystals, I wanted something different.  So, I searched for some gemstones and found these absolutely gorgeous gems at Lima Beads called Rhodochrosite.  Incidentally, anytime I order from Lima Beads, my order is received within 3 business days - usually 2!  They are awesome!  I made her this necklace, bracelet, and earrings to wear with her outfit.  I accented the beads with two gorgeous bronze beads from Summers Studio, a stunning bronze clasp by Lesley Watt, and brass beads. 

These earrings are made with porcelain tiles by Marsha Neal and teardrop beads by Unicorne.

More earrings, with tiles by Marsha Neal, lampwork beads by Kelleys Beads, and sterling poppy headpins by DaisyChainExtra.

Sweet, summertime bracelet with beads by GlassBeadArt, Mother of Pearl chips, and a cool, anchor connector by SuburbanGirlStudios.

My favorite pieces lately have black - not sure why - just looks so regal!  This bracelet is made with peeled paint beads by Jeannie, black lampwork beads by Leah Deeb, and gold filled accents.

This last bracelet features a stunning large focal by Marsha Neal, two stunning beads by Golem Studios, more black lampwork from Leah Deeb, and a daisy clasp from Daisy Chain extra.

Hope the weather is better wherever you are!  Thanks so much for stopping by!