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| photo via Craftsy |
Making enamel jewelry has been on my to-learn list for ages. A couple of years ago I picked up a paperback copy of Torchfired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop In Painting With Fire by Barbara Lewis. While I've enjoyed looking through it, I tend to get a bit intimidated by new techniques and have yet to give it a go. I find it easier to approach something new through either live lessons or video workshops. Lucky for me Craftsy.com recently added a Barbara Lewis video workshop to their stable of fantastic classes!
If you've been around here a while, you already know how much I love Craftsy. They offer a variety of creative classes in everything from jewelry making, fine arts and quilting, to cooking and woodworking.... and lots in between. All workshops are all in an easy to follow video format, with hours of information. You also get a supplies list, access to virtual classroom where you can ask questions of the instructor, and a money back guarantee! Once you purchase a Craftsy class it stays in your "library" forever, allowing you to access it on your schedule. By the way, this is NOT an affiliate post; I am not receiving compensation. I just love Craftsy and am super excited to share this new workshop with Artsnark readers!
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| photo via Craftsy |
For a limited time Barbara's 7 video workshop, Torch Fired Enameling, The Immersion Method is available for $14.99. Click here to check it out. Normally it costs $29.95. And if you are the lucky winner of my upcoming random drawing, you can get it for free!
Yep, I just said "Free"
To enter this awesome drawing: Simply leave a comment on my blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 11/16/14. That is it - easy peasy! Please feel free to share this great opportunity with your friends. However, I'm not going to make you jump through any social marketing hoops to get your name in the hat. (Just make sure your contact info is somewhere in your profile. If it is not, add an email address to your comment so that I reach you if you win.) The lucky winner will be announced on the blog Sunday Nov. 16th.
So, I had a fun "small world" moment the other day. I bought this workshop, since I recognized Barbara's name from my book and knew it would be good. But I did not realize that her business, Painting With Fire Studio, is just across the bay in St. Petersburg, Florida! And we both have online Etsy shops! Hers is BarbaraLewis.Etsy.com. We are both on the Tampa Bay Etsy Crew, and I think I've seen her name pop up in the chats, but I never put two and two together until this week.
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| Image via Barbara Lewis |
After reading Barbara's blog post about her new Craftsy class (see excerpt below), I sent her a message about sharing the post with you fabulous folks... and that is how this new Thursday Giveaway prize came about! So, many thank yous to Barbara, for sharing her expertise and this fun opportunity for one fortunate crafter! And thank yous and hugs in advance to all who enter; your interest in these random drawings is what keeps them coming.
Here is a snippet from Barbara's Oct 31st blog post about her new Craftsy enamel jewelry class:
Lesson 1:
We're going to start with learning all about the different types of enamels (transparent and opaques, 6/20 enamels, threads, etc.), the types of metal you can use, including how to shop for brass, the setting up of your workstation, assembling the torch & safety tips, lighting and using your torch.
We're going to start with learning all about the different types of enamels (transparent and opaques, 6/20 enamels, threads, etc.), the types of metal you can use, including how to shop for brass, the setting up of your workstation, assembling the torch & safety tips, lighting and using your torch.
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| photo via Craftsy |
Lesson 2:
I'll introduce you to enameling iron beads, how to troubleshoot your results, how to blend transparent enamels to create new and exciting colors, how to create a tri-colored bead.
I'll introduce you to enameling iron beads, how to troubleshoot your results, how to blend transparent enamels to create new and exciting colors, how to create a tri-colored bead.
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| photo via Craftsy |
Lesson 3:
We'll work with steel wire to create a gorgeous link: form it, how to fire a larger piece, and the importance of flame annealing.
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| photo via Craftsy |
Now - this is just a peek at the first three lessons. There are 7 in all, so click here to read the rest of Barbara's post: "So, what's in the Craftsy class, you ask?" For more info on Barbara Lewis and Craftsy follow any of the links below... Just remember to leave a comment before you go to enter the drawing!
Painting With Fire Studio
Painting With Fire Artwear blog
Painting With Fire Facebook Page
Barbara Lewis on Etsy
Barbara Lewis books on Amazon
Barabara's Enamel Jewelry class on Craftsy
Craftsy.com - all classes
This looks a little more complicated - I'm not sure I could do it but it would certainly be fun to try!
ReplyDeleteI love Barbara's work, have her 1st book and look forward to taking a class one day :)
ReplyDeleteI sooo want to try this!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait, hope I win, love her work.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome giveaway :) Love the immersion technique!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a neat technique to try! I'd love to get a chance to try it out!
ReplyDeleteI have Barbara's first book and would love to win a chance to do her Craftsy class
ReplyDeletekdowns8@cfl.rr.com
Been gathering my tools up for this!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway, and looks to be an excellent class!
ReplyDeleteAwesomesauce! I would love a chance to learn from the master. I bought my enameling kit from Barbara. Includes a written tutorial, and I've seen a few short videos of hers on you tube. But oh would this be a marvelous opportunity. Thank you pyxeestyx@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to take this class! I took a class there with Rachel in person when we were on a visit to FL. I want to learn more! Alleycat1975@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to take this class! Have it on my wish list for January....
ReplyDeleteI love barbara's books and i love craftsy. So excited to be able to take classes at home on my ipad. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteBarbara is an amazingly talented lady, and she is also an all around lovely lady! I have a great deal of respect for her and all her accomplishments! What a dynamic duo… Barbara and Craftsy!
ReplyDeleteI have had Barbara's book for a couple of years now but I've been hesitant to try out the techniques. Mostly because I learn better via video. So I am very excited over the prospect of wining access to her class!
ReplyDeleteI have the torch, the enamels, and some of other tools but have only been lacking in the courage and confidence to actually give it a try. LOL. I need this class to get me going! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteAm a beginner so would dearly love to win this class....I need it! thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI recently moved to Arizona. My studio is almost up and running. I have wanted to do torch firing enamel for ages. Would LOVE to have a free class to start with:0)
ReplyDeleteI have her book... would love to win the class to expand my skills... thanks for the chance and opportunity...
ReplyDeleteI love her work and would love to learn this at my own pace I have some cold jewelery class thru Craftsy which they are great place to host this workshop class I am excited for the chance and opportunity to learn more about enameling and how to use a torch fire techniques.
ReplyDeleteI've tried Barbara's technique with a friend. We had lots of fun and more tips would be be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is wonderful. I would love a chance to take Barbara's class
ReplyDeleteI have done kiln enameling and am very interested in torch enamel. Hard to attend workshops, I live in Prescott,AZ
ReplyDeleteBarbara is a wonderful and generous artist. I love her books and am so glad she introduced me to this terrific technique!
ReplyDeleteI love fire, metal, glass and Craftsy. and I dig this technique! Hope I win!
ReplyDeleteI have amassed all of the materials needed to do this technique. All I am missing is some courage and instruction.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Lewis in the Craftsy lineup is a great marriage. They have an amazing lineup of very talented artists.
ReplyDeleteFingers and toes are crossed as I'd love to win this class.
This class sound wonderful! I have Barbara's book and videos, and I'm looking forward to this class. I've purchased several Craftsy classes and they are all excellent.
ReplyDeleteI would really love to win this class. I have a hot head torch and one of Barbara's books, but I haven't done any torch enameling yet. This class may be just what I need to actually get started.
ReplyDeleteI worked with this method when I bought Barbara's book a few years ago. Then I got very sick. Now that I am on the mend winning would be the perfect motivation to start again!
ReplyDeleteKstaudt@fuse.net
Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous class.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway and Barb's classes are always fab!!!
ReplyDeleteI have Barbara's books and would love to take the Craftsy class!
ReplyDeleteBarbara's work SINGS out enjoyment, fun, comfort and "being in the moment" ...Talk about "statement" pieces! One way or another I WILL learn her techniques!
ReplyDeleteI love her enameling. I already got the class but would love a chance to win and perhaps 'gift' it to my sister or friend.
ReplyDeletekaythomerson(at)hotmail.com
I have both of Barbara's books and I soo want to learn how to enamel like her. Way cool pieces. Love, love, love her work.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this class! I have been playing with torch enameling since I received Barbara's book last year and I am still have trouble in some areas-this class would help a Ton!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this class. I have been wanting to learn how to enamel for years!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway! I already do kiln fired enameling and have tried torch fired enamel with some success but need some instruction to be able to feel confident in the process!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear about the craftsy class.
ReplyDeleteI love the torch firing method....Barbara's books are great!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely on my "to learn and to create" list...thanks!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
ReplyDeletemichael at michaelgage.co.uk
Always love to learn more skills outside of my box
ReplyDeleteI have all the equipment - now I need a class from Barbara! Love enameling!
ReplyDeleteSo, cool that you reached out to her and that responded. Enamel jewelry so beautiful the colours and the light playing together. Enjoy your class.
ReplyDeleteEWian
This type of jewelry is really beautiful. I would love to learn it! theeema@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEnameling used to be hard, tedious, and scarey. Barbara made it easy, understandable, and fun! Thanks, Barb.
ReplyDelete