Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire

I pre-ordered this book in May and it was worth the wait! The book is divided into 2 main sections. The first section is dedicated to technique and technical aspects of torch fired enamel jewelry. The second section is dedicated to projects, but also includes several additional techniques not included in the 1st section. Information included in the tech section starts with a brief history of this particular enameling technique. The first technical aspect you learn about is what types of metal are appropriate for enameling, what colors to start out with (because there are SO MANY COLOR CHOICES!), how the colors interact with each other, appropriate method for using transparent vs. opaque, using the torch flame to advantage. That is just the beginning. Barbara Lewis also covers how to set up a proper workspace and the few tools you will need (not many at ALL!) and the most important tool, the torch. This technique does not require an expensive torch or an elaborate set-up. I will give you a little hint...the Fireworks torch can be purchased at Hobby Lobby. Use a 40% coupon and get it for a GREAT price. Included in the info about tools is a box titled Drill Bits Demystified which is incredibly helpful when trying to order bits or deciding which size you need to use for which size wire. There are two pages of how to torch fire beads with large clear photos and step by step instructions with tips sprinkled about to help you achieve success. The two pages after that include how to torch fire pendants and charms, safety, enameling tips, and a FULL page dedicated to troubleshooting. Following that is two pages dedicated to large clear photos and step by step instructions for torch firing head pins and twisty tendrils with great info and a warning to not skip a single step. Barabara covers etching copper, heat riveting, terminology, then basic jewelry making techniques before jumping into the projects. Let me just say, at this point in the book (the end of the techniques section), the book is an incredible deal. I took an enameling class with Susan Lenart Kazmer (which I LOVED and made some wonderful things) which cost me around $300 (probably more, but I don't remember for sure) and then I couldn't easily adapt the technique at home because my torch is stationary and the technique we used there required sifting enamel and being able to move the torch around. The last thing I want to do is try to move my lampwork torch around as there is not really a safe way to do that. Anyway, even though the book is a great value with just the technique section, there is still an entire section of the book dedicated to over 20 projects! The thing is, it's not just some ideas of how to string your enameled components. There are all kinds of metal working how-to's sprinkled throughout. There are tons of LARGE, clear, beautiful photos with step-by steps. Materials lists are thorough. Plus, I just love looking at Barb's work. The book really is beautiful. If you have any interest in enameling or using enameled components, you will love this book. I am completely fired up to try this technique.

Immediately upon reading Barbara Lewis's brand-new book, I can honestly say that I was all-fired-up (if you'll excuse the pun) to try my hand at her techniques. Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry is one of those rare art/craft books that actually delivers on the two most important qualities I look for: useful information and plenty of inspiration to fuel my own creative endeavors. I say "useful" because I was able to put Barbara's techniques into practice immediately, and I've already made several small pieces of enameled jewelry components without any experience previous to reading her book. I've really enjoyed making my own copper and silver enameled headpins, small disks, hammered copper washers, and metal beads. I've learned from Barbara's book how to properly set up a map-gas torch (butane will melt the enamel, but it turns all your colors into grey mush!), safety issues, types of enamel best for torch firing, and how to torch-fire enamel the metal itself. She also explains related techniques such as balling up wire to make a "heat rivet," how to etch copper sheet, and basic wire-working methods. From there, it's on to the project section, which is where I find so much inspiration. Barbara favors the trendy "messy metal-smithing" style that is so popular these days, so if you prefer perfect, pristine enameled jewelry (which is almost always achieved via kiln-firing), you are better off with Linda Darty's classic text, The Art of Enameling. But if you emulate the artists of today who are working in mixed media, alternative metals, fibers, daring color combinations and texture without perfection, you will be inspired by Barbara's book. For example, some of her metal pieces are deliberately cut into odd shapes, forged imperfectly, burnt, and appear to be a bit wobbly and off-kilter. I love it! You may or may not. A good example of this is the "Achilles' Shield" bracelet on page 48: A piece of metal is cut out with an organic shape, holes punched randomly, and torch-fire enameled in such a way as to deliberately cause the copper oxides to bubble up to the surface. This instantly creates an aged look to an otherwise brand-new piece, but enamel purists will point out that it is not perfect. That's the whole point! I LOVE this look, and after reading through Barbara's process I was able to achieve a similar appearance on some metal I've been working with. Another great thing about this book is Barbara's use of color. She is gifted in this area, and her brightly colored beads, baubles and jewelry components reflect this. She has experimented with overlays of opaque and transparent enamels to achieve various effects, and challenges the reader to try it too. She also incorporates other items into her mixed-media jewelry pieces such as yarn, leather, fabric strips, beads, chain, threads, brass parts, watch parts, nuts & bolts, even horsehair! If you make every project in Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry, you will not only learn how to torch-fire enamel. You will learn basic soldering skills, cutting and forging metal, texturing techniques, bead stringing and knotting, wireworking, riveting, dapping, even cutting fabric strips on the bias (useful for jewelry artists). To sum up, Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry is a content-rich resource, perfect for the home-based artist/crafter eager to get started in this exciting art form. I recommend it highly!

Mir gefällt die Idee ohne Brennofen zu emaillieren, allerding sind zu wenige verschiedene Modelle im Buch - daher nur vier Punkte.

Not only does this book cover the subject, but I also learned new tricks for using a dapping block, working with fabrics, and a heap of other things. It's packed with ideas. Some books you read once. Some you go back to again and again for inspiration. This book is the second kind.

El libro es estupendo, con buenas fotos y buenas explicaciones. Spoiler: esta técnica sirve solo para abalorios y piezas pequeñas. Si estais pensando en esmaltar cosas mayores, no os sirve.

Inspiring And motivational, definitely recommend this book for somebody just beginning into firing I congratulate the author on a great text thank you

A beautiful book full of inspiration and delight. Some great dreamy projects and eye candy while at the same time full of useful info and technique. I love it and it has definitely made me into a fan of Barbara's work.