Barbara LewisTorch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire

I will be straight up from the get go, I am writing my review because I was made aware of some VERY negative reviews on this book that had little to do with the book itself, but were more a character attack on the author. I almost never write reviews because I am too busy doing artistic, creative things with my life to bother with spending my time writing about my opinions online. My husband and I have bought dozens and dozens of books from Amazon over the years, but I don't think either of us has ever left a review, until now!I became aware of Barbara Lewis in 2011. I joined her Ning group before I ever bought her book because I was so intrigued by the technique she was teaching. After discovering I could use the equipment I already had as a lampwork bead maker, I was extremely excited to get her book and try this technique. I have years of experience working with a torch and glass and found her technique to be fairly user friendly, but not without a learning curve. I believe anything worth doing is worth putting effort in and if it's SO easy that it takes NO effort at all, it's not likely to be something I would want to keep doing. I make and sell my own jewelry designs, so I like using techniques that are interesting and exciting, but not the kind of thing you can run down to Micheal's and pick up all the supplies for and make in a weekend. I like true art. That which takes time to perfect, but is fairly accessible from the start. I believe what Barbara teaches is just that. You can be successful on your first bead, but it does take time to learn how to master all the subtle nuances of enamels.I think Barbara does a wonderful job of explaining the basic technique in this book and then builds upon it in the projects in the book. Any book of this size has it's limits as to the content of information it can contain. Some knowledge in any art/craft book is always assumed. A good book will never be the same as taking a class in person, but a good book will certainly teach you what you need to know to get started in a subject. I don't believe this book claims to be an exhaustive study on the subject.I have found Barbara to be extremely accessible. She participates in the online website she has set up to be a supplement to this book, which ANYONE can join. There are also a ton of wonderful people active there as well, who are normal, everyday people, willing to help with problem solving should you have any questions. I have NEVER bought any other book on any subject that came with a built in community to support it!I am always sad to see when people think it's OK to attack a persons character online. It's far too easy to hide behind a computer and the anonymity that brings you. Barbara Lewis wrote a book, she's also a real person with real feelings. I wonder if that is taken into consideration when a person sits down behind a computer key board to type up a "book review", and ends up attacking the person who wrote it, questions their motives and character.... I know I wouldn't like it very much if it were done to me. I think we need to remember our humanity a little more often when behind our computers.

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.

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

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.

Yes I was pleased with the amount of information this book supplied. You can also find Barbara Lewis classes on Craftsy. She gives the same class as this book, having the book is a nice way to have all the instructions to fall back on!

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.

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