Wednesday, January 26, 2011

This is torch-fired enamel? Yep...

How would you like enamelwork in the shade of a ripe papaya ... or maybe the dusty color of a faded rose ... or how about the green of the Caribbean?  It’s possible and so much more.  




Everyday I’m grateful for my degree in Fine Arts where my understanding of color theory is crucial to designing new enamel colors. Knowledge acquired while pursuing a concentration in ceramics has led to an understanding of how oxygenated and reduced flames are an enamelist’s best friends. Torch firing can produce remarkable results that are only possible by manipulating the atmosphere of the flame ... making it either reduced or oxygenated.  
I love working with transparent enamels to accentuate the details of filigree beads by allowing the enamel to pool in the recesses of the bead. While a color swatch is a good start, it does not tell the whole story ... the depth of color ... its richness. Many of swatches are of colors we have created ... so you won’t find them on the Thompson Enamel color chart. Just know that as beautiful and sensuous as this color chart is, our finished beads are even more beautiful!

This is only part of our color chart ...






Here are a few things coming from our studio that you might like!

"Grunge"


Fused and reticulated sterling on etched copper


"My House or Yours?"





"Little Sayings"




"Sweet"


"Tequila Sunrise"




The Queen and Eye



Thanks for visiting!

8 comments:

Artisan Beads Plus said...

These are so incredibly cool! It makes me want to get right to torching this weekend! Awesome!!!

mairedodd said...

these are fabulous barbara - it really is so incredible to see the variety of effects you are able to achieve...

Alice said...

They're all so lovely! The colors are gorgeous! thanks for sharing.

DArsie Manzella said...

Learning enameling is on my life's to-do list. You are an inspiration to me with these awesome techniques~

Barbara Lewis said...

Alice, Thank you!
D'Arsie, You won't believe how easy it is and since you're melting things already, it should naturally to you! LOL

Holly said...

Barbara, as always, these are gorgeous! I can't wait to have a few hours to play with my enamels one day....

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

These are fantastic - so many different effects that I didn't think you could do. Oh, to be able to take one of your classes. That is my goal!

Anonymous said...

SO cool, Barbara!!!!! LOVE "grunge"!

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