Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Barbara Lewis Book Review

I have very exciting and fun news to share with you tonight...this post is part of a fabulous virtual book tour!

We are celebrating the release of a brand new book by author and friend, BARBARA LEWIS, called "Torch fired enamel jewelry: a workshop in painting with fire".

Let me tell you, Barbara has put her heart and soul in this book and it shows. Wow! First of all, the colors of her enamel work are amazing and the step by step photos make what could seem a daunting process look like something anybody can do just by following along. I am truly in awe of this beautiful book especially knowing the process and the work that went into it.

Barbara's artistic flair and eye for color and shapes are the things that stand out for me. I wanted to get a couple other opinions too so I asked one beader and one non-beader to take a few minutes to look through it. Here is what they said:

Beader: Wow, this looks complex! Oh, I see, it's the imperfection that makes everything perfect and artistic. Now it doesn't look hard, it looks like fun."

Coming from a perfectionist, I could feel the shift in her thinking. That was so cool!

Non-beader: "Intriguing/fascinating! Intriguing concept of painting with fire, made me curious. Equally intriguing photo of the jewelry on the book cover. I was truly fascinated by the detail, artistry and creativity displayed through both the pieces and the narrative. Colorful. Artistic. Makes me want to get in better contact with my creative self."

That was so much Fun! And now, on to the BEADS! Barbara was SO kind and sent me some beads to play with and to give away to you.

I made a simple bracelet with 3 enamel pieces and also have a batch to send to the winner on this post. (Just leave a comment by tomorrow night. See "HOW TO WIN" below).

I loved the open scrollwork on the large round bead and knew I needed it to sit up on my wrist. It reminded me of the universe and that's when the idea came together.

The key to the universe is appreciating the beauty around you which brings out feelings of love.

I had so much fun with this concept and thoroughly enjoyed wearing it today! Thanks Barbara!

HOW TO WIN: There are prizes throughout the book tour plus a grand prize at the end! The more you spread the excitement, the more chances you have to win some of the goodies our bloggers are giving away!

1. Leave a comment on this post within the next 24 hrs and become a follower = 1 chance.

2. Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post: the original Virtual Book Tour post = 1 additional chance.

3. While you're at Barbara's Blog, if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.


AND now, so you don't miss out on any of the blog posts in the virtual tour, here is the complete list, enjoy!

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com
October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com
October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com
October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com
October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com
October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com
October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com
October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com
October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com
October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com
October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com
October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com
October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com
October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com
October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com
October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

October 25, Sharilyn Miller, http://www.sharilynmiller.blogspot.com/

To thank you for following along, we will have a BONUS PRIZE at the end of the book tour! All of the entries will be included in the drawing for a kit containing all the elements of "Floral Cascade," one of the projects in the book. You'll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!
But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

For a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience atwww.paintingwithfireartwear.com) - please leave a review at Amazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review... the book must stand on its own.


Thanks for playing along! This is going to be a lot of fun!
P.S. Unfortunately, we have to restrict the giveaways to U.S. residents.

25 comments:

LindaK said...

Thank you for being on the tour! I am a new follower and I love Barbara's book. I love the bracelet you made with her beads!

justthecook said...

thank you for participating in this great tour. i think this is a great idea!. I like your bracelet! Will become a follower of your blog!!!thanks!

Carole said...

I am a new follower. I love what you did with the enameled beads.

moonlitfantaseas said...

I love the bracelet you made with Barbara's beads! Enamel beads are just so cool, and pretty. I am a follower of your blog

Cinder said...

Your bracelet is very pretty. Barbara's beads look good enough to eat!

I'm a new follower of your blog.

KayzKreationz said...

I've been waiting all day for your review and to see what you thought of the book. I love the bracelet you made with her beads, Key to the Universe. And I liked that you asked both a beader and non-beader what they thought of the book. I just ordered mine and am anxiously waiting for it.
I'm a follower of your blog, too.

KayzKreationz said...

Just tweeted about the great review and giveaway.
http://twitter.com/KayzKreationz

KayzKreationz said...

And I'm a follower of Barbara's blog, too. (Didn't know if I was supposed to post this here, too or just on Barbara's blog)

Creations by Kari said...

Love, love, love those beads- my favorite color :) Love the bracelt you made too! I hope I get to attend a class with Barbara someday- I have admired her work since I found her site a couple of years ago. And I am already a loyal follower of your blog, I loved the fun idea you had last year of challenging yourself with a bead a day- I tend to do a lot more shopping, and bead hoarding when I should be creating- so I could completely relate :)

Shoshana from The Art Corner said...

Cool bracelet, thanks for sharing and being part of this fun tour:)

Alice said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alice said...

I love the colors of your beads! Thanks for the chance to win them, and also for the blog tour!

Alice said...

I'm a follower of your blog, and of Barbara's blog as well.

Andrea said...

For me, the most important part of the book are easy to follow directions and great pictures. I am a visual learner and I get so mixed up with most directions. I end up giving up and figuring it out on my own based on pictures. Thanks for doing this virtual book tour and give away. My blog is incorrectly listed from this google id and I don't know how to change it. Its www.heavenlanecreations.wordpress.com

Cynthia said...

I just "followed".
The beads you got from Barbara are beautiful, as is the bracelet you made. They go great with the antique copper.

Anonymous said...

Awesome beads! I am a blog follower.

Milly Winter said...

Thank you for a most inspiring bog post and your kind giveaway. The beads look amazing and I look forward to the book

Cathie Carroll said...

I love that bracelet- the colors of those beads is amazing!

Lovely work!

Erin S said...

Loving this book tour, and I'd love to win!

Sally Anderson said...

Awesome jewelry you made!!! Love it!

sjhillis said...

You did a wonderful job with Barbara's beads!The tour has given me so much inspiration to start with the book!Thx

Off the Beadin' Path said...

I have always admired those enameled beads! I'm going to let all you young talented ones make them, though, while I buy them! I just have too many other skills to hone right now! Unusual bracelet and so clever, less is definitely better! Good work! I'm a new Follower too!

Nancy Markosky said...

I am a follower and have been enjoying following along on the book tour- very fun. I love what you did with the beads Barbara sent you.

Nancy Markosky said...

I am a follower on Barbara's blog too.

xl pharmacy said...

What a great review I wonder if you have more stuff form Barbara Lewis.