The last project in Barbara Lewis new book, Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry uses one of my bronze branches and a bitty porcelain bird. The birds are actually quite special to me. I think most of us have memories of awkward, lonely, or even painful moments in our childhoods. I know I do, mostly of those lonely times where I just didn't seem to fit very well in the world. I started making these birds at a time when I was missing my Nana a lot, even though she's been gone for a very long time. You see, my Nana was always there for me and I was like the little bird with ruffled feathers that she would smooth and make right. I always feel peaceful when I make these birds and it reminds me of those times when my quiet soft spoken Nana had just the right words to make the sun shine in a little girl's world.
I was so pleased when I first saw a photo of how Barbara used the bird in her project, Wings of a Dove. It's a lovely happy piece, full bright cheer and sunshine. But best of all she gave the little bird it's own etched and enameled home.
One of the things I love most about torch-fired enameled pieces is how versatile they are. They combine so well with many other mediums from bronze to porcelain, jewels to pearls. I think the only limit is your imagination. The other thing I love about this technique is how you can either use a commercial component or create your own as a base for the enamel. And then there are the colour options, again only limited by your imagination.
Barbara's book is beautifully illustrated and everything you need to know to get started is there, including 22 projects that take you through her innovative techniques step by step. I feel quite confident that everything I need to learn this technique is right here in this beautiful book. It is so much more than a project book. It is a spring board for your imagination.
To celebrate Barbara's new book I'm giving away a bronze branch and aqua birdy like those in Wings of a Dove. At the end of the day, 10 pm EST, a winner will be randomly choosen from comments on this blog post.
But there is more!
Here's a list of the other hosts on this virtual book tour:
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://sharilynmiller.blogspot.com/
October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com
October 25, Sharilyn Miller, http://sharilynmiller.blogspot.com/
And there are more prizes!
This is what Barbara has set up for you:
"We'll have 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!
Leave a comment at your host's blog and become a follower = 1 chance.
Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post (the original Virtual Book Tour post) = 1 additional chance.
While you're at my blog (Barbara's), if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.
So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway. A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at my(Barbara's) blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.
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!
Leave a comment at your host's blog and become a follower = 1 chance.
Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post (the original Virtual Book Tour post) = 1 additional chance.
While you're at my blog (Barbara's), if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.
So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway. A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at my(Barbara's) blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.
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!
For a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience at www.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!
P.S. Unfortunately, we have to restrict the giveaways to U.S. residents. Winners should contact me with their name and address through my author website:
www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!"
41 comments:
I just adore your bronze branches and the sweet litte birds. How wonderful that these little birds bring back precious memories of your Nana.
HI LeAnn!! Very cool that you are one of the participants in Barbara's book tour! I love the branch and bird! And that project in the book is so sweet!
I follow your blog. I love your little birds and branches. And the story behind the birds is so great. Nice way to remember your Nana. All the reviews on this book have been really inspiring.
Just tweeted about your review and the giveaway and the book. Thanks.
http://twitter.com/KayzKreationz
What a great giveaway! Love the little birdie! Sign me up!
This little bird a so sweet and the branch is beautiful too. I've been a follower of your blog for awhile and love your work...enjoy your day!
The "Wings of a Dove" project in Barbara's book is one of my favorites.
I love the history of your doves! Very sweet.
I am a follower of your wonderful blog.
I just love your blog and love the branches you make. I'm determined to try this project in Barbara's great book!
That was my favorite project in the entire book. I love your branch and bird.
Thanks for taking part in the book tour.
I am a follower.
what a sweet give away! I love your little birds, and how they have such special meaning to you!I would love to win the bird and branch components!This virtual book tour has been so much fun to follow!
LeAnn Love your little doves and the meaning behind them. I like what Barbara did with your branch and dove it is a very sweet necklace.
I have been a follower of yours for a little while now and I just became a follower of Barbara's blog.
Therese
Your review is awesome and the prize is so incredible. I have so been wanting to make a necklace with birds. I sing "Three little Birds" to my son every night!
I love your little bird!
thanks for the chance.
leann, your little birds are so evocative of your feelings... there are other little birds to be had, made with other hands... but yours are so pure and sweet... i have a necklace of my own inspired (interestingly) by my grandmother when i was missing her... the focal was completed the day of her memorial - less than a week after her death... and it was your work that i reached for...
i am so glad that one of them (and you) got to shine in the book...
LeAnn, thank you for sharing your lovely creations in this giveaway. Your story about your porcelain birds is touching. It reminds me of just how long the impact of important people from our past stays with us. I have enjoyed your work and your blog for some time. Your porcelain and bronze pieces were the perfect compliment to Barbara's work.
This book looks so interesting, and I love your little bird and branch!
What a wonderful story :) I've always loved your birds. And the little house Barbara created for your little bird is amazing!
I'm a follower of both yours and Barb's blogs.
What a great story about the emotions that create your birds! Thank you for sharing that with us. It's amazing how the simple things touch us most and create beauty.
I love your little bird and the story. I just became a follower and know I am going to enjoy your blog.
Your bird and branch look great in Barbara's necklace.
I am now a follower of your blog, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I win!!
Those are just too stinkin adorable!!!
I follow your blog!
I love this bird on a branch and thank you for the giveaway. I would love to win it!
I'm already a follower (and a follower of Barbara's too). Thanks.
It's amazing how birds always seem to soothe your soul. What a lovely story thank you for sharing.
I had you in my favs but now am a follower.
P.S. Sure would love to win those great pieces :>
Theresa
Your pieces are so beautiful and this made a lovely addition to this amazing Book!!Thank you for a a chance at this generous Giveaway!!HuGS,cAT
So lovely Miss LeAnn! Your style is unmistakable! I love that these enamel pieces pair so well with all different mediums and finishes. And the colors make me swoon!
Enjoy the day.
Erin
Your little bird is adorable and after reading about it's origin, becomes even more special.
You little birds are so cute, but the story is what really touched my heart. I miss my "granny".. she taught me so many things, mostly how to give love freely. Thank you for bringing her to me mind today!
And thank you for being part of the tour. Going to go 'follow' you now!
You KNOW I love your work, I have photos to send to you, and I LOVE Barb's work too - I have my copy of the book and love the piece she made with your stuff! Thanks for the chance to win!
What a sweet post LeAnn! My grandma was very special to me also. We both know I love your little birds but how did I miss this wonderful branch??!?!? (Although yesterday I was thinking it was August-soooo...)I'm crossing my fingers!!!
I had a wondeful Nana like that and I still miss her to this day.
Sweetest little birds and branch that I would like to win!
Thanks so much!
I follow you~~~~
I tweeted~~~~
I adore your bird and branch! They are so gorgeous and really make a statement!
I have Barbar's book and I look aty it constantly for inspiration. The book is relly amazing!
What a precious story. It makes the bird so special, cause we can all relate to those feelings. Thanks so much for such a lovely giveaway!
I love your Nana story. My Nana is gone now too, and oh how I miss her. Her name was Betty Bird - isn't that something - your story and your little birdies are very special!
P.S. I am now a follower.
I love your work, Leann, and I especially love the synergy created by this virtual book tour. I am a big fan of Barbara's and now i have a new artist to follow!
Hi, I love your cute little bird and branch! I hope I am not too late to enter, I stopped by your blog earlier and read it and added myself to your followers list, but then forgot to leave a comment! Also I am on Hawaii time : )
Aloha,
Kari
How wonderful that Barbara used your bird and branch for her book - what an honor to be included. Your birds have always been one of my favorites of your ceramic creations. They're even more special learning the inspiration behind your pieces - thank you for sharing!
I love the story behind the little bird - I have a thing for little birds myself! XO
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