Bullfinch & Barbury ~ Handmade Enameled Goods

B&B's Blog Has Moved!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Things might seem a bit quiet around here . . .

Please check out Bullfinch & Barbury's new blog!!!: http://bullfinchbarbury.wordpress.com

Thank you so much for reading!!!

Sneak Peek: Unabashed Apparel's Preview Picture for Fall/Winter 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:49:00 +0000

There's nothing like a little glimpse into the future - especially if it reveals the hauntingly beautiful feel woven together by Sarahbeth Larrimore of Unabashed Apparel!

This snippet of winter's spell is part of the Fall and Winter line for 2011, featuring a completely new collection of Bullfinch and Barbury bangles made to evoke the same lonely, graceful effect as seen in this image. Sarahbeth orchestrated a varied collection of talents to bring this line together - in addition to bangles, Necklaces and Earrings are by Lauren Haupt Jewelry, Handmade Chairs are by Domus Aurea Woodworking Studio, Makeup by Serenity Eyre, Photography by Jana Busbin . . . and of course, clothing by none other than Unabashed Apparel.

The future is looking quite captivating!

Holiday Artisan Fair 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:30:00 +0000

My friend Sunny has coordinated a Holiday Fair again this year at her home in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The emphasis is on hand-made wares and organic edibles for people and pets . . . don't forget pets! Things are still in the organization process, but I plan to be there from 8 AM to 2 PM with all sorts of lovely enameled jewels to try on and check out.

My two planning objectives for the day:

Somehow find a way to keep some hot tea on hand all day long

Buy a reliable CD/MP3 player and play Edith Paif and Django Reinhardt (and later use it in my studio, so it needs to be one die hard CD player to withstand all of the enamel dust and metal grindings!)

Come and see me :

October 9th 2010 - 8 AM to 2 PM

375 Byers Rd

Chester Springs, PA 19425

POTENTIAL SELLERS: Please contact me if you would like to join us! It's $25 per table/vendor.

Looking Ahead to Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:12:00 +0000

It's still balmy . . . especially when I fire up the kiln on these 90 degree July days . . . but let's talk Autumn anyway.

I have been plotting out some new enameled treats, and ordered some new and unexpected color combinations for Fall for a spin on the classic yellow, orange, red and brown. Here are some of the early ruminations for what's in store for Fall.

Impressionist Bangles - Van Gogh

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:45:00 +0000

I'm very excited about these bangles! Vincent Van Gogh has long been one of my favourite painters and I think that his style translates well into enamel. The saturated tones of his work and the extraordinary use of contrasting color and shape draws an immediate response from the viewer. There is an emotional content in Van Gogh's work that resounds far beyond the subject matter. Who else could make a Cafe seem so charged with tension - or a night sky appear so hopeful and caressing and tranquil?

Van Gogh was actually considered a failure in his lifetime, and suffered from extreme anxiety and mental illness. He was very close with his brother, Theo, and though his letters, much insight into Vincent's life was preserved. Vincent once explained that painting eased his anxiety and relieved his depression - and from looking at his later paintings, it is clear that Vincent was optimistic and concentrating on a healthy outlook. Many of his paintings from this time incorporated swirls - like the clouds in Starry Night.

It was only after his death that Van Gogh's work became recognized as a foundation for modern art. His peers later described his work as "genius", and when you peruse the list of most expensive paintings ever sold, Van Gogh's "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" is in the top five.

The Starry Night bangles were made using watercolor enamels and crayon enamels. Both of these are applied like a person would use any other watercolor or pencil, but are fired into the surface just like a powdered enamel. The addition of rutilated quartz cabochons by stone cutter Greg Genovese, brings out the golden, glimmering effect of the 24 Karat gold foil stars.

The next set in the works is Monet's Waterlilies . . . Do you have a favourite Impressionist that you would like to see in bangle-form? Please leave a comment with your suggestions!

Holiday Giveaway Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:48:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who entered the Bullfinch & Barbury Holiday Giveaway! I have the names of two winners, provided by RANDOM.org's true random number generator.

The winner of the Bit of Merry Giveaway is: Melissa Moore

Melissa was number 81 out of 95 entries - she is getting a set of Wexford enameled bangles and a Cranberry Spice Enamel and Pearl Necklace!

The winner of the Holiday Cache Giveaway is: Jamie Waggoner

Jaime was number 6 out of 29 entries - she is getting the Somerset enameled bangle set and a Somerset Damask Enameled Necklace!

Thank you again to everyone who entered!

Happy Holidays!

Swan Lake Winter Scene

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:41:00 +0000

This lovely hand-colored swan print from the 1850's caught my eye while browing through Etsy the other day - and suddenly inspired a whole winter scene of elegant clothing, chilly hues and ruffled finery.

Circa 1850 Bewick's Swan, Black Necked Swan Art Engraving

Slinkymalinkicat Vintage Prints

Norma Sequin Headband

LiveInStyle

Gray Ballerina Series - Part 2

clairelafaye

Dreamscape Fine Art Photograph

Serinissima

She-Shells Giftbox

eveartdesign

Vintage 1970's Gold Fringe Necklace

Thrush

Black and Brown Cloche with Two Vintage Buttons

yellowfield7

Spiral Pleats Dress

emilyryan

I had to include this custom bangle set designed by Kitty - she asked for a mixture of sage and cream shades, and the result was lovely!

Holiday Handmade Jewelry Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

In honour of the holidays (and B&B's birthday on December 3), I've made some extra jewelry pieces to be awarded at random to fans of Bullfinch & Barbury. There are two different giveaways - which means more chances to win some lovely enameled prizes!

So, read the details about both giveaways below and enter. Best of luck!

A Bit of Merry Giveaway

WHAT YOU WIN: Wexford Bangle Set & Cranberry Spice Necklace

WAYS TO ENTER:

Be a Fan on Facebook - Bullfinch & Barbury

Twitter about this post

Blog about this contest and link back to this post

No purchase is necessary for the Bit of Merry Giveaway - this contest is open to everyone! Please leave a comment to let me know which one of the above options you've done. You get one entry for each option you complete. This means that you can get up to 3 entries by completing all three. (And pretty please - include a contact e-mail so I can reach you if you are the winner.)

DRAWING: December 18th @ Midnight

* * * * * * * * * * *

Holiday Cache Giveaway

WHAT YOU WIN: Somerset Bangle Set & Somerset Damask Necklace

HOW TO ENTER:

You are automatically entered when you order from http://www.bullfinchbarbury.etsy.com/ or http://www.bullfinchbarbury.1000markets.com/.

Every item ordered counts towards 1 entry, so orders with multiple items will get an entry for each piece.

DRAWING: December 18th @ Midnight

The winners will be announced here in the very first hours of December 19th - the winners will be contacted personally.

Most Wanted for Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

At this point, I know I have well over 30 pages full of "hearted" Etsy favourites. You would think that I would learn to curb the habit - but instead, I've decided to spread it (to you)!

Thanksgiving is coming, and it seems like all of the latest items I've added to the annuls of my Etsy obsession play perfectly into a kind of survival kit for the season.

This handmade casserole dish by Glazed Over is almost to pretty to fill with food - but what a perfect gift for the Thanksgiving host/hostess/head chef. Bringing it filled with whipped sweet potatoes with some caramelized apples on top would score even more points (in fact, I might just invite you to my place for Thanksgiving). Of course, if this lovely dish were mine, it would be coming back home with me - but for you generous souls, it really is a nice way to say "thanks"!

For the drive to visit relatives that live a distance away, a soft, hand-spun skein of yard like this Sand Stone merino and Llama blend by On The Round comes in handy. Rather than staring out the window, you can try your hand at knitting or crochet. Yet, I've found with so many of these yarns that they are too much a work of art just as they are to knit them into anything. The solution: more and more scarves and cowls out there have a multi-strand appearance that you can create just by making some large loops of yarn and securing them all together in several spots.

This cloche is made in Italy by Monjio Creations. I like to envision myself wearing this as I travel to the exotic locale (Delaware) of this year's Thanksgiving dinner - alighting from my 1920's Bentley roadster, with a little Italian greyhound under one arm (etc., etc.). It would be lovely paired with a light tan, trench-styled coat . . . unless, like me, you don't have one. Then it's just a doubly good excuse to get a light tan, trench-styled coat.

I'm not entirely aware of the hidden powers of mint - but this Gentleman Wolf Tea from Bittersweet Apothecary sounds like a perfect sort of teasan for after a big meal. Plus, the packaging is fantastic.

This one needs no explanation. Sister Cat slippers by ing00te . . so cute . . . perfect for sudden bouts of relaxation brought on by tryptophan.

Eliza and Axel's gorgeous Beatrice Tee also finds its way into my Thanksgiving revelry as well - though maybe just too nice to chance spilling gravy on. This needs to be saved for seeing a movie or going out the Friday night after Thanksgiving. Top it with a wrap sweater - or maybe just a light, long sleeved shirt underneath.

Just a Glimpse - New for Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Here's a first look at some of the new, frost-inspired jewelry pieces I'm working on for winter. Hopefully, these will be in my Etsy shop by Nov. 1 (which is coming up fast)!

Retirement of Some Old Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

In order to make room for fresh colors and designs, some older bangle sets and necklaces will be having their final hurrah! That means that once they are gone . . . they are gone! I wanted to make sure that there was one last chance to snag these pieces before the holidays.

Here are the latest cuts:

Turkish Delight Bangles

Candied Fig Bangles

East Indies - Calcutta Bangles

East Indies - Sumatra Bangles

East Indies - Tibet Bangles

Rust Fleurette

Sugar Fleurette

Saffron Fleurette

I'm making sure that there is at least one of each of these items on both my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops - but don't miss out! If you've had your eye on some enameled goodies that happen to be on this list . . . my only advice to you is carpe diem!

Some new pieces of arm candy will be taking the place of the past favourites - not to mention a few more necklaces and earring sets. An entire collection of pieces inspired by frost will be offered in my Etsy shop starting Nov. 1st! All of this new line of work is enameled in trendy palette of greys, nudes and white - with lots and lots of creamy, luminous pearl accents.

(I think a few sneak peaks are in order, since I am very excited about these new lovelies.) More to come!

Artist Collaboration with Unabashed Apparel!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Witching Hour Wrap / Ribbon Candy & Steel City Bangle Sets

Poor, neglected blog! Here's a post that should reflect how I've been spending my time (because it's probably too clear that those extra hours haven't been devoted to writing on here)! Just in time for Autumn, I was invited to create some new bangles to pair with a line of Fall fashions from Unabashed Apparel.

Circe Crossover Top shown in Quill paired with Nimbus Skirt shown in Heron / Citron Spice Bangle Set

Sarahbeth Larrimore is the creative, color addict responsible for designing a collection of clothing that is saturated with rich tones and sumptious details. Her designs are certainly inventive - and not without a bit of bohemian flare - but still give a nod to the classic lines and forms that make each piece feel timeless.

Circe Crossover Top shown in Smoke / Ribbon Candy Bangle Set

The images of this Autumn line are laced with a gilded type of Gothic beauty - and a haunting touch of mystery. So perfectly suited for the time of year and my personal favorite of all the holidays: Hallowe'en! When described to me, Sarahbeth summed up her vision as:

"The general theme is a very magical - rich, saturated colored affair. I'm thinking some deep ink bottle green, midnight blue, orchid, raspberry, pumpkin - and some steel blue/grey with a bit of gilt for golden measure."

Lyra Top shown in Ink

Steel City Bangle Set

Cobblestone Pullover shown in Quill / Emerald Bangle Set

I met this marvelous artisan through Etsy, where I got my first sampling of her work: a lovely raspberry colored layering top with lacey accents. That top has such a supple, delicious feel against the skin - it has made it's way into some of the photos of my other jewelry.

Making these bracelet sets to pair with Unabashed Apparel's Fall clothing has been such an enjoyable and inspiring project. Please take a look at our hard work - and share your thoughts here!

http://www.unabashedapparel.etsy.com/
http://www.bullfinchbarbury.etsy.com/

Trunkt and 1000 Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:23:00 +0000

I am slowly (but surely) setting up shop on 1000markets.com and trunkt.org. Both are packed with beautiful finds - perhaps it is taking me longer than usual to get all the details hammered out because I am too busy perusing all the other listings! Take a look:

From quejimenez

From delightworthyn

From dye diana dye

(Who could resist?!)

1000 Markets is as the name suggests - a series of well-curated collections of goods; each market has it's own unique and overarching theme or style. One of my favorites is Bohemia Espirt. Pardon my graphics fixation - but isn't the banner pretty???

Custom Jewelry Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Hurrah for custom orders! Here are a few of my favorite commissioned pieces.

P.S.: if you recognize one of these as your's, please feel free to send a photo of you wearing it so that I can include it with these! My e-mail: bullfinchbarbury@gmail.com

Emperor Dragonfly Pendant / Pin

Luna Moth Inspired Bracelet Set

Rainbow Bracelet Set

Labradorite Inspired Bracelet Set
(oh . . . bad camera phone! The auto-focus can't be turned off!)

Woodland Bracelet Set

"Spot On" Bracelet Set

Is It Time For a New Look?

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:29:00 +0000

I love beautiful shop banners and graphics - and though I'm no graphic designer, I have fun trying out new designs. Yet, when it comes to making a decision on which one I should use, it's usually best for me to leave that up to someone else! I need to borrow your good taste : which of these is most fitting?

Choice #1:

Choice # 2

Or Choice #3

Please share your opinion here!

My New Shop : Lia Bowen Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:46:00 +0000

It has taken a while, but finally I have been amassing some new work! I took some time out from creating enameled pieces to start a new line of sterling silver jewelry with hand-painted miniatures. I can't wait until I get some more of these pieces made, so the that collection will feel a bit more complete.

Check out these pieces in my new Etsy shop Lia Bowen Studio !

New Hand-Made Bangle Sets for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Here's a few of the newest bangle sets from my Etsy shop. I was in the mood for spring - but the weather was quite the contrary when these photos were taken. After every shot, I stepped indoors and held some hand warmers, but still, those goosebumps are unmistakable!

An Etsy Favourite : SugarSpoon

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:59:00 +0000

On the chilly night that first opened the box containing this set of hand-crafted earrings from SugarSpoon, I remember being instantly enamoured. I could not have imagined just how intricate and eye catching these earrings were until I saw them for myself! They were cold in my hands from spending the afternoon in the mail box – and they were as light as a pair of snowflakes.

Heather Beauchene is the artisan behind all of the sweet delights that SugarSpoon has to offer. Perhaps the most striking aspect of Heather's jewelry is just how fine each bead is – apparently smaller than any currently manufactured. Each unique set of earrings is crafted from antique seed beads ranging in size from 18/0 to 22/0 per bead (the smallest currently made is 15/0). "I love to work with colour" says Heather, "And the tiny seed beads have given me the chance to do that with out having to set gem stones. I've been using them since I was a teenager."

Heather is a graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design and is currently taking some time away from her job as a bench jeweler and jewelry designer to spend time with her new baby.

Each set of earrings in SugarSpoon's shop is a hybrid of rich, textural color and an artful homage to organic, nature-inspired forms. The set I was given reminds me of delicate, pink coral branches – though a much more tasteful and eco-friendly version of the coral jewelry that has become so fashionable in the past years.

As sugary sweet as this Etsian's style might be, the obstacles Heather has overcome reveal her adamantine spirit. Part of her time away from her jeweler work will be used to help her recover from a tumor. Heather described her illness: "It made me very sick and made my bones dissolve... I'm sort of like the glass man from the movie Amelie right now."

Heather has quite a few plans for the months ahead - "I'm planning a new jewelry line using lots of colour and texture. Weight training to build up my bones again....and lots and lots of Mommy-Baby time!"

Check out Heather's Etsy Shop: SugarSpoon

(and keep an eye out for her new line of wearables!)

Want more info about this Etsy Favourite? Check out Heather's blog: Sweet Sugar's Spoon

Holiday Craft & Artisan Fair - Chester Springs, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:09:00 +0000

This Saturday (Nov. 1), my friend Sunny has organized a craft and artisan fair at her house in Chester Springs, PA! I've made a ton of new items just for the occasion - including some new necklaces that I am really excited about.

Another local Etsier will be there as well: LoveleePrint! I am excited to see her hand-made greeting cards in person!

On top of my Halloween Dinner Party, this might be a great, big bite of the more-than-you-can-chew - but it's sure to be a fun way to get a head start on holiday gift shopping!

I will be there - though I can't guarantee that I will be entirely conscious (and I might even still have my Marie Antoinette costume on from the night before)!

Tagged!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:30:00 +0000

Finally, I am getting to respond to getting "tagged" by one of my favorite Etsy artisans, CelesteFrittata! If you are a fan of goregous typography, fine craftsmanship and unique wrappings, you will also love her! Check out her beautiful Bottega on Etsy and her blog full of cool finds, interviews and techniques!

Here are the official tagging rules!:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, 7 random, weird facts (I don't think you know what you are in for!):

1. I love movies made prior to 1950 - I adore silent films or very, very early talkies, where the dialogue is all crackly. "M" with Peter Lorre, Bringing Up Baby with Katherine Hepburn and the Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart are my favorites!

2. When I was 14, I was an apprentice at a musical instrument repair shop - I worked on stringed instruments like violins, violas, cellos and guitars.

3. Ever since I was 5 or so and saw David Bowie in the Labyrinth movie, I have had a crush on him. I watched it at my neighbor's house and I can remember immediately falling for him. Shhhh! That's a secret!!!

4. I write down my dreams and try to figure out what they mean.

5. Initially I went to university for a concentration in Illustration (I wanted to write and illustrate children's books), but I came out with metal/jewelry arts instead! (But, I have a children's book in the works that I hope to get published for my nephew and niece!)

6. I love unusual names - my pets get the brunt of this. My cat is named Evelyn Camille Manchester III, while my two Lionhead Rabbits are named Artemesia and Lalique.

7. The studio that I make my work in is a carriage house / stable from the early 1800's and is said to be haunted by a ghost horse named Red Boy. Often the clicking and thumping from the hot water pipes sounds like a horse kicking the walls of his stall or stamping his hooves impatiently!

And now my choices, I'll tag some people who I really admire:

Abigail Percy

T8Designs

SabineAJewelry

Asymmetry

StreetNoodles

SugarSpoon

Pamma La

B&B Featured in Some Brilliant Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:30:00 +0000

I had to take a moment and write a post about some of the wonderful people who have recently featured B&B in their equally wonderful blogs. Some of the turns of phrases and generous compliments have had me blushing for weeks.

Scoutie Girl : This blog is devoted to digging up the latest finds from indie artists and designers. Lisa (a.k.a. Milkshake) flags all sorts of fresh finds, and wrote an awesome article about B&B, loaded with photos.

Ophelia Golly : Pamela Buckley in Doylestown, PA (my favourite haunt) has a blog full of beautiful finds and ideas - and all with a 1930's intrigue to them. She wrote a really sweet post about my work. Thanks, Pamma!

CelesteFrittata's Blog : I am a huge fan of Chiara's beautiful hand-made books. One of the Etsy treasuries that I curated hit the home page with one of her lovely books in it. In response, she wrote this post with details about the artists included in the treasury as well as a few items from B&B.

A huge grazie to them all!

"Found" by the Storque

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:11:00 +0000

For the casual Etsier this post title might sound a bit bizzare (but just to set the record straight: no, I am not expecting a child). The Storque is a portion of Etsy's website that features articles about trends, artists and the latest Etsy "finds". The Storque has about 17,500 e-mail subscribers currently and is an excellent way to stay in the loop.

In an article written by Etsy admin, Anda, my Limey bangles were featured alongside the work of many other talented artists. Anda pens: "Bangles are a wardrobe essential to me. I feel nervously under-dressed if I leave the house with empty wrists." I second that notion! As an antidote to bare wrists, Anda provides a long list of lovely items (including my bangles! Hurrah!).

Where can you find the Storque? On Etsy's home page, at the very bottom (below the featured artist and most recent additions), there is a que of Storque article headlines and photos. Or you can find it by clicking on the "Community" tab . . . but here's a link to make matters easy!: The Storque

Here is the full article on bangles:

Thank you so much, Anda!!!

New Bits and Bobs

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:29:00 +0000

Here are a few new things that should be listed in my shop soon! (Please note the "should"!)

Etsy List: Sunshine by MissBird

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:59:00 +0000

This list is beautiful - I love the warm shades and gorgeous photography for the pieces picked by Esty user MissBird. Included is my Red Mini Cattleya boutonniere styled pin. (And right next to it, is a marvelous pendant by Asymmetry . . . which from the photographs is clearly not only beautiful, but has been meticulously fabricated!)

Take a moment and enjoy!

Esty List: Spice Route Colors by HerGypsySoul

noreply@blogger.com (Lia @ Bullfinch and Barbury) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:04:00 +0000

HerGypsySoul has put together a lovely list of handmade "must-have"'s in various spicy shades. She was kind enough to include my East Indies "Calcutta" bangle set, as well as some other awesome items, like this pattern by YearoftheGoat for some funky leg-warmer-esque footwear.

If you have a moment, check it out!