Bullfinch & Barbury ~ Handmade Enameled Goods

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!

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!

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!

• Be a Fan on Facebook - Bullfinch & Barbury
  

• Twitter about this post


• Blog about this contest and link back to this post

Holiday Cache Giveaway

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

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

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

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!

Thank you so much, Anda!!!

Here's another variation on the East Indies color scheme -- this time with a little extra saffron and marifold yellow tones as specified by Missandrony (who, by the way, rocks). I think they turned out very nicely and look good when displayed on an obliging asiatic lily.