Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 13: Finale, part 2!

Lesson for the week: “Details create the big picture.”  ~ Sanford I. Weill

Read More – Spoilers! Project Runway, Finale part 2

Artist: Jean Hutter
Business name: Totally Twisted
Location: Lakewood, NJ and Lake Ariel, PA

Websites & Blogs:
Jean Hutter
Jean Hutter Beads blog
Totally Twisted etsy shop
Totally Twisted 1000 markets shop
Jean, how do you describe your work?
My work is constantly evolving and changing. I would describe it as eclectic – a little of this and a little of that.  I enjoy beadweaving, bead embroidery, stringing and wire work.  I started with wire hence the name Totally Twisted. I don’t work with wire as much any more but I think the name still fits me. I see my work evolving to include more natural and found objects …read more

The good folks at Artbeads are one of the suppliers who  occasionally send me different beads, pendants, and other products to allow me to create projects to share with all of you.  Now they’re offering a wonderful special that you can take advantage of directly!  From now until December 31, 2009, Artbeads is offering 10% off any order if you will use the special coupon code that I’ve got posted below.
Since shipping is always free in the U.S. and is only $1 to Canada, this special offer is really worthwhile.  Artbeads has a wide selection of beads, findings, and other …read more

Aida Chemicals, the folks who brough us silver Art Clay, have thrown their collective hats into the ring, introducing a new copper clay with a simpler firing schedule, less shrinkage, and NO MESSY CARBON NEEDED for firing!!

I am thrilled to hear it.  I love the CopprClay that I’ve worked with, but it will be lovely to have one that’s a bit easier to fire.  Even as we speak, artists in the UK are testing it out and tweaking the instructions for its use.  They’re also experimenting with torch firing, something that is impossible with CopprClay.  One downside is that it …read more

Using the cute little beaded flowers that I showed you a couple weeks agao, plus a few more styles, I fashioned a floral necklace that I named for my mother: RuthAnn’s Garden. RuthAnn has an absolutely magic touch with flowers of all types, and her garden is always a riot of colors from the earliest spring to the lastest fall.
The focal flower on the top of the piece is styled after a hibiscus, modified slightly (but only slightly!) from the excellent instructions given by Kerrie Slade in the April 2009 issue of Bead&Button Magazine.
For my general instructions on bead embroidery, …read more

I found Kelly Martin’s website recently, and loved the clean classic lines of her work.  You can visit her at Sparkle By Kelly.

Kelly writes:
My inspiration comes from many things but most of all from nature. My colour scheme usually comes first when planning a piece. Keeping my pieces simple and wearable for my clients is very important. Not to say the pieces don’t have impact because that is equally important. Many of my ideas come to me when I’m sleeping, just as I’m drifting off – so I either get up and start my plan or …read more

BlogTalkRadio is a social radio network that allows folks to create podcasts without any special equipment other than a telephone and their computer.   Listeners can subscribe to shows that interest them.

I came across BlogTalkRadio because I was doing a search on jewelry business topics, and the show 15 Minute Craft Website Tips came up.  Nicolette Tallmadge is the creator of this podcast series, and I definitely suggest that you give her a visit.  Some of her recent topics are comparingyour own website vs an online gallery site, getting more traffic, and using Facebook.  Good stuff here…check it out!

Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio:
Setting up a table at a craft can be daunting, but Lorelei put together a perfectly Vintage Chic display that will hopefully lure people in.

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
In the spirit of the season, whereby “you can get nything you want” as in the famous Alice’s Restaurant song by Arlo, you can get some fascinating things at Andrew Thornton’s store. Great for holidays to come!
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using a hand-painted Russian pendant from Artbeads.com, Andrew creates an enchanting response to Art …read more

Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 13: Finale, part 1! Everyone’s a winner this week!

Lesson for the week: You’ve got to pay attention to copyright issues.

Jewelry artist: Paula Huckabay
Pacific Jewelry Designs
All of Paula’s gorgeous designs are handmade with exquisite care, and with very few exceptions, these designs are not repeated, so if you see something you love on her website, you need to move quickly!
Papaya Lampwork Bracelet
A beautiful combination of lampwork beads and hand wire wrapped Swarovski crystals make this gorgeous Autumn toned bracelet a must have. It measures 7 1/2″ and is certainly one of a kind.
Vert et Rouge Necklace
Green and red, yes, but not so simple as that!  This exquisite necklace has the gray green of patina mixed with deep wine/brick reds …read more