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

The challenge: Show your 13 piece collection at Bryant Park and win the whole shooting match.

At last, the long anticipated event is aired.  Because of law suit delays, many folks already knew how this show turned out, but I made it my business not to pay any attention or read about it until now.  What I can tell you is that it turned out exactly the way I predicted by mid-season.  Much as I wished for a Carol Hannah win, I was certain that wasn’t going to happen.

Of course at this point, everyone who gets to show has a wonderful opportunity to be able to follow their dreams.  So they don’t get the prize money or the title; they get the exposure and the contacts.

Irina’s collection, although nothing that I would wear (I’m too old and not that into black), was perfection.  Michael Kors’s rather dismissive comment that we’d seen the “warrior woman” before was off-base: this was neither a warrior woman, nor was it something we’ve seen before.

The weakness of the collection is its inability to photograph well, but if you were watching closely, you must have been as staggered as I was by the details: the wrapping, the weaving, the tucks, the texture, the shredding, the tee shirts, the hats, the bags…details, details, details.  Amazing.  Attention to detail at every level imaginable.  Irina deserved the win.

I can only imagine what the other judges must have said to Michael off-camera

Images: MyLifetime.com

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 – I would also like to start using fabric in my jewelry.

What is your creative process like?
Well I usually work on one thing at a time and I like to know what I may be working on next. I have a list of things I would like to try or make and I sometimes pick from the list, other times I just jump in and see what develops from random beading – kind of like doodling with beads.  I hardly every draw out an idea or a design – just pick up the beads and go with it.  I do have some idea of what I want the finished piece to be – not that I always achieve success – I have had a necklace turn into a bracelet and vice versa.

I work on an old computer desk and I like to have lots of room to spread things out so I can mix and match. I usually work in small blocks of time – I am not a marathon beader – my eyes and back can’t take that anymore.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I am a fine artist and I paint large abstracts on canvas. I have been doing artsy things for as long as I can remember. I started looking at making jewelry about 4 years ago as a “nice little hobby”, something to do in between painting. I took some classes at my local bead store, bought a lot of books and magazines, learned beadweaving stitches, etc. My “nice little hobby” has turned into a big obsession and a room filled with all kinds and colors of beads.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Since the majority of my work right now is beadweaving I would have to say Fireline.

What inspires you to create?
It would be hard to pinpoint what drives my need to create. Whether it be beading or painting I would describe it as a need. I love to look at nature – the colors and texture. I love fabric – colors and patterns.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
This is an interesting question as I often find myself in a creative slump. I constantly question my direction and I have had periods that I find it very difficult to bead or to paint.  The major thing that keeps me going is I know it will pass – I know my best work is to come.  I sometimes think these slumps are actually the start of a growth period or a chance to learn something new – so I just keep plugging along. Eventually I get over it and make something that I think is pretty darn good and I am happy again.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Enjoy the journey. Study, take classes, ask questions, look at other people’s work but above all keep working.  Do not compare your work to others – you are unique and your work should reflect that and above all else have fun!

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Gee I wish I could say marketing – I am good at creating, marketing not so much.  This is something I need to focus on.  I am married and have 3 cats. We have a house at the Jersey Shore and in the summer a lake house in PA.  I enjoy reading, cooking and just chilling out. Funny thing is I never get away from the art – if I am not physically doing something I am creating in my head.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 jewelry making supplies available on their website.  No minimum purchase is required to use this offer!

10% off coupon code: SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424
expires 12/31/09

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 cannot be used in conjunction with silver clay…they will contaminate each other, even by using shared tools.  I’m sure there will be ways around this that will emerge.

So far, it is not available for sale in the USA.  I’m not sure if it’s available anywhere outside of the UK yet.  But it’s a coming!  Visit Metal Clay Academy to read all about it.

Image: WikimediaCommons

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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, please check Bead Embroidery Techniques.

Step by step instructions for RuthAnn’s Garden:

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 try to remember it until the next morning. Experimenting with different mediums gives me a lot of enjoyment. I just like to take simple shapes, pair them with clean lines and make them special – it doesn’t get any better than that!

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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!

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 Bead Scene’s November prompt: Dadd’s The Fairy Fellers’ Master-Stroke.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has another installment of Make It Merry this week.

Art Bead Scene
November is full of fairies at the Art Bead Scene. Come check out the inspiration painting for the monthly challenge!

Carmi’s Art/Life World
Carmi has a give-away offer on “the ugly necklace.”

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy reflects on how to live life at a slower pace. Her reflections inspire a pair of earrings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts a new project, an upcycled film themed jewelry line called Now Showing! Read the story behind this fun new idea.

Jean Campbell
Jean finds her first piece of beadwork in a junk drawer and discusses how important it is to reinforce your work

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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

The challenge: We’re down to the final three, and Tim Gunn went to visit each of them as they worked on their Bryant Park collections.  The visits followed the formula that we’ve all come to expect…Tim visits their space, critiques their work, and then joins their friends and family for a nice meal.

But isn’t there always a twist?  A few weeks later, just a couple of weeks shy of Fashion Week, Irina gets a phone call from Tim.  Hey, you know those images of New York landmarks, like Coney Island that you wanted to use?  Guess what?  They’re copyrighted.  (And really, you should have thought to check about that).  But he didn’t say that last part.

Nobody who works in fashion, jewelry design, collage arts, or any other visual media really wants to deal with copyright issues.  It’s a pain in the neck, there’s a lot of mis-information floating around, and some people get incredibly hostile when the topic is raised.

But here’s the reality: as artists and designers, unless you want the pants sued off of you, you need to know the fundamentals of copyright.  The only reliable source of information in the United States is the government copyright office, and the website is not terribly hard to navigate.

Don’t think that we failed to notice, either, that it’s the same designer who accused another of using her idea (the big puffy sweater…no one’s ever done that before) who almost ran afoul of the law by appropriating other people’s iconic images.

All in all, I felt sorry for Irina, having to make that large a readjustment that close to the big day.

Images: MyLifetime.com

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

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 in some of the most unique glass beads I have had the pleasure of designing with. The top row of the necklace is deep brick colored shells. This is a one of a kind necklace.

The 4 strands are enclosed in antique brass filigree cones and topped with fabulous art glass beads. The back of the necklace is finished with St. Petersburg chain stitch and an antique brass lobster clasp. The shortest strand measures 20″ with the longest at 22″.

Lady Blue
You will love these beautiful blue Sodalite gemstones! This one of a kind bracelet will go everywhere with you whether you are in blue jeans or a lovely dress. It is filled with Swarovski crystals, glass beads, antique brass and a whole lot of fun! All crystals and beads are wire wrapped. This fabulous bracelet measures 7 3/4″ and can be resized if needed.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading