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

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

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

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

Twice each year, Crystallized Swarovski Elements comes out with new colors and shapes innovations. The Fall/Winter 2010-2011 selection has just been released for your viewing pleasure. If you sign up with Fire Mountain Gems for their newsletter, you’ll know as soon as these are ready for ordering!  Visit this link to see more details about the new collection, and to find links to previous seasons.

Here’s what FMG has to say about the new colors and shapes:
* Cyclamen Opal – a color-play of amethyst purple and baby pink shades with an underlying opalescence
* Greige – a smoky, subtle color …read more

Jean Campbell:
Jean describes what it’s like to edit someone’s book and shares her thoughts on Marcia DeCoster’s latest, Beaded Opulence.

Jewelry & Beading
I am giving away a copy of Ronna Sarvas Weltman’s unique polymer clay book called “Ancient Modern”. Come and get in on this contest!
Snap out of it Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean is amazed by the treasures you find in Cynthia Thornton’s spectacular wonder of a book, Enchanted Adornments!
Strands of Beads
Melissa trys out Friendly Plastic (and likes the results).
A Bead A Day
It’s Arts & Crafts Week on …read more

Artist: Nancy Peterson
Location: The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Website & Blog:
Patterns of my designs
Beading Blog

Nancy, how do you describe your work?
I think that my first love of style of beading is beadweaving. I love to learn new stitches and then take them, create and explore new possibilities. There are some that I find myself coming back to, like the various forms of peyote.

What is your creative process like?
Having two sons, my creative process can be quite chaotic. I may have an idea for a piece but then I only get to work on it in small spurts between …read more

Technique Tuesday!
I found this wonderful vintage rolled-brim felt hat with a built-in scarf in an old musty antique shop a couple of years ago, and it just occurred to me that I’ve never shared the instructions with you for its transformation!

I loved the style and the color, and knew immediately that the structure of the hat would stand up to a lot of altering! Sifting through my collection of vintage buttons and jewelry showed me just what direction to go with this hat. The name, Dreaming of Spring came to me before the hat was completed. I filled the brim, …read more

Make Art Monday!
I’ve started a new handmade beaded necklace, inspired by one of my favorite women, The Lady of Shalott.  She was immortalized in a poem by Tennyson (the 1842 version), loosely based upon the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Astolat.  I’ll be sharing more images of it with you as it progresses.

Image: Cyndi Lavin