Jewelry and Beading » bead+weaving

Artist profile: Jean Hutter

Cyndi Lavin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:56 +0000

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 – 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

Black Cat Seed Bead Earrings

Tammy Powley — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 09:26:47 +0000

Here’s a bead weaving project for you using odd count peyote: Beaded Peyote Cat Earrings. This looks like a nice small project for anyone who’s trying to learn to create patterns in your peyote bead weaving.

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Seed Bead Doll Witch

Tammy Powley — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 09:07:32 +0000

This tiny little seed bead doll from the About.com Beadwork site is adorable. Part of it is constructed using tubular peyote stitch. The head is a regular 4mm bead.

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Super Quick Beaded Cover

Tammy Powley — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:50:34 +0000

This Flower Petal Ornament Cover is probably one of the quickest beaded cover you’ll ever make. When it lays flat, it is shaped like a flower, each petal falling over the bulb when you place it over it.

While this doesn’t incorporate in particular beadweaving stitch, it is still a good beginner’s project if you want to just learn to work with seed beads. It’s also a cool way to use those super long tube beads.

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Grow a Little Bead Tree

Tammy Powley — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:45:29 +0000

If you’ve ever done brick stitch before, then you remember how it will automatically become the shape of a triangle unless you increase or decrease the stitch. Let the brick stitch do it’s thing when you make these fun Brick Tree Ornaments.

These actually work up pretty quickly, especially if you use some fairly good sized seed beads like size 6 or 8.

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Netting Ornament Cover

Tammy Powley — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:27:34 +0000

This simple Beaded Ornament Cover is still one of my favorites. I usually make at least a few every year. If you are new to seed beading, this simple project is also a great way to learn the netting stitch. Use different colors of beads to get different looks.

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Hats of to the 4th of July & Beads!

Tammy Powley — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:05:32 +0000

Is this too cute or what? And, it’s pretty darn easy too, even if you are kind of new to beadweaving – do not be afraid. These 4th of July earrings are from Rings & Things, where you can see the entire project instructions for them.

They use ladder and brick stitches, which are some beadweaving basics, to create the little hat. Then they finish off with some super easy fringe complete with star beads on the ends.

Have 4th of July Everyone!

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

3 Bead Netting Tutorial

Tammy Powley — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:37:44 +0000

Is this gorgeous or what? Amazing what you can create with seed beads and a fairly smiple netting stitch. Whimbeads.com has a tutorial on 3-bead netting, which was used to make this yummy amulet beadwork bag.

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New Bead & Button Project

Tammy Powley — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:25:37 +0000

Check out the latest project on the Bead & Button web site: Delight in Crystal Rings, designed by May Brisebois. How cool is it to be able to use your beadweaving skills to make a ring?

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Chevron Flower Bracelet Project

Tammy Powley — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:42:28 +0000

Bead & Button has a new bracelet project with a free downloadable pdf file available. Pictured is the Dress Up Chevron Chain with Flowers designed by Yvanne Ham.

While this bracelet looks like it is loaded with details, I have found chevron to be one of the easiest of bead weaving stitches to learn. So, don’t be put off by it’s detail and use of lots of colorful beads.

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