Inspired Beader: Hypho

Having an incredible tool like the internet allows us to explore any art or technique we desire, from free tutorials to amazing books out our fingertips. Although all of this information gives us freedom, it often seems to encourage sameness in our designs, when we all draw from the same sources. So it’s very refreshing to discover a fellow artist who is creating something totally unique.

One of the most exciting jewelry makers I’ve seen in a while is Angela Roest of Hypho. Not only are her materials and techniques beautiful and unique, but they are handmade from start to finish. Necklaces are knitted by hand; stones and pearls are incorporated as the piece is formed. Weaving, braiding and sewing are also used to achieve certain effects. Even the jump rings are created in the Hypho studio!

Inspirational Beading: How did you first become interested in jewelry design?

Angela: When my daughter was born, I had just finished my master’s degree and I was aching to make things – it was a vague but desperate need ! I explored hardware stores and experimented with some unusual materials and techniques – wire and knitting became the most satisfying combination. An added bonus was that I could knit while nursing (soldering just wouldn’t have worked)!

Inspirational Beading: What‘s the number one material you can‘t live without?

Angela: Wire.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite style of bead?

Angela: I don’t have a favourite, but I have an ongoing series of ‘bead-crushes’ – a period of utter infatuation with a particular style of bead. Right now, I’m obsessed with Miyuki beads, (seeds 11/0 or smaller). When I began going to bead stores I looked at these and, with a sigh of relief, told myself that there was at least one kind of bead that would never tempt me – such fussy little things ! Well, years later, I’ve developed a dangerous addiction to them and the tiny burst of colour each individual bead gives in a large piece.

Inspirational Beading: If you could master any new technique, what would it be?

Angela: Something entirely different – I’d love to work with resin. For years, I’ve made sketches of various projects without really knowing how resin ‘works’. I’d love to start experimenting with it soon.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Angela: I don’t really hope to inspire anyone, but I do hope that my creations are enticing enough to encourage women to be experimental with jewelry – to wear things that are a little daring and unexpected.

Angela has lived in France, Belgium and Spain, and completed a Master’s Degree at Nantes University for her research on French fashion of the 1920s. Her beginnings as a wire artist may have stemmed from rummaging through her grandfather’s scrap metal pile, but her techniques have evolved into inspiring creations.

You can see some of Angela’s latest designs in her Etsy shop, Hypho. Her work can also be found in various artisan galleries, as well as in the boutiques of national museums and galleries. Her pieces have also been featured in FASHION and Back magazines and in the premier issue of Jewelry Affaire.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Hypho