When it comes to beaded sculptures, no one does it quite like Jan Huling. Known for her bold colors, hypnotic patterns, and wild imagination, Jan turns ordinary objects—like Kewpie dolls, insects, birds, and random plastic toys—into jaw-dropping works of art. She’s not just decorating; she’s transforming.
Jan describes herself as a “beadist,” and it fits. Using an air pen and thousands of tiny seed beads, plus bits of buttons, coins, costume jewelry, and whatever else she can get her hands on, she creates swirling, colorful bead art that’s rich in texture and full of personality. Her sculptures feel alive—like they belong in a museum in some alternate universe where toys and totems collide.
Before she was making gallery-worthy work, Jan got her start in the world of greeting card and product design. But once she shifted into personal art, things really took off. Her found object art has been featured at top art fairs like SOFA Chicago and SCOPE Miami, and she’s represented by galleries in New York and St. Louis. You can even find her pieces in museum collections across the U.S., including the Museum of Beadwork and the Racine Art Museum.
What makes Jan’s work so captivating is the blend of inspiration she pulls from—world travel, spiritual symbols, pop culture, and even childhood memories. Each sculpture invites you to take a closer look, not just at the details, but at how the familiar can become magical when seen through a different lens.
Want to explore more of her dazzling creations? Check out Jan Huling’s beaded sculptures on her website and Instagram. You’ll never look at a plastic toy the same way again.
