I was watching TV with my little girls, and while they were enjoying ‘Sydney White’ I was playing with my oil paints. The use and blending of color fascinates me and I am trying to find better ways of using it. That’s actually the primary reason why I moved to oils from acrylics. So as a quick project, I painted this 5×7″ canvas of dreamscape clouds. I over-blended while softening and killed some of the vibrancy, but I still think it’s pretty. My nine-year-old has decided that it’s hers when it’s fully cured so I guess I might need to do more! What do YOU think?

Choosing this week’s subject of review turned out to be more difficult than I had expected. Both shops have lots of appeal to me and I see areas for improvement in both. In the end, I decided to review Sweet Tea Company, but will also be reviewing Waterrose later this week! Having said that, let’s just jump in, shall we?

The first thing I noticed about Sweet Tea Company is the vibrancy of the shop. The banner is bright and engaging and the design elements are very pleasing and suit the shop theme. The slogan, ‘refreshing designs for cool people’ is catchy and memorable. So memorable that I could have sworn I had heard it before but some intense Googling didn’t turn anything up so it’s just THAT memorable!

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For those looking for further opportunities to gain exposure for themselves and their talents, here is a good site to have an account on. Talent Database is just that: an Internet-based database of artisans in all different fields and genres.

Creating an account is easy, and provides further opportunity for networking with other artisans and a chance to display your work through an online ‘portfolio.’ While not a sales site, it is easy to provide a link in your portfolio item descriptions so that viewers know where to find the piece in question. Artisan portfolios can contain up to 25 items or utilise 30MB, whichever comes first.

Don’t pass up an opportunity for more exposure. Go and make an account today and don’t forget to find me on there as well!

The ‘Daily Artisan Spotlight’ is a regular feature on Mindless Pursuits intended to provide insight and exposure to the tons of talented artisans working today. Please comment and give them some encouragement and check out their work! If you would like to be considered for the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop?
Kat Lambrix Jewelry (http://katlambrix.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft?
I make fine jewelry with Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and sterling silver. I do a bit of custom work, much of it for brides, and enjoy this type of collaboration with my customer the most!

Describe your style in 2 words:
Refined sparkle

What is your favorite piece and why?
I am loving my Pink Urchin Necklace right now - it was the first piece from my new Stacks collection, with the inspiration drawn from sea creatures and organizational systems. This necklace was the first in the collection and I struggled with the structure, but when it came through I was thrilled.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stop looking at other jewelers! My husband is an artist, and his advice has always been to look to nontraditional sources for inspiration.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Don’t limit your materials to what you find in the jewelry supply store. Look everywhere and innovate with things you never thought could be used for jewelry!