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 in the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop? MyStringTheory Crochet (http://mystringtheory.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft? I crochet and felt wool. I create purses, bracelets, rings, pins, necklaces, zipper pouches, and I’m creating an amigurumi (crocheted animals) line also!

Describe your style in 2 words: Colorful nature

What is your favorite piece and why? My favorite is my felted Orange Tree necklace. I think the design is very original, and I love the color combination. The texture of the tree is so smooth, in contrast with the felt, and I feel like the tree is me- it stands on it’s own, patiently waiting for it’s fruit to be picked.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received? Follow your heart. Trite, and often given, but I have followed my heart, and now I am a professional musician, and I am creating my own business with a craft I adore. What could be better than that?

What is the one piece of advice you’d give? Don’t get so immersed in creating items for your shop that the quality or heart is lost. Each item should be special to you. That is what handmade is all about.

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? 
Susan’s Art (http://susanlambert.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft? 
Web site is www.beadnsue.com

I have worked with glass and silver since 1993. Fusing and lampworking the glass along with forging and casting silver has been my focus.

Describe your style in 2 words: Artsy Handmade

What is your favorite piece and why?
The bracelet on my web site is my favorite. It is cast using the lost wax method. Then I used silver wire and beads to embellish the silver frame, and added a silver chain and clasp. The bracelet form was something I had cast again by a caster and used it for teaching at Lapidary Journal Beadfest. It works great with lampwork disc beads too, and everytime I make one of these bracelets, it looks different. It can be elegant, funky, or artsy.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep working at it because you will develop your own ‘voice’ with time and practice. Buying a foredom also was a great piece of advice!

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Present your work well. Finish it well and use quality materials. If you are selling your work, you need to build a reputation of doing things ‘right’.