Today’s reader spotlight is of one of the sweetest ladies I know – Cari of Crochet Hooked. Cari’s a jewelry designer who creates crochet braided bracelets called Braidlets with pearls, Swarovski crystals, and wire; each piece she makes is lush, incredible, and colorful! Speaking of color, that’s how we “met”. Cari emailed me to ask if she could use my color palettes as a jumping off point for her Braidlet pieces (of course, how flattering!), and it’s been great to get to know her since then.

Here’s Cari!

How would you describe your work in three words?

Labor of love! [I can imagine!]

What inspires you?

People, places, and things!

If you could only use one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My forever color would be Green (lovin my Frogs).

What would be a perfect day?

Are there any imperfect days? [What a great mind-set!]

What are three favorite artists or bloggers you think the world should know about?

1. Well… I would certainly like to promote Brandi Girl Blog because you have inspired me to create some of my Braidlets using color combinations I would never think of putting together. ;o) Also, because you have a writing style makes me feel as if you are talking to me face to face…. You make other feel comfortable, you’re down to earth, and witty! [Thank you so much!]

2. Colette (awesome wire wrapper) from Colette Collection… I am in awe of how she manipulates the wire to create her jaw dropping jewelry. She is the reason I am trying to learn to wire wrap.

3. I would love everyone to know about Handmade Artists. Kimberly and Andrew Kitchen (the owners) are not only handmade artists themselves, but they have also built a handmade community were handmade artists can go to interact, get promoted, sell their wares and even become a contributor writing about handmade topics. Truly and special place to be apart of this amazing group. They have a forum, shop, and blog!

Many thanks to Cari for stopping by today! To connect with her, you can visit her blog, her Handmade Artists shop, her Etsy shop, her FB page, or her Twitter profile.

Today’s reader spotlight is with Shelly of MiShelDesigns. Shelly and I “met” through blogging, and it’s always a delight to see her sweet comments here. She’s as nuts for pearls as I am about color (Shel has a Graduate Pearl diploma from GIA), and I think if she could, she’d put pearls in every single jewelry piece she creates. She has also been a supporter of mine for a while now, so it’s a pleasure to do a little interview with her, and get to know her a little bit better.

Here she is: Shelly from MiShelDesigns!

How would you describe your work in three words?

“Work in Progress!” LOL! Okay, seriously, let me think. Quality – people who wear my jewelry always comment on its quality. Timeless – my designs can be worn season after season, through different fads/fashions and for years (at least that’s what my customers tell me!). And versatile – most of the jewelry I create can be worn with your favorite pair of jeans and comfy T-shirt as well as with your LBD and gorgeous knock-out heels!

What inspires you?

So many things. Nature, and all the colors and textures found within that scope. Sounds, smells, and tastes also inspire me; like listening to certain music, smelling certain flowers, or tasting certain foods. I know that last one’s kinda weird, but it’s true. Example: Pumpkin pie reminds me of Fall, and when I think of Fall, I picture leaves of every color. Then my thoughts turn to jewelry with leaves and traditional fall colors. It’s kind of a silly process, but now you know how my brain works!

What truly inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing, though, is when I look at other people’s jewelry designs. Even though I don’t have Barbie boobs in my jewelry like Margaux Lange or honkin’ pearls and gold links like Dominique Cohen, or gorgeous rough diamonds like Todd Reed, I’m inspired by their styles, choice of materials and craftsmanship. Seeing amazing jewelry like that, well I could just look at it all day long!!

If you could only use one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Blue, every shade and hue. I love blue! (Translation: Blue Pearls, baby!!)

What would be a perfect day?

My perfect day would be snorkeling off a beach in Tahiti with my hubby and son. Seriously. ‘Cause if I was in Tahiti , I could get my hands on some really gorgeous Tahitian Pearls – yummy!!

What are three favorite artists or bloggers you think the world should know about?

OMG! Seriously, only 3?!! This one’s tough, Brandi! Well, I already mentioned 3 of my favorite jewelry artists above (even though there’s many, many more, let me tell you!!) so let’s go with bloggers, shall we? And this is a really tough one too. Have you seen my Blog Roll / Reading List, I’ve got tons of peeps that I like to read and follow!

But, here’s who I think the world should know about (and probably already does!):

1) I’m completely taken by the talents of Lori Plyler over on her blog Studio Waterstone. She’s an amazing artist, she crafts fabulous handbags (of which I own two!!), has cool tutorials, yummy recipes on her blog and designs kick-butt buttons and headers for your websites and blogs (she did my MiShel Designs one, too!) PLUS,…she hosts I Heart Macro on Sundays – so there’s a bit of everything over on her blog which keeps things hopping! And, she’s really a nice person too boot – so you get the best of everything!

2) Rena Klingenberg’s Home Jewelry Business Blog. I’ve been reading Rena’s tips and information for home-based jewelry businesses for several years now. The information, ebooks, design tips, articles and community that she’s built is amazing. I don’t even know where to begin to list all that she has to offer and all that she does for everyone in the handcrafted jewelry business – my hat’s off to her!

3) I’m in love with the photography talents of Deb over on Deb Duty Photography – amazing photographs! She is sweet, humble and a complete pro at capturing macro shots that stop me in my tracks! She hosts This or That Thursdays and I’m in total awe at all of the people who link up and post on Thursdays with her – their photography is beyond comprehension it’s so perfect! She’s truly a great inspiration to me.

Many thanks to Shelly for taking the time! To connect with her, you can visit her on her blog, her jewelry store, and her supply shop, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.

Today’s Reader Spotlight is from a lovely lady named Cyndi, who I’ve had the pleasure to get to know better over the last few months. She’s not only a talented beader, but super sweet, too, and I’d love for you to meet her. So, without further adieu, here’s a few words from Cyndi!

How would you describe your work in three words?

Something for everyone. Seriously, I have an extremely difficult time defining my jewelry style. Some of it is modern, some of it is vintage-inspired. Some of it is casual, some of it is dressy. I asked one of my best customers to describe my jewelry in three words and she said, “Unique, contemporary, and timeless.” Thanks, Donn!

What inspires you?

I find my inspiration in the beads and components themselves—the colors, textures, and shapes. What style would complement this shape? What other colors would go with this? How best to showcase this focal piece?

If you could use only one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pink has always been my favorite color (a childhood holdover?) but for creating jewelry I think it would be blue in all its glorious shades—from the steel blue of kyanite to the greenish-blue tones of amazonite and turquoise to the deep blue of lapis and sodalite. There is a shade of blue to complement everyone.

What would be a perfect day?

A perfect day would be one that involves some creative time along with spending some time with someone who shares the same interest and passion in creating. Put the two together and it’s a play date with another artist, like when my friend Cat came over. Or a road trip to take Barbara Lewis’ torch-fired enamel workshop. Lots of fun and exploration of new skills and techniques.

What are three favorite artists or bloggers you think the world should know about?

Cat Kerr, a mixed media/altered art artist and blogger. For her friendship and kind heart, her exquisite mixed media pieces, and teaching me how to solder.

Stacie Florer, a metalsmith and blogger. For her introspective and thought-provoking posts, her nomadic spirit, and mad metalsmithing skills.

Barbara Lewis, a jewelry designer, enameler, and blogger. For her down-to-earth manner, fearless risk-taking, and teaching me how to enamel beads.

Many thanks to Cyndi for stopping by! You can find more about Cyndi on her website, her shop, her Facebook page, and her Twitter profile.

Today I wanted to do something I haven’t done before – a reader’s spotlight! I have several planned, but I’d like to start today with two of my favorite people – Laverne and Shirley.

In real life, these ladies are best friends who run a blog called Kindred Adventures together. They are funny, sweet, and so supportive of pretty much everyone they meet. It’s been a pleasure to get to know them better over the last several months, and I’m glad they were able to take some time to answer a few questions for us.

So, let me introduce to you Laverne and Shirley!

How would you describe your blog in three words?

Laverne: Two Girlfriend’s Memories

Shirley: Friendship, Adventure, Sassiness

What’s your favorite post you’ve ever written?

L: Any post in my Talking To Strangers series. Each time I sit down to write a post about a stranger I now happily call a friend my heart is warmed. I am constantly blown away by the incredible people I have met through Twitter and blogging. It makes me giddy and leaves me incredibly moved. I do it because I feel passionately that people I care for should know what they mean to me! I can not wait to write the next one!

S: That is hard to say…I love writing the Shirley’s Serendipity posts.  Those are fun to write.

What inspires you?

L: Love… My love for life, my love for my family, my love for my friends and their love for me!

S: My family and friends are always inspiring. I am constantly learning new things about them and about myself.

If you could only use one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

L: Red.

S: Purple.

What would be a perfect day?

L: A sunny beach destination. A cool ocean breeze flowing through our room. Me and my husband in bed because we hadn’t left our room. Room service and just the two of us into the night! (woo…did I just write that…is it hot in here??)

S: I wish we had a bigger boat (yacht). Spending time on it would be my perfect day. Having everyone enjoy what I love to do, be on the water and hanging with all my family and friends.

What are three favorite artists or bloggers you think the world should know about?

L: The most important thing to me in the blogging world is not how much you post, write, link up or how many followers you have. When it comes down to it it is the relationships that you build with people and the person you are inside and the genuine caring you show toward others that makes all the difference. Kirsten Piccini of The Kir Corner, Robin Farr of Farwell Stranger, and Sunday Stilwell of Adventures in Extreme Parenthood and for to the core beauty…. Frelle at Made More Beautiful

S: One of my art artists is Steve Hanks. For music, I love Jon Bon Jovi (he has the most adorable smile ever).  As for bloggers, I love reading Mama Kat’s Losin’ It - she has the best vlogs!

Where else can we find you?

L: Twittering at @kindredadventur and sharing our adventures on our blog, Kindred Adventures.

S: Twitter: @yourgirlshirley. I also started a blog called 2 Slenderize Me but I failed at my slenderizing  so I closed it. I might reopen it again. I really need to lose 50 pounds. If I do I will add a button so you can all “cheer” me on again!!!!

Many thanks for being here today, ladies! To connect more with Laverne and Shirley, visit their blog Kindred Adventures, follow them on Twitter at @kindredadventur, like them on Facebook, or see what their pinning on Pinterest.

I’ve got a special treat today!

I “met” Australian-based, India-born Lakshmi just after Round 3 of the Color Palette Blog Walk. She wrote to me because she, too, has an overwhelming passion for color, and after viewing her shop, I can see why! It’s full of lovely paintings inspired by nature and color, shape and texture. So, I immediately turned around and asked for an interview.

Introducing Lakshmi, the woman behind Studio Lakshmi!

What should the world know about Lakshmi?

I’m a person who has a lot to offer and way too many ideas and interests. The sometimes crazy ideas and multicultural experiences have enhanced my persona and my art. I have been the new kid on the block far too many times than I care to remember! Change is hard, at first, but it is enriching in the long run. If I make up my mind about something, I go for it. It may seem impossible, but I think its important to try. It adds to experience. I like to try new things. I am afraid of creepy slimy insects !

How did you get started painting?

I started painting in school. Art classes were probably the most fun. I remember there were times, when a bunch of us, would sit around and mix paints the entire class, to see what kind of colors we could come up with. That was all that we did until we realized ithe class was over and we hadn’t acutally started painting. But, my earliest memories of painting – just because I wanted wanted to – was around 9 or 10.

What’s your creative process like?

This is could be a while! I go about it in many ways – there isn’t always a fixed way. Usually, an idea comes to mind. I think of background colors for my canvas. I try and think of various colors that will work well with the background. Other times, I already have a color combination that I would like to try. I pick an idea and I work the process the other way around.

I sometimes have to sketch out ideas on paper to see how it all pans out. I like to sketch various versions till I am happy with an idea before I take it to the canvas. Many a canvas have borne the brunt of my experiments before I am happy with the idea! This is something that I do a lot if I am thinking of ideas for abstract paintings. I like to have an idea formed before I start painting on canvas. There is always scope for improvisation on the canvas later.

I collect images – by way of magazines or photographs that I take on my iPhone. These either are manifested as paintings or I use the color combinations in some way on the canvas.

And I am very influenced by my training as an architect. We would always look for inspiration and then try and translate it as either abstracts or concepts depending on what the assignment was.

When I paint, I always try and imagine my art in a setting and how it will influence the mood of the setting. The color combinations are an outcome of what I think the setting could be and how well it will work in it. The architect in me is always trying to imagine a beautiful setting with the focal point being the painting !

You and I share a passion/obsession for color. How does color influence your work?

Color influences my work in every possible way you can think of. My work is heavily dependent on how I use colors . The subject that I paint could be something very simple. But the play of colors and the various combinations make all the difference. It makes an everyday subject very artistic and fun!

Let’s say I paint a flower. A shade of red looks beautiful on it. But, shades of red (dark or light) enhance it more. I might add a few strokes of brown in there to bring in an aspect of depth. Add touches of fine white or blend it in, the flower looks more lush. I don’t go for a realistic look in my paintings. But, I like texture and the play of light on the colors that I choose to give it life of its own on the canvas.

What supports your creativity?

Change. I know it sounds crazy, but the changes in life is what keeps it fresh and exciting. Changes in season, places, routines, fashion, scenery - all play a part in what keeps my mind active. Paints, color pencils, different mediums with which I can create new things always keep the creative juices flowing.

What’s next for Lakshmi?

I would love to add illustrations, patterns and I would love to see them on different products. Illustrations is what I started out with on Doodle Kreations. But I want it to stay true to my style and not be swayed by the latest trends. I think we can please others if we are first pleased with what we do. I want to be able to create beautiful art – hand drawn/ painted, computer generated, a mix of both – that truly is me.

While the online world is a great place to showcase my work, I really really want my art to also be seen in local, handmade boutiques. Nothing beats the feeling when a customer walks through the doors and sees and wants to buy your product. I want my art to be in front of people who are specifically looking to buy and support independent artists.

Thanks to Lakshmi for taking the time to visit with us today! Want to connect with Lakshmi? You can visit her here:

• Website
• Blog
• Etsy Shop
• Facebook
• Twitter

Photo Sources:

1. Maple Tree Original Painting
2. Orange Flora Original Painting
3. Studio glimpse, courtesy of Lakshmi
4. Studio glimpse, courtesy of Lakshmi
5. Red Leaves Original Painting
6. Magical Woodland Original Painting