[insert witty title here]

Favour bags / bonbonierre

2011-08-06T12:09:00.001+10:00

This took me just a few minutes to knock together.

I took an ivory gift bag purchased from Ayers, these are the ones I send my sold jewellery in, so I have them in bulk.

I cut a rectangle of champagne paper (Christina Re) and using my inkjet printer I created the name plate on white linen paper (also Christina Re). I then cut this out using pinking shears.

The flower was made using a Christina Re punch and different textures and colours of paper and glued together with glue dots. I finished it off with a stick on diamonte.

Voila! What do you think?

It also doubles as a place card as the name is on the gift bag.

X Ange

Saving a few dollars by decorating regular envelopes

2011-08-02T16:40:00.001+10:00

I'm about to send out my save-the-dates for my wedding next year. I'm saving the cost of pretty envelopes by printing addresses onto shiny paper, cutting out with pinking shears and gluing them on.

People throw away envelopes so they don't really need to be those $5/ea embossed ones now do they?

Not a bad idea huh?

X Ange.

Made by me: Save-The-Date

2011-07-25T12:30:00.001+10:00

We set the date!! We've chosen 10/11/12 (10th November 2012) for our wedding!

I've spent far too much money than is economical on paper, punches and embellishments to make my wedding stationery. It would have been cheaper to commission a professional to do them, but this has been so much fun!

I get to have my invites exactly as I want them and I've had a ball making prototypes. These are my just-finished save-the-dates. I've used Christina Re paper, a lace punch and tiny pearl embellishments. Everything has been printed on my home inkjet printer.

What do you think?

xx Ange

One Day Only! Australia Day Sale!

2011-01-26T00:00:00.001+10:00

Now, I'm not one to do sales often, I can't afford to :) but this is special. For Australia Day only (26 January) you can receive 20% off your purchases in my etsy store using the code "ausday20".

Enjoy!

Queensland Flood Appeal: how Angelene is helping

2011-01-20T09:32:00.008+10:00

My beloved state of Queensland is currently devastated by flood. Three-quarters of the state is affected, including my home town of Brisbane. For international peeps, this is the size of France and Germany combined. Thousands of families have lost their homes, their businesses and all their possessions, and to date the death-toll stands at 16.

The initial rush of dontations to the flood appeal are starting to dry up (excuse the pun) so to do my part, I am going to donate 20% of all sales in January and February (my birthday month) to the flood appeal. I have also spent a day at an affected friend's house ripping down walls and cleaning up toxic mud (what a workout - I couldn't move for three days afterwards!). I'd like to use my craft to help other people as well.

Please help, by your purchases, I can donate to the flood appeal. If you would like to donate directly, please go to www.qld.gov.au/floods and make your donation.

To donate via purchases at my Etsy store please go to www.angelene.etsy.com

Connect with me on Facebook!

Angelene on the Front Page of Etsy today!

2010-09-05T13:22:00.002+10:00

What a lovely surprise when I got home today I found myself on the front page of Etsy!

Down Under Street Team inaugural conference 2010

2010-09-01T09:25:00.009+10:00

On 13 and 14 August, Etsy's Down Under Street Team held its inaugural conference. The location was the sunny Gold Coast in south east Queensland, Australia.

Attendees came via planes, trains and... combi vans. One attendee, Tasha Chawner, came from Walcha in regional New South Wales, a drive of around nine hours! This was not the first time some of the team have gotten together, in fact, some have developed real-world friendships (yes, I'm looking at you Ali and Emma!).

The glowing Emma of feliciafairy was the chief organiser of the conference and she did a wonderful job. The conference kicked off with cocktails and canapes in the beachfront Chateau Beachside, home of the famous buffet breakfast (which was also enjoyed by many the day after those cocktails!) and right on the beachfront in famous Surfers Paradise.

The one day conference, also held at Chateau Beachside boasted a fabulous view of the perfect surf and an inspiring business seminar by Trish Goodfield of Trish Alan Designs. Trish talked to attendees about how to make more money from our crafts by teaching others. Trish has made a name for herself in this field and really got us thinking. Trish has even written a book on the topic which will be released soon.

Morning and afternoon workshops rounded out the conference, with pearl knotting with the fabulous Andrea of andyjusty, and freeform crochet with Meg of artnomadix in the morning, and more crocheting in the afternoon alongside zentangling with Melanie and Jade of wiccked and scherre.

Photo: the lovely Emma of FeliciaFairy and Andrea of AndyJusty during the pearl knotting workshop

It didn't feel like we were mostly all meeting for the first time - it felt more like a getting together of old friends. (Melanie of Wiccked)

After a full day of crafty practice and discussion, participants were ready and rearing to go for the concluding conference dinner event. Unfortunately, I failed to double check the time and instead of being 20 minutes late, I was 1 hour and 20 minutes late (FAIL) and so, missed the festivities. However, I was assured everyone had a wonderful time.

Next year's conference is on the books, with locations such as Walcha or Adelaide being tossed about. We shall certainly keep you informed of our planning progress!

Search for dust team on etsy for work by the fabulously talented Down Under Street Team.

Article reported by Angelene of Jewellery by Angelene.

new additions to the bow family

2010-08-25T11:19:00.003+10:00

My bow range are definitely my most popular selling items, both online and in person. Here are two recent additions to the family!

Introducing, the tiny bow bracelet and tiny bow necklace! I think they're adorable, and thank you to the lovely bride who's custom order resulted in these new listings.

The tiny bow bracelet features lovely 14kt goldfill chain, interspersed with lovely tiny little bows, which have been formed so that there are no additional links to mess up the flow. The tiny bow necklace is just like its big sister, although the bow is smaller and the necklace is designed to sit at your throat. Just a few wee changes, but important ones.

Enjoy! x Ange

And the winner is...

2010-07-12T09:31:00.002+10:00

MooBeesTees!

Congratulations! I will get in touch with you to post out your bow earrings!

Help has arrived!

2010-07-07T19:00:00.000+10:00

Cody the computer geek by TheHouseOfMouse

well, help has always been here really...

I'm talking about TeamSASsy. Sellers Assisting Sellers (SAS) is an etsy team which specialises in, well, helping etsians. How awesome is that? You might not have known they existed, or you may have heard of them, but not really known too much about what they do. Well, let's change that shall we?

Nerd necklace by Morphologica

You can ask them anything, and I mean anything. The range of expertise in this street team is enormous. From Adobe to Yarn (there was no expertise starting with Z unfortunately), they've got it all. So use them, seriously.

For more information on live critiques, areas of expertise (including people who you can just vent to), check out the Team SASsy blog here. The blog is fantastic, with articles on promotion, time management, photography, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and a whole lot more.

And if you think you can contribute - there's also information on how to join the team. TeamSASsy is always on the look out for experts, particularly people who are ready and willing to contribute to the blog and run live critiques in a range of timezones (hooray for people outside the US!).

Ciao! xx Ange.

GIVEAWAY! Tiny bow earrings :)

2010-07-05T12:43:00.007+10:00

It's a giveaway, a giveaway!

How does it work?

Enter by the following means (any or all of the following):

become a NEW fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AngeleneEtsy
Tweet this giveaway and mention me @angelenefay
blog this giveaway and post the link here as a comment

Post a comment here (one comment for each entry) and ensure you include a way for me to contact you if you should WIN!

I will post this pair anywhere in the world, giveaway ends in one week's time (ends Sunday night 11 July at midnight) and I will select the winner randomly.

These tiny bow earrings are my older-style bows (as pictured at the top of this post). I have since created a new style, by hammering the earrings for contour - squee!

wishlist wednesday

2010-06-09T18:32:00.003+10:00

Some red hot things to keep you warm this winter...

men's red leather cuff by theshagbag (what an awesome name too)

hot hot hooooot red leather clutch by Berlinski

I already bought one of these skirts actually - heheheh
by Ureshii

Loving this 'cyclops' ring by Incalesco

this is what i'm drooling over right now :) enjoy!

Sometime you just gotta be a kid

2010-06-06T15:34:00.001+10:00

GeoTagged, [S27.49175, W153.10025]

I was kind of embarrassed but nobody paid me any mind when I lined up next to tiny tots for this today!

Gems to drool for...

2010-05-27T11:32:00.002+10:00

Here are my latest offerings, using my recently acquired stash of AAA quality gemstones. So shiny!

AAA trillion cut (which you don't see often) crystal quartz pendant necklace.

Matching earrings.

Incredibly blue sapphire, also AAA quality.

AAA quality pink amethyst, which in my opinion is more lavender than pink :)

Huge twisted and faceted smoky quartz. These coffee brown lovelies are enormous (as far as gems go).

For your drooling pleasure :) Ange.

Angelene was on the Front Page today!

2010-05-25T17:48:00.002+10:00

A big thank you to Morphologica for this etsy treasury which made it to the front page today - hooray!!!!!

wishlist wednesday...

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000+10:00

this makes me want to have a real wedding instead of eloping... :) by thebridegene

gorgeous wrap top by Lirola...

Love this clutch by Meiwear... it's freakin leather man!

A teaser...the wardrobe

2010-05-17T18:37:00.001+10:00

This is the sketch of the walk in wardrobe...

Last post you saw the raw MDF... It has now been painted and completed and photos will be posted soon!

Squee! I love love looove it!

X Ange

sneak peak at my new wardrobe...

2010-05-09T15:35:00.004+10:00

This is the reason why you haven't seen any new jewellery in a couple of weeks. I have spent the last few weekends covered in paint to prepare our new bedroom / walk in robe / ensuite...

I can't wait to move my clothes into this heavenly walk in wardrobe!!!!! And, I also can't wait until 13th May, when the shower screen gets installed so we can actually use our divine new ensuite!

UPDATE: Josh made these AWESOME earring holders using sturdy fly mesh, board and recycled trims (ripped off our walls actually!). I loooove them! I will add some hooks for earrings down the side. WHEEEE!

Update: it is complete!

2010-04-28T12:05:00.003+10:00

I've named her "Ophelia in the Water" due to the blues, whites and flowing lines... and a suggestion by one of my facebook fans!

What do you think?

Ange

weekend wishlist

2010-04-26T15:28:00.003+10:00

recycled seatbelt buckle belt (i actually have one of these now) by 186shop on etsy

black flutter sleeve pleated lily dress by castcouture on etsy

dinnertime card by rocstardogboutique on etsy

the making of something special...

2010-04-26T11:00:00.004+10:00

some meticulous and difficult wire wrapping here - as I attempt to include some loops to hang gems... including AAA blue SAPPHIRE! (stunnnnnning), flawless rock crystal quartz, black spinel, pyrite (fools gold) lapis lazuli with flashes of pyrite and smoky quartz... sterling silver wire and 14kt goldfill chain... decadence embodied!

the finished piece - still to be oxidised...

coming soon to Jewellery by Ange on Etsy

New affordable chic....

2010-04-17T12:43:00.010+10:00

Here are some new offerings from my 'affordable chic' range - simple earrings that pack a stylish punch, at a reasonable price.

Tutorial: How to oxidise jewellery

2010-04-05T11:14:00.007+10:00

OK, I haven't done a tutorial in quite awhile so you're in for a treat! If you're not a jewellery maker, you might be interested in how some of the darker jewellery comes to be - OXIDISED!

Step one... make some jewellery :) You could also choose to oxidise jewellery you've bought yourself, just give it a clean / wash so it hasn't got oils or polish on it that will prevent the jewellery from oxidising properly.

Step two... lay your jewellery out on a piece of paper towel (to absorb excess water throughout the process) inside a large snap lock bag.

Step three... boil some eggs! For this amount of jewellery (roughly eight pieces) two eggs is good. For less, use less, for more, use more.

Step four... using a spoon (not a knife or you'll pop the bag) crush the egg - focusing on spreading out and exposing as much yolk as you can - its the sulfur in the yolk that does the important stuff here.

Step five... wait... it will take only a few minutes for the process to be visible - you jewellery will go through stages of gold through to a dark grey brown colour. For a nice dark colour I like to leave it overnight.

Step six... there won't be any egg on your jewellery (it won't smell - don't worry) but you do need to give it a rinse in some clean water... then dry with a soft lint free cloth. Now you're ready to polish!

Step seven ... give it a polish with a jewellery cleaning / polishing cloth (my preferred option to prevent scratching the metal) or with some steel wool. Keep going until you have the effect you want - use your nails under the cloth to get into nooks and crannies!

Then... voila! You have beautifully, naturally oxidised jewellery :) I like oxidising some of my pieces because it really shows the detail and neatness of your wire wrapping, and also gives a bit of a gothic noir effect, or an aged antique effect. In fact, sometimes oxidising is called "antiquing".

You can reverse the process by using a jewellery cleaner for sterling silver, however you will want to be careful if you have delicate beads like pearls - check your jewellery cleaner for more details.

The pieces used in this tutorial will all be available for sale in my etsy store.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!

x Ange.

offerings...

2010-04-04T16:28:00.006+10:00

Here are some recent listings, using some beautifully luxurious gemstones...

Oxidised earrings with AAA grade faceted green amethyst

Oxidised earrings with lovely faceted blue chalcedony (colour not enhanced - it IS that incredible)
Shiny sterling earrings with AAA faceted green amethyst
Sleek and sexy simple earrings with 14kt goldfill

Reno Rumble update - the ensuite!

2010-04-03T10:30:00.011+10:00

I've been slack in blogging this, so here's a quick catchup. About 18 months ago, Josh and I bought this:

Then a little over a year ago we started our massive renovation. The goal - to get ahead a little financially, so that we could have a nice house with a manageable mortgage, by doing a really huge silly renovation. It sounded like fun at the time, but it's been a lot of hard work (mainly for Josh).But it was hard for me - this ladder was my stairs for five months. Yep, carting washing, shopping etc up and down this damn thing. The neighbours got a real kick out of me in my office suit and heels getting in and out of the house. Funny stuff... nooot!

But I have learned some useful skills - for example, how to use a drop saw! Last Easter Josh and I did the framing (all of it) downstairs over a one week period - it was actually a lot of fun, especially for me to feel like I was contributing to the renovation.

Last year was all about the bulk construction and exterior of the house - this is what it looks like at the moment - it's been lifted, framed, rendered and the landscaping is done (we added a lawn and garden after this shot was taken).

This year it's inside... rather than do downstairs first, we're converting three bedrooms in a row, into a master retreat - with bedroom, walk in wardrobe and ensuite. The ensuite is first! Here is my crappy sketch of what we're doing...

Clockwise - entry, one vanity on the nearest wall, shelves and window and laundry chute on left wall, back wall has another vanity, window and towel rail, right hand wall has a large twin shower, and then a loo.

Yesterday we cleaned out the room (it was our storage room)... so here's the before shots.
That room you can see through the doorway will be our walk in robe - at the moment we are relying on drawers, a small cupboard, and the spare bed on which most of our clothes sit! It's terrible, so I can't wait for the walk in robe to start!

So that's where we're at. Today we are going to tear down the sheeting in the room ready for waterproof sheeting and tile underlay. YAY!!!

some cool things for your home

2010-04-01T11:31:00.006+10:00

I wish my renovation was finished so I can buy these cool things... in the meantime, drooling will have to suffice...

funky coaster by morphologicaalice in wonderland teapot set from artdecadence

pixelated skull cushion from voodoorabbit

Easter is coming!

2010-03-29T16:53:00.002+10:00

bunny earrings by LianaKabel

hugging rabbits art print by LittleMoAndFriends

felt easter bunnies by JulieBlanchette

Blissful Byron Bay...

2010-03-28T15:02:00.008+10:00

stunning wire wrapped circle pendant comes to life!

2010-03-28T14:27:00.006+10:00

This stunner of a pendant was a labour of love... and pain... and frustration. LOL! Just kidding - it was very therapeutic to do - I just didn't realise how long it was going to take! 29 gauge wire is very very thin, so it took far more turns of the wrap than I thought... but I love the result. I have now turned this into three listings - you choose the length (and price point!)...

Long:medium:

or short:

My shop has been featured!

2010-03-24T10:04:00.001+10:00

Thanks to my lovely Jewelry on Etsy (JETteam) team members who have included me as the "JET of the day" on their blog.

Please have a read: http://jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com/2010/03/handcrafted-jewellery-by-ange-sterling.html

I do... Secretly!

2010-03-22T08:08:00.002+10:00

So Josh and I are thinking seriously about eloping...

Why? Well, I don't really have the family set up for a wedding to really work. Dad might not show up, much less be depended on for walking me down the aisle, my sister (maid of honour) also threatens not to come, generally makes me cry alot and probably will on the day too. My mum is fabulous, but I think we'll both be secretly sad / stressed on the day because of the aforementioned family members.

Josh has a great family who will understand if we elope instead of forcing something that I just don't fit into.

Upshot of eloping? An extra $15k to go travelling with! Instead of waiting six months post wedding to travel we can start our trip with a sweet ceremony in the Maldives and then just keep going!

Downsides? Not having my friends or mum there... Plus I'm not sure if the marriage will be legally recognised in Australia, and Josh will miss out on having his family there too.

These are the reasons it's something we are thinking seriously about it before deciding.

I want a special day but I'm just not sure the whole wedding thing is going to work for me. Luckily we've canvassed the idea with mum and the in-laws and they're all supportive of the idea - yay!

What do you think?

learnings, and new offerings...

2010-03-14T16:16:00.003+10:00

This week I learned a new wire wrapping technique... and used it for these two pieces! Am loving the neat, yet detailed finish that wrapping the loop provides. It's tricky to master though and my copper wire supply is now low because of my attempts, but it has been worth it...

Etsy Business Tips blog

2010-03-11T10:41:00.003+10:00

item by missisaau on etsy

Aussies on etsy! Do you find it difficult to attract international buyers to your store? Looking for tips and tricks to increase your exposure on etsy? Check out this new blog by morphologica for great ways that you can improve the way you market your store.

http://etsybusinesstips.blogspot.com

BrisStyle Indie Design Market - the wrap up

2010-03-09T14:16:00.004+10:00

On Saturday 6 March I hosted a stall at the BrisStyle indie Design Markets. Despite a rainy and miserable day, the punters were out! I very much enjoyed the market, being placed right at the entrance I gave a big cheery "hello" to everyone who walked in (which also made them look at me and my stall heheheheh) and met many lovely people.

Can't wait until the next one - just wanted to post a pic of my little stall - what do you think? Next time I want to include some boxes under the cover to create levels, and make better use of the space provided... maybe even turn the two tables into an L - rather than together as a square as pictured.

xx Ange.

my jewellery was on the front page of Etsy!

2010-03-05T08:17:00.003+10:00

Hooray! Thanks to the fabulously tasteful Julie of julieblanchette.etsy.com one of my "twig" series of rings was featured on the Etsy front page at midday EST. Julie you are a superstar, thank you so very much.

xx Ange.

BrisStyle Indie Design Market this Saturday 6 March!

2010-02-28T15:11:00.004+10:00

The BrisStyle Indie Design Markets are on again! Saturday 6 March at the St Augustine's Church Grounds on Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane. Markets are open from 9-2 and I will be there with my fabulous wares for you to drool over.

You will find a great range of goods - from clothes, to jewellery, to art - there will be something for everyone.

Please come along and say hi! - map of stallholders below...

Hopelessly devoted to ... Hopeless Lingerie

2010-02-25T08:26:00.002+10:00

My name is Ange... and I'm an addict. To the lingerie made by the lovely Gaby Adamidis of Hopeless Lingerie.

I'm so addicted in fact, that I'm blogging, which I almost never do, in the hopes of winning a $100 gift voucher to spend on my addiction in her store...

I pray you don't enter, because then my chances are increased, but you should definitely check her out. You can find her on etsy and big cartel.

Her giveaway can be found on her blog. Check it out, but don't enter! haha I wanna win! If I won, the picture is of what I would buy... so good as a cami with pants, skirts and jeans!

Would you like SPAM with that?

2010-01-27T12:03:00.001+10:00

I've heard of a few fellow bloggers receiving spammy comments from someone called "Jenny"... so I popped over to my sadly neglected blog to check.

Wooomp there it is - spammy spam from Jenny and someone else spamming about jewellery supplies.

Booh to spam. This is how you reduce / prevent it - go to your settings, make sure you have both word verification, and comment approval set.

I've just done it, so bye bye Jenny. You can have your spam and eat it too.

conquering my fears, relaxing, and ralphing...

2009-11-15T09:04:00.006+10:00

I just got back from a lovely week in Fiji with my fiance Josh... It was gorgeous - turquoise water, cobalt blue skies... amaaaaaaazing sunsets...

We went on a tour of a Fijian village, including a river boat cruise and a waterfall swim and a traditional Lovo lunch, but other than that we lazed by the pool, snorkelled in the water (I have a phobia of open water... this is the conquering fears bit) and generally did sweet FA. It was just what the doctor ordered!!!

We stayed at the Wellesley Resort, a "boutique" resort boasting 15 rooms only, with no children allowed - woohoo! It wasn't all it boasted, with two small children staying (and wailing) a couple of rooms up on our first night (thankfully they left on our second day there), a double-bed only (the website boasts king size), repetitive (but yummy) menu and no BBQ / Lovo nights as advertised... and a bit of a whammy when we left - guess what guys - your transfers are one way only! That'll be $150 thanks to get back to the airport (we negotiated our way out of that one though as the website wording is dodgy "pick up and transfer")...but sheesh!

We chose to ignore those little things, and looked on the bright side - at any one time there were only 10 guests at the resort - we had pretty well exclusive use of the pool, beach, kayacking and snorkelling equipment, and it was so QUIET! No dogs, no kids (except for the first night), and no mobiles, computers or televisions! Heaven.

Then we got back home... I felt a little dodgy... then Josh felt a little dodgy... then the ralphing began - we'd gotten food poisoning! We figured it was the burgers we ate in the departure lounge at Nadi airport... 36 hours later I'm able to stomach coffee, but solid foods are a no-no...

All in all, a lovely relaxing break, with a bit of a funny (in time I'm sure it will be) story to tell at the end...

pic 1 - kayacked to a secluded beach and drew this in the sand
pic 2 - snorkelling in 4ft water... i still hyperventilated, but did indeed snorkel!
pic 3 - Josh playing rugby with some of the plantation workers one evening - the sunset was just gorgeous

New listings...

2009-10-26T14:38:00.005+10:00

a few new offerings...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33274617

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33172599

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33057877

Etsy's Last Weekend Deals...?

2009-10-23T11:24:00.003+10:00

There has been a lot of talk lately on the Etsy forums about Etsy's Weekend Deals. I've participated in one so far, and was lucky enough to get in the gift guide, storque and the email - WHOA! :) Got me a lot of hearts, only two sales, but hey - sales is good!

But after much contention on the forums, Etsy has decided to can them. So, I'm giving it my last shot too! So, for this weekend only, you can receive 20% off all full priced stock in my Etsy store! Whoop!

Also, there are bargains to be had in my clearance section, including items with 60% and more off.

This weekend only... the last Etsy Weekend Deals!

New listing... a work of art...?

2009-10-23T10:53:00.001+10:00

Literally, a wearable piece of art, well I think so anyway!

This piece is inspired by my obsession with Laurell K Hamilton's books - in particular the Merry Gentry faerie princess series.Princess Meredith has sidhe scarlet hair, most often described as being as garnets spun into strands, and moonlit skin, like the shine of the gleaming silver.This piece is truly decadent, and definitely one of a kind.

Yes, I have used genuine natural and dyed garnet gemstone beads, along with lashings of sterling silver. Finished with a wire wrapped clasp, this piece is full of detail.

New Listings and New Pics!

2009-10-10T15:28:00.005+10:00

I treat myself to a new camera recently! A Canon Powershot. Quite exxy, but I think worth it. I've retaken some shots of existing listings, plus my newest piece (the garnet wire wrapped one at the bottom).

What do you think?

20% off this weekend!

2009-09-27T21:31:00.001+10:00

This weekend I am participating in etsy's weekend deals.

This means everything in my store is discounted by 20% - incredible!

Pop on over to see- http://angelene.etsy.com

Ends this Sunday night 27 September 2009.

SELL FOR FREE AT ZIBBET - Win! Here's how...

2009-09-18T17:38:00.011+10:00

Article posted with permission from The Australian Etsy Blog.

I wanted to tell everyone about the site because sellers can sell items for free- with no listing fees, no monthly fees and no commission on sales with a basic account!!! The basic account allows you to have a store with 25 items at a time, and pay nothing at all- sounds good to me :)

There's also the premium account with lots of cool features, including unlimited listings/relisting, a customised shopfront that even allows you to add widgets including an etsy mini, twitter links, facebook fan box and project wonderful advertising- which might mean your shop ends up paying for its own advertising!

Premium accounts are currently available for a reduced monthly fee of $7, but for every person you refer who signs up for a premium account, $1 will be taken off your monthly fee. So refer 7 people and it's free for life!

I think Zibbet is a very promising site, and they're extremely responsive to sellers' suggestions. It's a great option for those wanting to try out another selling venue. Also, seeing as we have to put so much effort into promotion, why not direct the traffic that you're generating yourself to a shop where you don't have to pay any fees?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Zibbet has kindly arranged two special offers just for Australian Etsy Blog readers:

Free 7-day trial of a premium account
Have a play! Create a video of yourself for your profile, change the colour of your shop every day!
Just enter the code AUSFREE when signing up (available to readers in all locations)

Try Zibbet Out Here.

WIN a FREE premium account FOR LIFE!!!

Sell for free for life, with unlimited listings and a customisable shop!

Readers of the Australian Etsy blog are also being given the chance to win a free premium account! Info about the giveaway at the Australian Etsy blog.

To Enter the Giveaway:

All you need to do to enter is become a fan on Morphologica's facebook page and leave a comment on the 'Exclusive from Morphologica & Zibbet: Zibbet Giveaway' post on the facebook page- that's it!

(there is a 'become a fan' button at the top of the page, and the link to leave a comment is just below the competition post)

The winner will be chosen using a random number generator after the 8th October (closing date), and contacted through facebook (unless alternative contact details are left). Entry is open to everyone in all locations.

Good luck and don't forget your free trial :) (code AUSFREE)

★ ★ ★ ★

latest creations...

2009-08-30T14:51:00.005+10:00

These won't be listed in my etsy store until after the Womens Legal Service Art Show... (if they don't sell that is).

The Womens Legal Service is holding a fundraising art show, from 16-18 October 2009 at Studio 13, 13 Kurilpa Street West End Brisbane. I have been asked to show some pieces, which is an honour and very exciting, as it's my first art show! Yay!!

i am engaged! now what?

2009-08-22T15:57:00.005+10:00

Yep. That's my ring... gorgeous huh? So for three weeks (nearly) now I am a fiancee officially. It's weird. I keep saying "boyfriend" when I should be saying "fiance"... and I don't feel any different, except that it's OK to talk about "when we get married" and know that it is actually a possibility that it's gonna happen.

The now what refers to the fact that we're going to have a long engagement... 18 months or 2 years or thereabouts... People are all asking when's the date? in reference to the wedding, noone seems to care about the engagement party!

I'm excited to be engaged, it means that my relationship with Josh is going somewhere officially and that's fantastic. We can continue to renovate our house and I can remain secure in the knowledge that we are committed and all "official". That might sound archaic to you, but it's important to me.

So... now what... engagement party planning! Yay!!!! And in the meantime questions about weddings, bridesmaids and dresses will all be responded to with "ask me in a year" :-P because that's when I'm going to start planning! For now I will just enjoy this loved up, glorious time of our lives! Well, glorious, but still in the middle of a massive reno...

on the subject of muses...

2009-08-22T15:19:00.005+10:00

I now am one heheheheh. Isn't this painting gorgeous? It was painted by the incredibly talented Ms Lindsay (Linz) Cheesewright of FaerieMajikk on etsy (of course!). Linz has on a number of occasions, painted dust team members into some pretty gorgeous works of art. And now I am honoured to be a part of the muses for her body of work.

Below is the photo, taken by Sarah of SculleyDesign which served as the inspiration for this piece.

Thank you Linz - I feel very special!!!!

What do you think??

It's a giveaway! A giveaway!!!

2009-08-12T13:55:00.004+10:00

Like this?

Like these???
What would you do if I told you that you could have them for FREE! YES that's right - FREE!

Etsy Stalker is hosting a $50USD gift voucher giveaway on my behalf. Go to their website, follow the easy instructions and you could win a $50USD shopping spree in my etsy store!

Yay!!!!

I was a Front Page virgin...

2009-07-27T09:18:00.005+10:00

Until this incredible weekend - wherein I was on Etsy's Front Page twice in a row!

There was an Admin pick - very flattering to be chosen!

and this lovely treasury, created by the fantastic Ms Nicky of VintagePrincipessa

what a weekend! The item chosen in both cases was my "little twig" earrings.

The Value of Buying Handmade: PERSONality

2009-07-13T11:03:00.005+10:00

While reading through Etsy's forums today, I came across this great article:

http://whiteplumstudio.blogspot.com/2009/07/real-cost-of-buying-handmade.html

It talks about the real cost of buying handmade, and makes some excellent points. It really resonated with me.

I have been questioned at times (even by my mum) about the price of my jewellery. Some of it does seem expensive! The cheapest item in my store is around $10USD. And the most expensive hover around the $150-200USD mark. Why would I charge this much when you can go to Diva and buy something of similar design for a fraction of the price? Because quality jewellery is damned expensive to make!

I have hundreds of dollars (thousands maybe?) worth of tools, silver, beads, hammers etc all hanging around the house (but no, it's not worth stealing!). And I do factor in time costs when pricing my jewellery - but this is by far the smallest proportion of the end price.

So why bother doing it? I sure as hell don't sell enough to quit my day job. BECAUSE I LOVE IT. I go to my happy place while hammering, I am rapt in wire wrapping, and I find beauty in beading. And I think I'm good at it :P

The few items I do sell keep my spirits up and keep me creating. I love giving away items to friends and family, and I get a huge kick out of having an online store hearted by over 100 people now. It just gives me a buzz.

As a buyer, I'd rather give a gift of a couple of gorgeous handmade bibs and baby clothes by Emma or Alissa than 20 similar items bought at K-Mart mass produced by soulless machines for soulless merchants for half the price - my gifts have person-ality!

I have an insight into the time and love that crafters dedicate to their merchandise, because I'm part of that community. I hope that by reading this, you have more understanding of the value in the handmade products that people sell.

Buy handmade - it's WORTH more.

Product Review: Shea Butter Bars by NewEarthSoaps

2009-07-12T14:11:00.004+10:00

Delicious! This is how you will feel after using one of Karen's special home-made formulation Shea Butter Bars.

These little parcels of heaven are made from Shea Butter, Beeswax, Calendula infused Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil and just a touch of Juniper and Lavender Oils.

After my shower last night I broke one in half and warmed it in my hands then just rubbed it on in all over. In winter my skin gets so dry, and I can't seem to find a moisturiser that really soaks in and stays in my skin without feeling greasy. Even today my skin still feels fabulous - not dry at all!

I think I have found my product. Just gorgeous Karen - I will be back!

Oh, by the way, you get one of these for free with every purchase you make from Karen's etsy store: NewEarthSoaps. I bought these in a package of three and can't wait to use them again tonight!

xx Ange.

Christmas in July...

2009-07-10T19:46:00.002+10:00

... what does it mean to you?

To me, it means visions of holidays, family and fun. At a time where the real christmas is so so far away, it's a fun excuse to celebrate - do something silly or fun.

In Australia, the Down Under Street Team is organising something huge... A massive Christmas in July Sale.

For the weekend of the 25th July, the entire DUST team will be holding a massive sale right across etsy!

Stay tuned for massive discounts, freebies, fun and lots of shopping!

xx Ange.

Down Under Street Team

2009-07-01T11:48:00.004+10:00

Just a quick blog update - have any of you, my lovely and creative followers, heard about the Down Under Street Team? We are a team of etsy artists from Australia, dedicated to handmade, vintage and quality handmade supplies.

We are jewellers, we are seamstresses, we are artists and crafters.

The Down Under Street Team (DUST for short) is a lovely bunch of (mainly) women, strong and independent, sharing and above all - incredibly talented!

Have a look at our website http://www.dustteam.com/ for a snapshot of some of the great work we do.

xx Ange.

tutorial # 3 fancy clasp and wire wrapped loop

2009-06-27T11:24:00.016+10:00

g'day - thanks for visiting my blog - I hope you like my tutorials! This is the third tutorial, and is kind of two in one - a fancy hook clasp, including a wire wrapped loops. You can use the wire wrapped loops in place of jump rings on other projects - they look better and are more secure, and they're kind of fun!

This tutorial is semi-advanced. However, if you're beginning - give it a crack anyway - just use some craft wire or copper - something you don't mind messing up - practice makes perfect!

So to make this style of clasp, you need some wire (i've used 18ga sterling silver wire - 20ga will do too), wire cutters, flat nosed and round nosed pliers, and a hammer and anvil.

Step 1 - make a loop in your wire, leaving a bit hanging over.

Step 2 - hold the loop securely, and wrap the end bit around the long part of the wire. Keep good tension on the wire - be confident with it - sometimes hesitation will put kinks in the wire and stuff up your loop.

Snip the end of the wire off...

Step 3 - make a larger loop in the wire, bending it back towards your first loop. It's beginning to look like a hook now!

Snip the end off the wire, leaving some overhang.

Step 4 - curl the end of the loop back against the body of the hook using your round nosed pliers.

Voila - you've got a hook!

Step 5 - lightly hammer your hook - not the wrap - just the body of the hook and the looped end. I like to hammer the round curves a little harder for some added strength and a bit of funk.

Step 6 - you're starting your wire wrapped loop now! Repeat Step 2 above to create the first half of the wire wrapped loop.

Step 7 - repeat Step 3 from before, but not as large as the hook - just slightly larger than your original loop. This will be the bit that the hook will slip into to become a clasp.

Step 8 - wrap the wire around the shaft of the wire - firmly and neatly, and going the opposite way to your first loop if you can - this will allow the ends to meet neatly once you snip the wire.

Step 9 - Snip the wire - see how the ends meet up? Then hammer the ends lightly to create some strength (and the funk!).

Voila! In less than 10 steps you have created both a wire wrapped loop (a technique you will use ALOT in your jewellery making) and a hook - coming together to form a lovely clasp.

Making your own clasps is fun, it adds an extra handmade element to your jewellery, great for your item description - and gives you a bit of jewellers cred too.

I hope you found this tutorial useful! Please use the voter, or comment on this post to tell me what to do next!!!

xx Ange.

tutorial # 2: simple "S" clasp

2009-06-24T16:36:00.010+10:00

ingredients to cook up your own "S" clasp: needle nose / round nose pliers; flat nosed pliers; wire cutters; wire (I've used 18 gauge sterling silver)
make a loop around the top of your round nose pliers

make an identical loop the opposite way with the wire

until you've formed a loose "figure 8" shape - then snip the end off the wire

curl the ends around using your round nose pliers

hammer lightly for strength - i like to hammer a little harder on the round ends for some extra strength and a bit of style...

voila! easy peasy! you can loop these straight onto large link chain, or add a wire wrapped loop, or jump ring (preferably a sealed one - not an open link) and add to bracelets, necklaces or anklets!

coming soon: a more decorative hook style clasp, with a wire wrapped loop (two in one!)

Wishlist Wednesday

2009-06-24T10:48:00.004+10:00

gorgeous "adorn" purse by Kirrily of PlusOneDesignLovely "Chanel Wool" Shoulder bag by Michelle of MsHandbags

cutesy "Best Friends Forever" Clutch by Penny of PocketCarnival
obviously I have a thing for handbags at the now! these lovelies are all in my faves and I can't wait to have some cash to spend on these :)

xx enjoy xx

new designs.... Joys of June

2009-06-23T16:42:00.017+10:00

all newbies can be found at www.angelene.etsy.com

make your own earwires - a kit for jewellers

2009-05-24T14:12:00.004+10:00

Remember this tutorial? http://angelenefay.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-you-should-make-your-own-earwires.html

Well now you can purchase your very own kit - complete with three sets of ear wires already made (you can copy the styles and see the technique) and two pre-filed lengths of sterling silver wire ready to create your own!

To purchase go to my etsy store :)

wednesday wishlist... a clucky one!

2009-05-20T16:52:00.007+10:00

if you're clucky and you know it clap your hands *clap clap*... yep. that's right. i'm clucky. my biological clock is not only ticking its sounding its annoying alarm - my friends are breeding - my brain is sending me baby dreams - and my hips have expanded significantly. wait. that's because of the wine i'm drinking. or is it????

this wishlist wednesday is inspired by all the lovely baby items for sale on etsy...

lovely little birdie card by MoonMum Sweet clippies by VanillaPixie. I can vouch for Carley here as I've purchased off her twice - her work is impeccable and she's SO fast at creating and shipping!

gorgeous and sturdy bib by TigesandWeince - again, I've purchased from Kylie (this bib in fact as part of a set including a change mat and daiper bag) - Kylie is a pleasure to deal with and her work is soooo good. She even included a 10% off gift voucher!!!!!

sweet booties by Bobishi. Alanna also makes cute iPhone covers... if only i had an iPhone...

new photography... what do you think?

2009-05-17T14:09:00.009+10:00

This weekend i spent some time rephotographing almost all of my pieces... i used some tips from the lovely Natalia of realisationcreations and Jess of epheriel designs. They're pretty bright but I really like them!

dedicated to my sister

2009-05-16T16:00:00.009+10:00

My sister is leaving next week for England... for maybe a week, maybe a month, maybe a year... knowing Riss, I'm betting on a coupla weeks, but however long she's gone, I'll miss her stank ass. Some pics dedicated to my lovely, crazy, beautiful and caring sister... Please be safe overseas my love and come back home ... with lots of presents... for me.

road trip!
pissy afternoon at the pub

magnetic island & dodgy loaned pants for horseriding...

I want it I want it nowwww!!!

2009-05-16T15:06:00.006+10:00

MMM some lovelies that have been lurking in my faves....

gorgeous top by artlab

lovely Chanel wool bag by MsHandbags
cutie pie slippers by FrenchPressKnits

lovely Chameleon top by isadoraclothing

oh etsy! why do you do this to me???

Spray Tans Brisbane ... Liquid Sun, St Tropez, Naked Tan all $25 Carina

2009-05-14T18:37:00.007+10:00

OK this is a blatant advertisement! Now that I've made that disclaimer...

As well as working full time, running my online jewellery store, promoting same and supporting my fellow Down Under Street Team members... I run a home spray tanning business. My site is here.

Have you ever gone to a salon, or worse, a booth - and come out looking like a freaky oompaloompa? urgh. I know I have... it wasn't pretty.

I got into spray tanning with my sister - the two of us were spending soooo much on our weekly spray tans and decided to pool our efforts (and funds) and tan ourselves. It took a few months, and more than a few dodgy tans, to perfect our technique - and we haven't looked back.

Larissa's since taken a back seat and is content to pop by for her weekly tan and let me do the rest - which is fine, cos I get paid and she don't haha.

I've been tanning for around three years now, and my clients now include TV presenters and models (no kidding - I'm not lying!). I have stolen many a client from local tanning salons and even other home-based spray tanners... why? cos I'm that good. :)

I'm not being cocky - it's just true - I actually CARE how your tan turns out. I thrive on word-of-mouth and repeat business, so I'm motivated to ensure your tan is awesome.

OK end of my rant - just a bit of background and hey, a bit of a plug for my biz... :)

My number is 0412 291 758 - call or text for a booking.

ciao! xo

fun finds using handy Aussie search tool for etsy

2009-05-13T18:59:00.006+10:00

Handmade detective is a handy little search tool designed by a fellow DUSTer - Nicky. These are some fun finds I found using this tool and the search term "dancing shoes"...

cute little vintage dress by black swan vintage

cutie pie burlesque doll by sayraphim

funky upcycled thongs (flip flops) by gaudy little secret

I've regularly used this search tool instead of etsy's search tool - as it allows me to both "shop local" and look for the item I want.

Definitely one worth adding to your IE faves for future reference!

Latest designs

2009-05-10T16:49:00.005+10:00

Why you should make your own earwires jewellers!!!

2009-05-10T11:30:00.017+10:00

Making your own earwires is totally easy, and adds an extra bit of character to your handmade jewellery. This is the first in (hopefully) a series of tutorials that will share a bit of what i've figured out through trial and error, and through reading mags / books on jewellery making...

What you'll need:

sterling silver wire (preferably) or craft wire if you're just learning. 20 gauge is the best for ear wires, but 22 will suffice (and is sometimes even better for people with sensitive ears / small piercings)
needle nose pliers
flush cutter
hammer & anvil (or hammer and something hard to hammer on)
a thick pen / ring mandrel

that's it!

Now, cut two lengths of wire - you'll learn to 'guess' the length depending on the style of ear wire you want to make, but for our purposes, 2in (5cm) will do. Trim both ends so that you get a good square cut - you don't want any sharp bits!

Grab the end of one wire and make a little loop - do the same for the other wire.

Now, holding them firmly, bend the wires over something - a ring mandrel, a nikko pen (my fave) or use a wigjig. When doing this, make sure the open ends of the loop are facing the same way - which way this is, is up to you. I prefer to leave the loop open at the front.

Now using a hammer and anvil ...

FYI my tools aren't all jewellery tools - my flush cutters are electrician's wire cutters, my hammer is a panelbeaters hammer and my 'anvil' is a sledge hammer head that has been polished back. Thanks to my boyfriend Josh's trade tools knowledge, means I don't have to spend a packet on tools!)

...hammer your ear wires lightly and evenly - this takes practice... Hammer them a bit more towards the 'front' of the ear wire and less towards the 'back' (the bit you poke through your ear). This will give them a nice contoured look. You may need to adjust the shape as hammering tends to make the metal expand a bit out.

You can skip the hammering stage completely if you use hard or half-hard wire, but I like the contouring look, and getting out some frustration by hammering!

Voila! Your ear wires are done! Now fix your fave beads or other creation onto your earwires and you have created something 100% handmade!

Reasons to make your own earwires:

it's cheaper than buying them made

you add an extra 'handmade' element to your jewellery - nice to include in your item description

you gain some extra jewellers 'cred' - you're actually hand-making your jewellery as opposed to just assembling it!

it's really fun, and you have control over your ear wire style - you can make them as simple or as ornate as you like - some of mine have little swirls, others have a double curl at the front, and it adds to the style of the earrings i'm making.

Hope you enjoyed my first tutorial! I'll be adding some more as I get time to put them together.

Photoshoot with SculleyDesign

2009-05-02T14:04:00.009+10:00

Just a couple of photos from a recent photoshoot with the lovely Sarah Sculley of SculleyDesign.

Sarah is a good mate of mine, so I agreed to pose for a few pics for her stock photos, and these are a couple of them (along with my profile pic)...

The sexy looking fella is my fella Josh :) He'd kill me if I put up any of his 'model' shots - very modest he is.

The top I am wearing in the photo below is from the lovely Gaby of Hopeless. It is made from organic bamboo jersey and feels divine on. Such a great cut too - I can't wait for her to stock some more colours!

Wishlist Wednesday

2009-04-29T13:31:00.004+10:00

funky vintage skirt by VintagePrincipessa

Awesome rockabilly purse by HautTotes

gorgeous leggings by Alissa of littlepoppett

New designs... April JOOLZ!!!

2009-04-29T10:17:00.009+10:00

Just a couple of my newbies from my store

Snow Drops
Little Leaves

The Grapes of Wrath

Baking frenzy!!!

2009-04-26T14:24:00.005+10:00

I have been obsessed with making scones lately - probably because they are the easiest thing to make, and let's face it, i've never been exactly a Susie homemaker type.

I invented this recipe with some inspiration from my lovely elderly neighbour and from my boyfriend's mum's recipe too...

To make Ange's choc and date scones... take 3 cups of self raising flour (I used organic flour), 1 cup of cream (I used diet cream) and 1 cup of milk (again... diet milk). Plunk the flour in a bowl (the bigger the better for me cos I make a mess!) and make a well in the middle. Pour the milk and cream in, realise you've forgotten to turn the oven on and put your floury hands on the oven dial and turn it to 220 degrees C (sorry, I'm hopeless, can someone comment with the farenheit conversion?)....

Go back to your mess, and use a butter knife to gently stir the mixture together. Realise that shit, you also forgot to chop the dates and compound (dark) chocolate, so make a mess of a clean knife doing this. Try not to cut your fingers off because they're all slippery now because you dropped the knife into the mixture earlier. OK, once they're chopped - bung them in the raw mixture. Stir everything gently together until it looks pretty gluey.

Chuck some more flour onto a chopping board and turn out your gluey mess onto the board. Knead it verrrry gently (otherwise your scones will resemble cricket balls in appearance and texture) and flatten into about a 2 inch thick round. Use a scone cutter (in my case, a scotch glass) and cut them out.

Pop them onto a greased (or baking papered) tray and chuck it all in the oven. Wait about 15 minutes, take a couple of pics for your blog post (oh, that was for me, only if you intend to blog about your efforts) and take them out of the oven.

Congratulate yourself profusely for your culinary efforts and tell the world!!!!! Oh, you can use sugar too if you want, but i didn't as the choc and dates are really sweet... and so is the cream... mmmm (I bought the cream pre-whipped from the shops - too lazy to do my own!

(pictures - top one is finished product that lasted about 2 seconds before it was eaten. Second one is them in the oven. Nifty towel by Kerri of kerrishangups.

voila!!!!! mmmm i can just feel the kilos piling on now! Can I eat another one?

my first treasury!!!

2009-04-10T11:30:00.007+10:00

this is my very first treasury!!! featuring (L-R top-bottom)
www.hopeless.etsy.com
www.jensjewellery.etsy.com
www.madhousemauly.etsy.com

www.moonmum.etsy.com
www.burntfeather.etsy.com
www.pretapawte.etsy.com

www.planetdebris.etsy.com
www.bontons.etsy.com
www.mshandbags.etsy.com

www.notrocketsurgery.etsy.com
www.benconservato.etsy.com
www.wiccked.etsy.com

I chose mostly Australian artists, but also those that had caught my eye and were lurking in my favourites. I'm really pleased with it and can't wait to do another one! My next one is already sitting in postersketch and is called "harden up sunshine!"

Why It's Good To Be A Sweaty Pretzel

2009-04-02T17:06:00.008+10:00

Bikram Yoga. Ever heard of it? I hadn't, until late last year when my boyfriend's boss's wife mentioned it to me. This woman has had two children and is fitter than me in my mid-twenties sans kidlets. So naturally, I was interested.

Bikram Yoga is hatha yoga. Don't be confused into thinking it's a new type of yoga - it isn't. What it is, is a very specific 'prescription' of 26 yoga poses, designed to completely renovate your body, from the inside out, bones to skin.

It was developed by an indian bloke called Bikram Choudhury as a 'one size fits all' approach to the many ailments modern people suffer from. Got a bum neck? Got tennis elbow or tendonitis from sitting at a computer? Try Bikram.

This 90 minute session will test your willpower, strength, endurance and pores like never before. You will sweat, cry (this happens alot) and wake up in the middle of the night with the words "LOCK THE KNEE" (insider joke), but it is seriously addictive. I have personally suffered from anxiety, depression, stress, neck and back pain - you name it. But I have never felt better. In fact, I've never looked better (even with a couple of extra kilos I still reckon I look better than I did at 45kg at 20 years old!). And, I can quite easily cope with stresses that would have floored me years before.

I practice at Kylie's studio in Capalaba in Brisbane. I urge you to give it a shot! Even if it is only to tell your friends at parties that you're really hardcore cos you did Bikram once! Even once will give you a step forward in your health.

Wishlist wednesday one day late!

2009-04-02T16:40:00.007+10:00

lovelies that have been lurking in my etsy favourites...

amaaaazing dress from http://www.armoursansanguish.etsy.com/

lovely beads from http://www.planetdebris.etsy.com/

another top for my collection from http://www.blueseablue.etsy.com/

gorgeous business card holder from http://www.allisajacobs.etsy.com/

The cover's in!!!

2009-03-27T20:17:00.003+10:00

The full story can be found by clicking the title of this post....

but this is the cover that goes with it! YES! it's me! and NO! i'm not gay!

Brilliant photography by the lovely Sarah Sculley of SculleyDesign.

Next photoshoot booked for Easter weekend - stay tuned for more crazy pics!!

Why? oh Why... am I so cranky all the time?

2009-03-27T19:48:00.004+10:00

I'll fucking tell you why. Because I am cold. I am very cold. Why am I cold? Because I have no hot water. Why do I have no hot water? Because I have no electricity. Why do I have no electricity? Because Energex do not like the look of my box. :P

After one hellish week of cold, cold showers, Energex came to hook up our electricity on Wednesday, but decided, that even though they'd disconnected the electricity juuuust 3 weeks ago, all of a sudden the box thingamajig is no good. Bah! We have to get a new box thingie and rebook Energex. It will take five days to process the request, thanks very much.

I can HANDLE climbing a ladder to get to the front door. I can HANDLE dirt and dust and vacuuming every second day. I can HANDLE candles and torches and leads for everything. But I cannot handle cold showers... I even have them in summer. I love a luxurious, yummy, hot shower with smelly lotions and potions and washing my hair and having hot water running down my back. It's awesome. And now... I don't have that. grrrrr

Review: BlueSeaBlue.etsy.com

2009-03-07T10:40:00.002+10:00

I've decided I'm going to blog on every etsy purchase that I make, and like. My most recent purchase of two tops from http://www.blueseablue.etsy.com/ was so easy and enjoyable, I thought I'd give the creator, Helen, a big plug from moi!

I have seen Helen's store a number of times, through searching through categories, or in a treasury. I'm pretty sure I noticed this store again when it was on the front page...lucky Helen!

Helen's store introduction says that if you're in Australia, and convo her, she will convert the $USD price to $AUD and give you a discount...AND free postage... being the queen of bargains I couldn't resist and convo'ed Helen, who immediately made two custom listings with discounted prices for me.

Helen gave me a bit of background on her origins and inspiration. She started sewing as a child, making 1800s dresses for her barbies. This is far more motivated than what I did to my barbies, which basically consisted on plaiting their hair over and over. Helen has only been on etsy for a couple of months, and has the dream of being able to support herself by selling her creations.

"Quality product and excellent customer service are everything to me. If people are willing to buy something I've made then it must be absolutely perfect in every respect!" - this is a perfect summation of my shopping experience with Helen - she has wonderful customer service skills and has a quality product. I recommend this etsy superstar to you all!

Top 1 $33USD and is made from gorgeous fuscia silk. Top 2 was $23USD and is really really comfy - perfect for warm days. No payment was made for this review - and Helen did not know about the proposed review until after I'd made the purchase. The puppy is mum's!

Why I need to start this post with "not that there's anything wrong with it"...

2009-03-05T17:52:00.002+10:00

... but I'm not gay! (do you get the Seinfeld reference?)

I was thrilled this morning when my girlfriend (not "girlfriend" but my good, female, FRIEND), Sarah, of SculleyDesign, texted me saying "don't pee your pants, but you're going to be on a magazine cover".

About a month ago, me and another girlfriend (maybe I should stop saying girlfriend)... ahem, friend, Kirstin, did a photoshoot for Sarah's stock.

Sarah is an amazingly talented artist, graphic designer and photographer (go to www.sculleydesign.com to check her stuff out) and needed some new photos for her stock. I, of course agreed, as Sarah has designed soooo much stuff for me and is always there for advice and support. A fun photoshoot later, and we had some cool pictures.

So. Back to the magazine. Ange you're a covergirl. Cool. Woot! At a petite 5'1" that's an achievement!!

She sends me the confirmation email (yay, this is so cool) and it's a gay sports magazine: "Compete". Cool - I don't mind - I'm just a picture - please get me a copy! Then, the pdf comes through, which of course I can't receive at work (hello Government blocking of "profane" content - what the fuck? profane?).

I send it to my sister (hey I'm a model, you suck, blah blah blah) and she immediately calls me saying "Ange why are they calling you a horny lesbian?" - WWWWHATTHEFUCK??? - the headline of the article (which is really, really well written by the way) is "A Horny Lesbian Goes to the Roller Derby". hahahahahaha Josh, my boyfriend thinks it's hilarious, and totally doesn't care. His response was "I don't care if lesbians like you - only if dudes do". hahaha

So, there it is - my first published modelling experience (the cover pdf hasn't come through but this is the article - a good read!)- what next eh???
Here's the link to the post about the cover: http://angelenefay.blogspot.com/2009/03/covers-in.html

Why everyone needs a Lyptis dress!

2009-03-02T09:03:00.000+10:00

I got a package in the mail this morning... two dresses from Franziska Ringel - a.k.a. "Lyptis" of http://www.lyptis.etsy.com/ and http://www.lyptis.blogspot.com/.

Pictured is me is the "lounge" dress - a 3/4 sheath of soft charcoal cotton, that fits like a dream and feels wonderful.

I would wear this dress to work (in fact, after the mechanic does his thing this morning, I will) or literally, lounge around in it on the weekend.

Maybe even tart it up with a belt, some heels and big earrings (made by me of course)...!

Just wanted to blog this as a thank you to Fran (who is an absolute hoot) and as a plug, for a fellow down under etsy member who really is good at what she does!!

xx Ange

Newest creations... in the midst of renovation HELL

2009-03-01T17:37:00.000+10:00

OK - blog post number 2 (woot woot!)... my living conditions resemble glam camping at the moment...I have "no" electricity - no lights, hot water or aircon, but I do have a lead for the tv and another for the modem and laptop (priorities - beer and internet).All these conditions conspire to allow me to make jewellery! yay! as if I needed an excuse. Josh says it's all I do on the weekends anyway so what's the difference.... I can't really argue.

I feel totally useless at the moment - Josh is outside renovating and knocking shit down and I'm just hanging around inside. Feels indulgent but every time I ask he insists I can't do anything.

He's gentlemanly to a fault really.

My car broke down yesterday after my Hairfree appointment (Hairfree is aaaawesome - SIPL hair removal treatment. I recommend Helen at Capalaba Hair Free Centre) and instead

of just letting me wait for the RACQ to tow my car Josh raced to my side, didn't even take the time to put a shirt on and waited with me... its sweet really and I shouldn't complain... I'm just so used to being independent...

Maybe this gentlemanliness (is that a word?) is why I can't help with the renovation??

Gotta get my she-rah on (remember that show - tee hee!) and just

dig in and take control of the sledgehammer!!

Sigh.

So anyway, this is my weekend - and tomorrow back to work... except I have to start late because I'm waiting for the mechanic to come fix my car before work. Cross your fingers for me that it doesn't cost a million bucks!

why was turning 28 was so damn depressing??

2009-02-22T19:11:00.001+10:00

So, I turned 28 this week. I thought I'd be OK with it, although I am positive that I now fall into the "late 20s" category now... which I'm not soooo OK with.

So, in an attempt to be the young and fabulous thing I know I'm meant to be, I decided to hold the year's best fancy dress birthday party (a "P" party to be precise!). Now. I do great parties. It's just what I do. But this year... well... it seemed like such an effort!

Don't get me wrong I had a really great time, got drunk, fell down, etc etc, but by about 9pm I was rubbing my feet going "what fucking time is it?!"... sad I know!

Then this morning, upon receiving a multitude of phone calls and knocks on the door to pick up cars, clothes (costumes) etc, I found myself wanting to hide, rather than relive the previous evening's events.

Now to top it all off, my favourite hangover combination of a good hot curry and a beer for dinner, has been ruined. Josh gallantly offered to run up the road for a good chicken tikka masala for me, and instead of going the tried and trusted route, opted to try somewhere new. AND IT WAS SHIIIIT.

So... I think next year I'll skip the party, tell everyone I'm turning 30 instead of 29 and go to a health spa or something.