Angelene–Solo Exhibit (With Giveaway!)

by Curator Beatrice on August 9, 2009

“I go to my happy place while hammering, I am rapt in wire wrapping, and I find beauty in beading.” –Ange McMullen of Angelene

I’ve been excited to put this exhibit together for weeks, for a few reasons. First, because the featured shop today, Angelene, features the work of Ange McMullen, an Australian jewelry designer, so I get to spell it the Australian way: jewellery! (That’s right: Beatrice is a word geek and loves this sort of thing). Mostly, though, I’m excited because Angelene is filled with the kind of jewellery (that was fun!) that I would love to add to my own collection. There is a classic but unique vibe to these pieces that makes this shop a clear standout among the many Etsy jewellery artists.

The variety of them items themselves is quite impressive: from elaborate wire work and hammered silver pieces to simple ones that highlight beautiful gems and beads.

Are you a minimalist when it comes to jewellery? Look no further. I can’t even describe how much this curator is in love with these “Little Twigs” sterling silver earrings and ring:

More of a showy, elaborate jewellery kind of gal? Take a look at this pair of etched sterling earrings with loads of gorgeous cherry quartz . . .

. . . or this decadent bracelet aptly named “The Love Story”:

I have so thoroughly enjoyed my email conversations with Ange, and I know you will all find her just as fun and interesting. In her own words:

Curator B: How did you get interested in making jewellery and how did you learn the techniques?

After wearing some god-awful jewellery as a bridesmaid (along with a god-awful dress) I decided to upcycle it. I pulled apart the jewellery and made something more my style (a bit understated, but still funky). The $750AUD dress has now become a funky money belt for the markets and I’m considering what type of cushions I can make from the rest of the fuschia silk monstrosity… Technique wise I am almost 100% self-taught. I learned by trial and error, and from reading the wealth of information available online on jewellery making. An expensive way to learn… but I’m too impatient for classes and courses! I just want to dive right in and hammer, bend and wrap. After around 4 or 5 years I’ve got quite a few techniques down pat (well, I think so anyway!).

Curator B: What/who are your greatest inspirations?

My greatest inspirations are organic shapes – most of my jewellery is based on some kind of organic shape – a shell, a swirl, a circle. Sometimes I see a painting or object and then I see a design in my head and I have to sketch it immediately or the idea is lost! I’m also heavily inspired by my mood (aren’t we all)… at the moment everything is pretty and whimsical as I’ve just gotten engaged to my partner, Josh (yay!!!!!). So I’m all loved up, and I’m pretty sure my next few listings will reflect this… look out for bling and sparkle and pink and rose and red colours!

Curator B: What is the strangest/most surprising thing to happen since opening a shop on Etsy?

The most surprising thing that has happened to me since opening a shop on Etsy is making such a great network of online friends, particularly through my street teams. I am a member of Metal Smiths In Action, BrisStyle (a Brisbane street team), and the Down Under Street Team (aka DUST). I’ve been a member for DUST the longest, and so, have had the opportunity to develop more full relationships with these girls (mostly… i think there is one guy??). We share our joys and disappointments, and I have learned so very much from everyone (thanks guys!!!).

Curator B: If you were forced to choose a current favorite item in your shop, what would you choose and why?

Hmmmm favourite item… this is a tricky one. It would probably be my Gaia necklace.

It’s by far the most delicate piece I’ve made and as it’s fairly new I still get it out of the box to gaze at it (sad huh?). But mainly I wear my series of Twig rings (I made myself a set of course) and my swirly swirl toe ring has not left my foot since I made it about two years ago!

Curator B: Any advice for aspiring Etsians?

Aspiring Etsians should definitely join a street team – there are so many to choose from – they are teams united by craft, location or interest. Take the time to get to know people, ask advice and offer it too when you can. The other thing I particularly struggle with, and I know a lot of people do – is photography… Get some tips from a photographer (SculleyDesign hooked me up with Etsy originally and has been an endless source of advice for me – as she is a brilliant photographer) and experiment. Try to make it fun, and show your personality through your product shots. It will help you build a brand, and distinguish your shop from the many, many others on Etsy.

This week’s giveaway is one I know you Stalkers will be clamoring for: Ange has generously offered . . . (wait for it) . . . a $50USD gift certificate to spend on anything in her shop! To enter, click on over to her shop and then return to tell us what you will spend your gift certificate on if you are the lucky winner. It’s that easy! One entry per Stalker, please. Winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, August 16th, 3:00 pm PST. Good luck!

{ 151 comments }

Next Comments →

1 Ange August 9, 2009 at 8:37 pm: WwEEEEEEeeeEEE~!!!! Thanks so much to you lovely women Beatrice and Violet!

xx Ange.
2 michvanetta August 9, 2009 at 8:51 pm: I love Ange and her work and this is a wonderful feature of a beautiful artist.

I’ve adored her Bow Tie Necklace for ages and would snap it up with a $50 voucher:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25469135
3 Sarah August 9, 2009 at 9:04 pm: What a wonderfully written article! I’ve been a fan of Ange’s stuff since the get-go and I’m so happy to see her get some props! She deserves it! I have a few pieces of hers and I adore them – they are so well made!
Congrats Ange…
And readers… go buy!!! Quick quick!
4 Stacey August 9, 2009 at 9:18 pm: I love the colour of these earrings,Listing # 26845757
and these are not listed at the moment but I have had them on my favourites list longingly hoping Listing # 26765191
Ange is such a great person and so helpful on the DUST team
Great feature
5 Deb D August 9, 2009 at 9:20 pm: I really admire Ange’s work and it’s been fun being on the same Etsy street team with her. I love these earrings, they’re so classy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28026721
6 Erin August 9, 2009 at 9:33 pm: Great giveaway! I love the Peacock earrings.
7 Celia August 9, 2009 at 9:53 pm: These items are simply gorgeous! I’d go for the little Twig sterling silver earrings and matching custom-made Twig ring.

Wonderful!

celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
8 Melissa K August 9, 2009 at 10:49 pm: Oooo the Little Twigs ring for sure. Then probably something else with color while I’m at it!
9 Kittie August 9, 2009 at 11:02 pm: Oh my gawh. Her work is GORGEOUS. This is so hard!!! Etsy is actually on maintenance right now, which is killing me… but from what I see here, I love the briolette sculptural earrings. I imagine theres a plethora of things I’d adora from her store!
10 Marlana August 9, 2009 at 11:52 pm: Her work is beautiful! I’d probably go with one of the coiled rings and a pair of the little twig earrings.
11 Alanna August 10, 2009 at 12:31 am: I love Ange’s stuff too!
I love her bow tie:) So cute:) That is what i would like!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25469135
12 Chrisy August 10, 2009 at 1:10 am: A really entertaining post…thank you…my fav would be the Swarovski Pearl lariat necklace – Shooting Star…and ta for your generousity Ange!
13 sarah August 10, 2009 at 1:25 am: Love that Bow Tie necklace followed closely by the Heart Me necklace. Maybe I would buy them both for only a small amount added by me.
Sounds like a good plan
14 pixelated mushroom August 10, 2009 at 2:35 am: I love the Swirly Swirls rings ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23217369 ), and the Twist Foil Beads ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27384413 ), I don’t have my ears pierced, so can’t do the lovely earrings, but the other items are lovely too!
15 Twinkle Star Art August 10, 2009 at 3:09 am: I love this blog!

Angelene’s jewellery is breathtaking. My favourite is the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bracelet with purple and powder almond crystals
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23216390
I love the colours and it is indeed petite and pretty

I just become a fan of your facebook page too. Go the Stalkers!
16 Eliane T. August 10, 2009 at 3:11 am: I would buy the Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal earrings – February’s Child. Gorgeous!
Thanks a lot!
17 Abie August 10, 2009 at 3:22 am: Wow! What a great shop! Thanks for introducing it to me!

I absolutely love the gold dangle Caffe Latte earrings. They are so beautiful!!
18 Jess August 10, 2009 at 3:34 am: I may just have to indulge in a pair of Ange’s Sculpture Art Earrings.. I love them!
19 Michelle August 10, 2009 at 3:55 am: I adore the Handcrafted necklace in sterling silver – Three Rings. A bold piece that would look great with my recently acquired tan!
20 Ali August 10, 2009 at 4:02 am: I love Ange’s work! I bought my sister a pair of Ange’s earrings for her birthday but if I won the gift voucher I’d put it towards that exquisite Swarovski pearl lariat.
21 Vickie (jewelflyt) August 10, 2009 at 4:38 am: Her shop is absolutely full of gorgeous things.

I really love the Sculpture Art Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27850900 , so elegant
22 Christine - Little Diva August 10, 2009 at 4:45 am: Ooo, this is a tough one but I think I’d get the three rings necklace that you just happen to have featured in the article.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21682874

Christine xo
23 carmel renehan August 10, 2009 at 4:52 am: Thanks for a great interview ladies.
If I have to choose just one piece I think it would be The Organic 2. The wrapping is stunning and the beads are gorgeous.
24 Kristine August 10, 2009 at 5:23 am: Ooh yes! Great shop, Ange! I think I love the bow tie necklace–what a cute way to dress up an outfit!
25 Rob August 10, 2009 at 6:02 am: Oh my God love your work!!!!!!!!You are so talented and must have lots of patience……..looking forward to seeing more of your work in the future love the cherry earings they are fresh and sexy at the same time and very artistic…..go girl
26 Kristen August 10, 2009 at 6:16 am: Beautiful shop! I’m in love with the Twig ring. So different and a one of a kind piece!

Thanks for the chance to win!
27 wendyz August 10, 2009 at 6:45 am: What a beautiful shop! Thanks Beatrice for another great introduction. I would spend my generous prize on these: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21718666 As they are a pair of earrings I normally wouldn’t choose for myself but might just give them a try in all of their fabulousness were I to win! Good luck with your shop, Ange! xoxo
28 Pili August 10, 2009 at 6:48 am: WOW, I am completely in love with the Gaia necklace, it’s just absolutely stunning!!

And I love spelling it jewellery too!!
29 Alicia August 10, 2009 at 6:55 am: ohhh, I’m torn between this:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21249056

and one of the embellished tanktops. If I win it will be a very hard choice.
30 Jen August 10, 2009 at 6:58 am: I LOVE the “Sterling silver and black czech glass long necklace.” LOVE.
31 blissfulsally August 10, 2009 at 7:02 am: Oh, the “Drop in the Ocean” earrings! They’d match my eyes, sortof…
32 voteprime August 10, 2009 at 7:04 am: I can’t help but read “jewellery” as “jue-ell-ree” each and every time. It slowed down my reading since my brain had to sound it out each and every time.

And it truly is some beautiful jue-ell-ree on display here.
33 Erin Prais-Hintz August 10, 2009 at 10:02 am: Thank you to Ange for the great Etsy tips! I think that her photography is awesome. That is really the key to the whole thing, whether you are selling online or interesting potential publishers. Take good photos.

Really love work, and I like that Gaia necklace too (I like swirls).
Enjoy the day!
Erin
34 Nichole August 10, 2009 at 10:12 am: Oh, my. I would love the ‘custom sterling silver toe ring, pinky ring, or regular ring’ & a set of ’20 x handmade paddle head pins’ Wow…
35 Nicole August 10, 2009 at 10:53 am: omg awesoem giveaway!!! love Lemon yellow pearl earrings in sterling silver – Limoncello – FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
36 Jennifer Singer August 10, 2009 at 10:54 am: The freshwater pearl necklace and earrings set (Snow Drops) is my favorite. The set has simple elegance with a hint of whimsy written all over it.
37 Anne-Marie August 10, 2009 at 10:58 am: I just have to have that Bowtie Necklace! It’s so cute!
38 erica August 10, 2009 at 11:04 am: wow so many great items! i’d choose:

CLEARANCE bracelet with translucent jade and turquoise FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

and
Custom made sterling silver ring with rustic hammered finish – Twig 3 – FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
39 Kimberly Marquez August 10, 2009 at 11:14 am: I love this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20747398

It is just sooo pretty!!!
40 Christine S. August 10, 2009 at 11:30 am: I love the grapes of Wrath Earrings. How cute!
41 Lisa L. August 10, 2009 at 12:04 pm: I would love to have the gift certificate for the Sculpture Art Earrings in Sterling Silver with A Grade Lemon Quartz or the Sterling silver earrings with amethyst briolette and swarovski crystals.
42 Lauren August 10, 2009 at 12:21 pm: OMG, I LOVE the little twigs earrings! I am totally a minimalist when it comes to jewelry, pretty much only wearing my wedding/engagement rings. But I would SO wear these earrings. Very pretty shop~
43 Tara August 10, 2009 at 1:37 pm: i like the silver twig ring… too cute!!!
44 Brannon August 10, 2009 at 1:40 pm: Hmmm, I’m gonna go with the Cafe con Caramel earrings…or maybe the Sculpture Art Earrings in Sterling Silver with A Grade Lemon Quartz – Gaia ? That or the three ring necklace.
45 Barbara Shade August 10, 2009 at 2:22 pm: Has to be the Sculpture Art Earrings w Limon quartz, the ones pictured in the post. Those are just lovely.
46 Leanne Lonergan August 10, 2009 at 2:49 pm: I would choose these …’Sexy are my curves’
Gorgeous earrings …love them!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20131916
47 Aleda August 10, 2009 at 3:33 pm: Ooo, I think I’d probably use it towards the Shooting Star Swarovski Pearl lariat necklace – lovely!
48 Beatriz August 10, 2009 at 4:03 pm: Lovely shop! I would probably go for the Sterling silver handformed earrings with drops – The Ring (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23533925) or The Full Moon turquoise and sterling silver drop earrings (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21075912).
49 Kolleen August 10, 2009 at 5:08 pm: Absolutely love the Freshwater pearl necklace and earrings set – Snow Drops. So pretty and delicate!
50 Julie-Ann August 10, 2009 at 5:10 pm: I just love several of Ange’s pieces but if I had to choose just one…

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21718666

(Thanks Ange for the DUST plug, such a wonderful team)
51 Rhiannon August 10, 2009 at 6:02 pm: Ange’s jewellery is go-o-o-rgeous and she’s also very friendly and lovely. It would be too easy to spend hundreds of dollars in her etsy shop but with a $50 gift certificate I think I’d jump on the upstyled tank top http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20920770 or sculpture art earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28026721 or bow tie necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29078427... gah, too hard to decide!
52 Mandy Harvey August 10, 2009 at 7:13 pm: Gold dangle Caffe Latte earrings for me, yayyyy.
53 Christina August 10, 2009 at 8:35 pm: Was tough to choose just one, but I’d have to say the Shooting Star lariat.
54 Kat C. August 10, 2009 at 10:14 pm: fab fab fab shop

I’m choosing two custom silver rings
55 TLC Inspirations August 10, 2009 at 10:15 pm: I would definitely spend the GF on the Balinese Holiday earrings and use the leftover for a toe ring and….well, maybe TWO toe rings
56 Elizabeth August 11, 2009 at 10:49 am: I would buy the Freshwater pearl necklace and earrings set – Snow Drops and pay the difference because its over $50 but its BEAUTIFUL!!
57 SiSi August 11, 2009 at 10:49 am: What a cute shop:) I think I’d spend it on Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal earrings – February’s Child, I love the color, even though I’m not a february baby, hehe.
58 JM August 11, 2009 at 11:58 am: beautiful! I love the Sterling silver handformed earrings with drops .
59 Jillian August 11, 2009 at 5:53 pm: Ange’s items are stunning!! I had a hard time choosing which were my favorite…but since my favorite color is blue when I came upon these I fell in love…. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26848239

I totally am in love with them!

Jillian
http://jillianmackowiak.etsy.com
60 Shawna August 11, 2009 at 8:35 pm: I’d love the Bow Tie necklace <3
61 Del August 11, 2009 at 8:51 pm: Well one of the items I would definately choose is this heart necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20747398
for my mum…
Great work Ange -
62 e* August 12, 2009 at 6:02 am: Everything is beautiful, but I especially love the twig ring and the swirly toe rings! and with a $50 gift certificate I could have them both!
63 Lizzle Waddizle August 12, 2009 at 6:59 am: The bow tie necklace is adorable!
64 Meredith August 12, 2009 at 7:07 am: Bow Tie necklace or Handmade bracelet with pink swarovski crystal and rose quartz – BEAUTIFUL!
65 Tricia Z August 12, 2009 at 9:38 am: I would love to have the Moonstone and sterling silver necklace – The Dreamcatcher! It is stunning. Thanks!
66 Michelle C August 12, 2009 at 9:40 am: Love the Sterling silver earrings with amethyst briolette and swarovski crystals – Sexy Are My Curves! Thanks for the chance to win.
67 nightowlcraftworks August 12, 2009 at 10:52 am: I love the Three Rings necklace. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28382123 It is very elegant & simple… like me:) Wonderful workmanship on all your items!
68 Anna August 12, 2009 at 10:57 am: I would buy the Smoky Quartz Sterling Silver Earrings – Cafe con Caramel. No question. They are so simple and lovely, and I heart them.
69 Aimee W. August 12, 2009 at 11:48 am: It’s SO tough to pick a favorite…this beautiful work is just so unique!
If I won the $50 gift certificate, I would probably choose the following:
* Sterling silver earrings – Little Twig (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28386470)
* Custom made ring in sterling silver – Twig (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25468967)
Thanks!
70 kaitlin August 12, 2009 at 12:06 pm: i love the twig ring. it’s so fun and simple. but so lovely!
71 Kay August 12, 2009 at 12:23 pm: I would definitely get the freshwater pearl necklace and earrings set – Snow Drops. I’m looking for something timeless and elegant that I can pass on to my son’s future wife one day.
72 Veronica August 12, 2009 at 12:41 pm: Lovely jewelery! I would probably choose the Gaia earrings and necklace or the Twig 2 ring.
73 michelle August 12, 2009 at 3:04 pm: My mum loves gold, and I would love to be able to get these for her, her birthday is coming up very soon!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29179870

Divine gold version of the twiggy hoops!
74 Linz (FaerieMajikk) August 12, 2009 at 3:21 pm: oh my…there is one piece of jewellery i have had my eye on:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28121729
it is soooooo pretty.
I wish that i could wear earrings as these have been a fave for ages:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24282089
75 Kim August 12, 2009 at 4:32 pm: I love the phone/camera charm. And I absolutely LOVED all of the toe/pinky rings!!!
76 Bridgette August 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm: I love so many of the earrings, but I have a 7 month old who would rip them right out of my ears! I love the three rings necklace second best though!
77 Alison August 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm: can I just say I love everything? if that’s not allowed, I love the Bow Tie necklace in sterling silver – Dinner for Two.

gemini5757 at hotmail.com
78 amandasue August 12, 2009 at 6:01 pm: I’d get the phone/camera charm with the Swarovski Crystal and Swarovski Pearl and genuine Rose Quartz. And the bracelet with black czech fire polished glass beads. Thanks for the chance!
79 Marian August 12, 2009 at 6:28 pm: What a lovely giveaway idea my fingers are crossed I really want to win because everything in the shop is gorgeous. I would spend the certificate on sterling silver and torquoise earrings blue sea blue and the gold fill chain earrings swarovski sunlit rain.Marian
80 Jenny N August 12, 2009 at 6:48 pm: I would spend it on Funky irregular bracelet with pumice stone (lava) and glass beads and the Sterling silver and genuine turquoise earrings
81 Blanche August 12, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Oh my gosh I LOVE those cherry quartz earrings! They remind me of happy things, like little jello cubes…I don’t know why that came to mind, but they’re darling! Lovely shop
82 Amber G August 12, 2009 at 7:09 pm: I would spend my gift certificate on the sterling silver and black glass czech necklace!
83 Cabootique August 12, 2009 at 7:10 pm: ADORE the Sterling silver earrings with amethyst nuggets.
84 Wilma August 12, 2009 at 7:53 pm: I just love these earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26846498 – silver and chalcedony. But then, I love lots of items here – beautiful shop.
85 Candice Clark August 12, 2009 at 8:58 pm: Pretty Set! Took me awhile, but this is what I think I’d pick!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24276005

Thanks for this wonderful giveaway! candice
86 bunnyb August 12, 2009 at 10:10 pm: I would get the Lemon yellow pearl earrings in sterling silver – Limoncello! So cute Thanks!
87 Eternal*Voyageur @ Venusian*Glow August 13, 2009 at 12:25 am: Difficult choice, everything is lovely !

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27356271
88 Joan August 13, 2009 at 1:45 am: I love the Sterling silver earrings with green wire wrapped glass – Little Leaves, but everything is exquisite!
89 Anna August 13, 2009 at 2:26 am: Oh, there is so much cute stuff! If I would win, I would probably buy two pairs of the Sterling silver earrings with green wire wrapped glass – Little Leaves, one for me and the other for my niece
90 Rach W. August 13, 2009 at 3:19 am: ah, so many beautiful choices!

I think I would get the Custom made sterling silver ring with rustic hammered finish – Twig 2.
And with the money left over… some of her handmade supplies for myself!
These 20 x handmade paddle head pins!
91 Ladytink_534 August 13, 2009 at 3:58 am: My favorite item is the Sterling silver and chalcedony earrings – Obsidian Butterfly
92 Celeste August 13, 2009 at 4:12 am: I really like the Sterling Silver Bow necklace!
93 Tilt August 13, 2009 at 4:29 am: So many pieces to love! That Gaia is at the top of my list too, but the Three Rings Handcrafted necklace in sterling silver would go with practically everything I wear! So I’d put that on my list to buy if I won

Thanks for the chance at a win!
94 Janine August 13, 2009 at 5:02 am: WOW! I LOVE this store! I would spend (part) of the G.C. on Charm bracelet with pearls and swarovski crystal on sterling silver – The Love Story – OMGoodness! SO pretty!
95 Jaime Hodges August 13, 2009 at 6:00 am: Labradorite and Smoky Quartz Necklace – Smoky Dream is my favorite, I want it!!
96 Vicki Wurgler August 13, 2009 at 6:48 am: I’d get the earrings-little spears and the funky bracelet rock candy
97 Yev August 13, 2009 at 7:06 am: The sterling silver seashell earrings with blue and grey swarovski crystals are stunning…. I love the ocean and anything reminding me of it, especially jewelry calls to me.
98 Reesie271 August 13, 2009 at 9:38 am: I would get the Sculpture Art Earrings in Sterling Silver with A Grade Lemon Quartz – Gaia they are so beautiful and graceful.
99 Soypea August 13, 2009 at 9:48 am: I think I would get those seashell earrings.
100 spamgirl August 13, 2009 at 9:49 am: I would spend it on Sterling silver earrings with amethyst briolette and swarovski crystals – Sexy Are My Curves.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20131916