Welcome to my blog. I work full time and creating is my sanity. I like to use many different mediums and was a finalist in the Fire Mountain Beading Contest in 2008. I am a passionate blogger, and a promoter of handmade goodness.

I love : my husband, my fur kids, family, music, sunshine, creating, chocolate, handmade soaps, the DUST Team, gardening, friends, Triple J Radio and photography. Comments welcome, I hope you enjoy the adventure with me.

Please respect my copyright and that the original ©photographs and ©text published on this blog remain the property of ©Maddabling (Samara). Please do not reproduce, crop or alter my original photographs.

made with love.........................maddabling xox




proud member of the down under street team

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Burlesque Beauties - Wednesday Wishes

Hello dear readers ! Welcome to Hump Day :)

Wednesday Wishes this week is inspired by the fabulous Fringe World Festival 2012 that ran in Perth from January 26- February 19 2012. The Fringe featured special free programs and pop-up treats across the Fringe World hubs and beyond. The festival was filled with "entertainment choices to amuse, bemuse, confound and inspire" - I think it would have been amazing to attend. Maybe one day ......... for now dear readers - enjoy these naughty Burlesque inspired selections ! PS don't forget to enter the Maddabling Giveaway - closes this Sunday x

http://www.enjoyperth.com.au/events/fringe-world-festival-2012

Glamour Fascinator Party Hat, Statement Feather Headpiece, Burlesque Costume Events, VOQUE

          Glamour Fascinator Party Hat, Statement Feather Headpiece, VOQUE by YJCouture

Pasties, Oh my Black Heart, with Swarovski crystals

                           Pasties, Oh my Black Heart, with Swarovski crystals by KissMeQuick 

Lady Jane Black Silk Tap Pants with Lace Insets XS - New Lower Price

                                 Lady Jane Black Silk Tap Pants with Lace Insets by ladyjanelingerie

Glamour burlesque tutu Black sequin Velvet Wristlets Cuffs

                                    Glamour burlesque tutu Black sequin Velvet Wristlets Cuffs by Dark Destiny

Deco Feather Sally Rand Huge Dance FAN Las Vegas Vintage Burlesque

                           Deco Feather Sally Rand Huge Dance FAN Las Vegas Vintage Burlesque

                                 by sajeeladesign

Monday, February 27, 2012

*** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ****Maddabling Blog Giveaway !

As promised dear readers and facebook likers, now that the goal of 700 likers on facebook has been reached, a giveaway is being held !The giveaway prize is this gorgeous necklace, made with love by Maddabling.......

AND the giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere and all you have to do is this :
1. Be a fan on Facebook and let me know in a comment here that you are AND
2. in the same comment, tell me about one thing that you love ....... it can be a person, pet,colour, music/band, sport, artists, a style of clothing - whatever you want really !

Now for some giveaway fine print details. Entries will close at 7pm West Australian time on Sunday 4th March 2012.Once entries close, the number of entries will be tallied and a winner drawn using random.org. The winner will be announced on the Maddabling Blog by 8pm West Australian Time on Sunday 4th March 2012. A link to the blogpost will be placed on the Maddabling Facebook page and the winner MUST contact Maddabling - either on Facebook or the Maddabling Blog by 8pm Monday 5th March 2012 to claim their prize.

As I am promoting this on the Maddabling Facebook Page, the Facebook Promotion Guidelines state that I must make the following disclaimers :

1. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Maddabling and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for this giveaway.
2. In the promotion's rules :
*A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.
*Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Wishing each one of you the best of luck for the giveaway - let the giveaway begin !






Friday, February 24, 2012

Friday Friends - West Australian Etsy Artists - Shiny Rabbit



Welcome dear readers to a new edition of Friday Friends. Maddabling has had a busy week, I sent a craft swap parcel off to Karen over at New Earth Soaps as part of the DUST Team January/February Craft Swap, got myself a new tattoo courtesy of darklite tattoo and have been extra kind to a sick hubby who has a bit of man flu. 
This week, after the Tattoo You Tattoo Me Wednesday Wishes blogpost,  I am following on with a West Australian Etsy feature artist - meet fellow sandgropers - the wonderful Cynth and amazing Adam who make up the team that is Shiny Rabbit!


I am so impressed by the old school retro inspired homewares and tattoo accessories created by Shiny Rabbit not to mention the wicked wall clocks ! Cynth and Adam - I feel these two have a great sense of humour and their vibrant creations reflect this in comic strip, tattoo and silhouette styles. Here are a few of my favourite Shiny Rabbit things !

I really really heart this TV clock, it reminds me of times before everything went flatscreen and digital
Invader Dudes from Outer Space Acrylic Coasters
seriously, how could you go past these fab old school Invader Dudes from Outer Space Acrylic Coasters ?
Australian Rivergum Wood Inset Cuff Links
or these awesome Australian Rivergum Wood Inset Cuff Links for the discerning gent ? 
Dear readers it's time to take a journey down the rabbit hole to discover all of the lovely things that Shiny Rabbit create - have a fantastic weekend, see you next week for more Wednesday Wishes ! 

Chalkboard Heart  /  Make a Mark Brooch

The Pow-Bop Beat of Shiny Rabbit 

Who is ShinyRabbit ?


Shiny Rabbit is a creative label that produces machine aided jewellery and homewares.  We are a team of two in life and creativity, Adam & Cynthia.  We like to think of ourselves as a couple who bring a little subculture to urban living and have coined the term Sub[+]Urban.  


How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin ?

Both of us have always been makers. Cynthia is an artist from a family of creatives, Adam a tinkerer and inventor of sorts who moved into engineering and construction. 


We both still work in the creative Arts industry but Shiny Rabbit has really become our passion. People appreciate creative usables and wearables in different ways from art.

What inspires you ?

We get inspired by things around us, from nature to trends.  We also are hugely inspired by the creative possibilities of machines and are driven to work machine aided so we can pass on the message that machines don’t take away personal touch and design but rather enhance it. 


Our favourite types of creative conversations almost always start with grand “what if...”’s.  We have a good amount of equipment to aid our process but our laser cutter and CNC router are key - we feel they sit with us at the core of our human/machine enclave.


What mediums do you work with - do you have a favourite ?

We use a lot of acrylic and wood and we have a love for both materials.  We are just starting to work with metals after a CNC router purchase and this is intensely inspiring! 


We think our range is going to feature quite heavily in the near future, metals like brass, aluminium and copper. We also are having a blast working with materials we can recycle like old records and are currently having a play with recycling some industrial/heavy duty fabrics.


What kind of things do you make/create ?

We love creating and making jewellery and homewares but we always try to bring something different to the market.  We like some of the older style concepts like brooches for day coats, or coasters for martini’s but want to bring them into a more modern and sympathetic setting. 


Quirk is cool for us, retro gets a nod, and the strange is embraced.  But we do like to give more subtle hints of these elements because we feel people don’t always want to commit to huge grand statements of change – our aim is to provide people who want to make subtle interesting changes in their lives in relation to style.  


Do you have a favourite piece that you have made/created ?

We have a couple of big favourites, our Rock N Roll necklace which is an homage to sailor style tattoos, and our record clocks.  The flavour of the month for us is always changing though. 


All of the things we create, we love with a passion.  Our coasters are a big staple for us and we are currently phasing out our old materials and replacing them with new and even more exciting ones!  Everything we make is a complete blast for us so they all have places in our hearts. 


What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?

We definitely want to expand our stockists.  That’s the biggest goal for us this year. We also want to enter into a new market where our CNC router plays a big part in designer objects... Stay tuned !


Want to see more Shiny Rabbit goodness readers ? Here is where you can find Shiny Rabbit online !  

You can buy wonderful things at ShinyRabbit's online stores


and the Shiny Rabbit Websitewww.shinyrabbit.com.au

You can also connect through the Shiny Rabbit Blog here : http://shinyrabbitcrafts.blogspot.com.au/

and become a Facebook follower here : http://www.facebook.com/ShinyRabbit

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tattoo Me Tattoo You - Wednesday Wishes

Welcome dear readers to a somewhat tardy edition of Wednesday Wishes ! Due to unexcepted blogger technical difficulties this edition is a bit late but c'est la vie dear readers, this is sometimes how things happen ! Tattoo Me Tattoo You !
Maddabling has a little secret to share. Maddabling got a new tattoo this week.




I am so very happy with the design and sending a huge thanks to darklite tattoo for the wonderful experience. This weeks blogpost is dedicated to all things tattoo - I hope you enjoy these sweet selections !
Tattoo Pin-up Cheesecake Pop Culture Collage Art Body Form Mannequin

Tattoo Pin-up Cheesecake Pop Culture Collage Art Body 

Form Mannequin by Filisvintage

Lady Tattoo Flash - Print

                               Lady Tattoo Flash - Print  by melaniemilne1


Victorian Tattooed Gal Paper Puppet Doll

Victorian Tattooed Gal Paper Puppet Doll by crankbunny 

Vintage Tattoo Pin me Up Dress

Vintage Tattoo Pin me Up Dress by VintageGaleria


Greeting card - Tattoo Sailor in Love

Greeting card - Tattoo Sailor in Love by SandraEterovic 

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday Friends - West Australian Etsy Sellers - petrafanella


Welcome one and all to the latest edition of Friday Friends. It has been a very busy week for Maddabling and Friday has found me to be quite weary ! I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend to recharge. Maddabling will be hosting a giveaway on the Maddabling blog once 700 likers on facebook are reached - stay tuned !
This week it is my great pleasure to introduce a fellow sandgroper, Etsy Seller and team captain/founder of the brand new Western Australian Street Team on Etsy. Meet my new Friday Friend - Peta of petrafanella !


Peta creates (as per petrafanella's Shop Announcement) winter fashion accessories, unique handmade women's fashion, knitted scarves, cowls, necklaces, brooches, accessories and other goodness.
Here a few simply gorgeous items that I had to share with you that I discovered when looking through the petrafanella store ! Something for you to consider perhaps to update your wardrobe ? Cool Autumn days are just around the corner .......


Apron Wrap Top with Print - Aqua and Brown 
Machine Knitted Scrunch Scarf
Machine Knitted Scrunch Scarf
Time dear readers for you to take some time out to enjoy the words that Peta has lovingly knitted together for you, so you can share in her craft, inspirations and aspirations. Have a fantastic weekend, see you all next week for Wednesday Wishes xo


The petrafanella Yarn

Peta Galloway is the head, heart and soul behind knitwear label petrafanella. the label was created after Peta graduated from a three year course in fashion and textile design, and has been featured in Perth Fashion Festival, StyleAID and the Everywoman Expo. The name petrafanella comes from a pet name that my mum used to call me as a little girl. I love the sound of it and the way it rolls off your tongue. As a name for my label it makes me think of cosiness, comfort and playfulness, as well as just the right mix of style and practicality. All petrafanella garments are versatile and are handmade by myself in the creative space I can find between work and motherhood.


I love the way that children dress without rules - layering all of their favourite items in any way that makes them happy. petrafanella garments are designed to be cherished and played with - wrapped, scrunched, pinned, tucked, layered, tied, buttoned, mixed and made your own.


I am completely obsessed with the smell and feel of yarns (especially hand spun and hand-dyed), the shape and feel of buttons and the endless possibility of colour combinations. All of my items are created from original petrafanella patterns and 90% of the pieces are one of a kind. As soon as I start creating something new, i feel full of inspiration and excited about the direction it may go.


Ultimately my goal is for the label to gain success as a cottage industry. It is really important to me to stay involved in all aspects of the creation of petrafanella items.


Lovely readers, want to see and read more about petrafanella ? Here are some links for you to tempt you :

Visit the Petrafanella website here :  http://www.petrafanella.com/

Buy gorgeous things from Etsy here : http://www.etsy.com/shop/petrafanella

or from this sweet online store : http://georgielove.com/

AND if you are an Etsy Seller in Western Australia why not check out the newly formed team on WA Street Team on ETSY : http://www.etsy.com/teams/11638/western-australia-street-team

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Violets are Blue - Wednesday Wishes

Valentines has passed for another year, today's Wednesday Wishes are inspired by the classic poem :

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.

although I much prefer this version ....

 The rose is red, the violet's blue,
 The honey's sweet, and so are you.
 Thou are my love and I am thine;
 I drew thee to my Valentine:
 The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you

Fantasy Purple Wig Cosplay colorful Flowers long Gothic hair Bouffant New Years Eve Party hot pink curls blue pink yellow
Fantasy Purple Wig Cosplay colorful Flowers long Gothic hair Bouffant
New Years Eve Party hot pink curls blue pink yellow by CrudeThings
Regal Purple Agate Slab and Sterling Silver Statement Necklace - Purple Agate Statement Necklace
Regal Purple Agate Slab and Sterling Silver Statement Necklace by WildflowersAndGrace
Violet Sensuality Muse Dress
Violet Sensuality Muse Dress by LeMuse
tie dye tight - fuchsia and purple
tie dye tight - fuchsia and purple by nanafro
UK 5, Handmade leather shoes, D fitting, Violet, Rose, PETAL by Fairysteps 1597
UK 5, Handmade leather shoes, D fitting, Violet, Rose, PETAL by Fairysteps 1597

Friday, February 10, 2012

Friday Friends, DUSTy Divas - Fluid Ink Letter Press


Hello dear Maddabling readers - it's Friday, Maddabling's favourite day of the week. I really do love weekends, hoping there is a little sunshine around so I can do some much needed gardening ! I am also hoping to do some baking - wonder how far I will get ? 

Part of being a DUST Team Admin for me involves approving new members, which is always exciting. It is always a pleasure to meet new artists and to browse through their wonderful shops. This week it is my great pleasure to introduce "fresh dust" and a fellow sandgroper - meet Davina from Fluid Ink Letter Press.


I have very much enjoyed reading about the inspirations and processes that go into the creation of letter press goodies - here are some beautiful things that I spotted in the Fluid Ink Letter Press shop on Etsy. 






Ok readers, time now to get the virtual conversation started ! I will now hand the blog reigns over to Davina to tell you all about Fluid Ink Letter Press ! See you all  next week for Wednesday Wishes xo have a fab weekend everyone !


First Edition News - Fluid Ink Fine Letterpress of Australia

Once upon a time, Davina was taking a break form her regular graphic design job, browsing Etsy (again) when she happened upon some letterpress items. It was love a first sight. From there, research, more research, reading, you-tubing, browsing Etsy and seeking out anything letterpress became an obsession. A chance search on Briar Press.com, unearthed a Golding Pearl #3 built in Boston USA in 1892, available for sale in Sydney. And she made it hers!


“Fluid Ink was born out of my urge to 'unplug' from my regular desk job in front of the computer. Working with letterpress forces me to be slow, accurate, work only with what equipment and tools I have and there is no 'undo' button! It’s a dinosaur’s approach, to be sure, born out of nostalgia and a desire to unplug from our overly digitized existence. The appeal is being hands on, messy and sometimes quite physical.”

For the past 5 years, Davina has conceived and built and grown a web based baby photo card online business ‘Mini Ink’ and intends to user her learned business knowledge to help Fluid Ink thrive.

“It’s important to me that my work is seen and liked. I like to create pieces that are contemporary, current and fashionable. Its not art for arts sake, my letterpress items are meant to be used as purposeful stationery and paper goods.”


Fluid Ink prints letterpress coasters, greeting cards, gift tags and invitations onto 100% cotton paper and recycled card stock using photopolymer plates, vintage illustrated blocks and moveable wood and metal type.


“My favorite items are the conversational coasters, I designed a Christmas quiz set and they were so popular, cocktail conversational coaster set ( pictured above ) and will be working on a second Christmas set for 2012.”

With a passion for Indi design and a commitment to conquer the ‘work – life balance’ plus the arrival of a larger Chandler and Price press, 2012 is shaping up to be a big one! “Running 2 businesses from home, I am lucky to have the support and encouragement of a supportive husband, family and friends, without which I would be overcome with uncertainty and doubt. They definitely put a fire under my bum!”


Letterpress is the graphic design equivalent of slow food - incredibly labour intensive and demanding of skill and patience. When you discover a letterpress piece, there’s something different about it. It was touched by human hands, it is tactile, you can see and feel the indentation the letters and ink leave in the paper and you will fall in love with its quality.


Dear Maddabling readers, if you are like me, you will want to explore what other lovely things Davina has for sale and learn more about her craft. Here's where you can connect with Fluid Ink :

Buy gorgeous goodies from the shops on :

Etsy : http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluidinkletterpress

MadeIt  : http://www.madeit.com.au/Fluid_Ink

blue caravan : http://www.bluecaravan.net/fluidink/

Or in person at :  Annie P Paperie - 243 Stirling Highway, Claremont, Western Australia

Become a Facebook follower here : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fluid-Ink/290607610981496?sk=wall

or follow the Fluid Ink Blog here : http://fluidinkletterpress.blogspot.com/

You can also check out the Fluid Ink website here : http://www.fluidink.com.au/