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

Sunday, April 28, 2013

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED** Maddabling Mother's Day Giveaway

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
Hello dear readers, I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! As promised, Maddabling is holding a little giveaway to celebrate the milestone of 750 Lovely Maddabling Likers on Facebook. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time to support the Maddabling Facebook Page, to read my blog and most importantly, for the sweet comments that you leave for me to read. It really means so much to me and I do enjoy spreading the handmade love! I sincerely hope that you continue to enjoy my blogging journey with me.

So I hear you ask, what is the prize pack that is up for grabs ? 


There are two divine bath tea bags
a cute mothers day card 
 a sweet flower and key necklace with matching earrings
and a set of three pretty hair pins. 
All in all, a beautiful set of handmade Mother's Day treats ready for giving! Note: The bath tea bags are single use only; the bath tea itself is made with beautiful soap making grade botanicals and ground oatmeal. 

How to enter the Giveaway - rules, terms and conditions:
1. Be a fan on Facebook and let me know in a comment here that you are AND 
2. In the same comment, for an additional bonus entry, let me know if you are follower of the Maddabling blog 
AND
3. In the same comment, for an additional bonus entry, tell me why your mum (or mother figure i.e. grandma, aunt, stepmother) is so special to you? 

The all important fine print : 

1. The Giveaway is only open to Australian Residents this time around.
Giveaway Entries will close at 7pm West Australian Time on Wednesday 1st May 2013
2. I will draw the lucky winner using random.org
3. The winner will be announced on the Maddabling Blog by 8pm Wednesday 1st May 2013
4. A link to the blogpost will be placed on the Maddabling Facebook Page and the winner MUST contact Maddabling by 8pm West Australian Time on Thursday 2nd May 2013 to claim their prize. If contact is not made, a new winner will be drawn.

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) A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant. 
(b)Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.
(c.)    Disclosure that the participant is providing information to [disclose recipient(s) of information] and not to Facebook.



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

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday Friends - DUST Team Members - Woodrock Turning

Happy Friday lovely Maddabling blog readers. Yesterday celebrated ANZAC Day in Australia. ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. It is also a time to remember the lives of those brave men and women that have been lost while serving our great nation in wartime. Did you celebrate ANZAC Day ? I would love to hear your stories. 

This week is it my great pleasure to introduce some new Friday Friends - meet Kerry and Rie of Woodrock Turning. Kerry and Rie are clever Australian Artists and DUST Team members. 
Be prepared for a whole heap of mushroom and general fungi cuteness in today's blog feature. I do love the unpainted mushrooms - they have a special kind of appeal don't you think?
By the same token, I am smitten with these sweet painted mushroom cake toppers - perfect for a little fairy princess birthday party perhaps?
and oh my! This Wooden Mushroom/Toadstool Chair is just too cute for words!
Dear readers, I will now hand you over to Kerry, so that he can tell you all about The Wonders of Woodrock Turning. Have a fantastic weekend everyone xo
The Wonders of Woodrock Turning
Woodrock Turning is Kerry and Rie! Rie and I have been together now 10 years. We live in Brisbane with our baby, Snoopy the dog. We make wooden ornamental mushrooms for garden or home décor. We got started by attending local craft markets presenting all sorts of things you can imagine a wood turner would do....i.e. bowls, containers, candle holders, plates etc... 
In 2005 had a multi trauma accident rendering me fairly useless in pursuing my usual occupation. Having no insurance and not suing for any damages. I was faced with having to find suitable employment in which I was fortunate in finding, as in being fortunate to still be alive, let alone walk and talk, sometimes I have said I have beaten Superman, as I to fractured C2 of the neck but don't quote me on that as it may be a little disrespectful to those who have suffered worse than I.
It was in finding this job that Wood turning came into my life. My ex-boss actually encouraged me to buy a lathe for home as that was the job, woodturning in a company that made staircases. I made the posts and balustrades. Having the world go bad in 2008 I unfortunately lost my job and that was the next stage in the conception of Woodrock Turning
Mother's day 2012 is when Woodrock Turning spore a kingdom of fungi!! We had been disappointed in not doing so well at the markets, so we had a brain storming session and come up with mushrooms. Our neighbors loved a few mushrooms that we had in our own garden and asked for us to make some of them. We figured if they loved them others surely would too. What we didn't expect is the fairies to love them as well and now we have a range for fairy gardens.  
Other marketer's that have been with us this far came up to us “Hey, What's happened?!” “ What did you do?” “Why did you do it??” and so forth. Also people said “Hey good look!” “Yep!” I said “ I'm the Mushroom man!!” Our whole stall turned to one thing, Mushrooms and whole lot of them.

We work from home. Our Etsy store along with our own personal marketing is pretty much a full time job - a  Full time occupation for Rie and a hobby for me.
Our inspiration comes from a myriad amount of different ways but mainly out of the wood itself. When you start to create something the piece begins to speak and before you know it a form is created all of its own. Our creative process is best described as simply as that (a process). We use any timber appropriate for turning but mostly reclaimed from local industry.
First, we think about what we are to make and then work out the best way to go about producing them in large quantities. Coming from a process back ground we formulate a way so we can (in stages) complete batches of 20 or so. Things can change though out this process but basically, we keep it pretty simple. I taught Rie how to use the lathe and she has now has become (in my opinion) a better artisan than me. She has a good sense of balance an I am often taken back by her expertize. Now I ask her opinion before finishing a product. My back ground is mainly industrial and of an unqualified nature, covering a range of different industries. Developing a variety of skills over the time in which I have taken advantage of and employ in what we do.
There are so many things about running your own business that could rate above working for the man (so to speak) But in answering the best of the best it would have to be... Being able to be with the one you love 24/7 doing what, not only you love doing but your partner loves doing it too. A shorter answer is, Doing what you love to do. Oh and Buy Handmade; it's a personal affair. 

Dear readers, do you want to see more? Here is how you can connect. 

Buy lovely things on Etsy here: www.woodrockturning.etsy.com

Become a fan on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/WoodrockTurning

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Poppy Fields - Wednesday Wishes

Poppies for remembrance. Lest we forget. 
Poppy Fields are the inspiration for todays Wednesday Wishlist x 
Red poppies+chamomile felt embroidered pendant from ArtsInPants

Poppy Tree Print from thepoppytree
Ceramic Poppy Serving Bowl from whitneysmith
White wet felted bag,detachable red poppy brooch from Crafts2Love
Metal art sculpture - Poppies size 12 x 19 from frivoloustendencies

Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday Friends - DUSTy Divas - The Smile Emporium

Dear readers, welcome to Friday. I hope this blog post finds you all happy and well. Do you have plans for the weekend? I am hoping to prepare the vegetable garden for some new late autumn plantings. 

This week is it my great pleasure to introduce a lovely new Friday Friend and DUSTy Diva, meet sweet Debbie from The Smile Emporium. 
Debbie makes such pretty things, from her signature Bow Tie Scarf 
beautiful Quote jewellery in the form of rings, necklaces and brooches
and really practical things like this tea wallet/purse, which neatly fits teabags for those who prefer to their tea on the go.
Dear readers, I invite you now to perhaps make a cup of tea and take some time to read the inspirational Story of The Smile Emporium. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. 

P.s. There is a really lovely Mothers Day giveaway being hosted on Facebook by The Smile Emporium at the moment - don't forget to pop in for a look; you have to be in it to win it!
The Smile Emporium Story

Who is ...The Smile Emporium?
I am thankful to be a wife of a musician with a keen interest in alternate technologies, mother of 4 children with a 17-year gap between my oldest and the youngest.


How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin ? 
The Smile Emporiums name was decided when my husband and myself went out for tea. This experience included a hot Thai meal, the waiter being busy and no water on the table.In between recovering from mouthfuls of curry laden food (really tasty- but hot) my husband and I were brainstorming names for the shop which really made me think- what do I want to achieve?

It was easy when put like that. I want people to smile.
The concept and skill building to start the shop was obtained by surprise as a result from doing an owner builder extension. After 18 years of marriage with 3 teenage children, I became pregnant with our beautiful surprise baby who was welcomed into a full house. While doing the extension to accommodate everyone we had the roof off for 3 weeks, so no TV aerial. I was never a big TV watcher but having it, as not an option was great. I started learning new skills and after the roof went back on we decided not to put the aerial up again, (much to the consternation of our 3 teenagers at the time) Four years later still no TV. Sometimes we watch a good documentary on catch up TV on the Internet. 


What inspires you? 

Quotes. "Good sayings are like pearls strung together". ~Chinese Proverb.
I enjoy seeing people connected with resources that help them attain peace and happiness. I worked in a welfare non profit NGO and it helped me see the link in obtaining a better quality of life when one is connected with the resources / inspirations needed. 
I understand different people take inspiration from different sources. Quotes from authors range from Bible verses, Jane Austen, Albert Einstein to Sylvia Plath. And lots in between. All quotes relay a positive message regardless of the troubled life the author may or may not have led. The thoughts produced may have come from suffering and the deepest part of them is reaching out to make sense of things. All quotes are within my ethical/spiritual boundaries.
I get excited about recycling stuff. I’m always looking at people’s clothes and possessions and thinking, "How else could I extend the usage of this item in a way that it functions well and looks good." The other part of my process is asking myself questions. 'Will the item potentially be a positive addition to someone’s life?" For example aprons encourage creativity and skill building, bags carry our things allowing us to participate in outings, buttons remind us that the simple things in life are beautiful. 
Images recycled National Geographic or new images brought for jewellery purposes highlight the beauty of all that is around us. I am a followers of Jesus so it reminds me to take care of Gods creation so the world has enough to sustain future generations but religious views aside, many agree the earth resources should be used wisely to help future generations.
I like to make use of even throwaway stuff like junk mail. I had a no junk mail sticker that fell off the letterbox so started getting junk mail. One day I thought how could this be recycled? The answer was to use the images in jewellery-Its amazing how an everyday image can be isolated and when not in its usual environment becomes special, beautiful and interesting. Many of my earrings have junk mail or calendar images in them
   

What kind of things do you make/create? 
 
Image and quote pendants, earrings, bobby pins and accessories. Pre made and custom order. 
Quirky knitted things eg-Black sheep for Christmas tree decorations (yes they sell but not on Etsy). Australians seem to enjoy them –not sure what that says about us all but I did the first one for myself inspired by this quote about them “After all, the wool of a black sheep is just as warm” Ernest Lehman 
Bow Tie Scarfs.I experiment with different fibres.The one pictured is 30% soya bean fibre and 70% wool. Yes your read right soya bean fibre??huhh- I almost feel over in spotlight when I saw that wool.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have made/created ?
A custom order quote pendant for a lady who had a painful experience. She told me how the words on it helped her have peace about a difficult situation. That’s why I do this. 

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations? 
Continue reading, learning from others how to live more compassionately. 
Dear readers, would you like to see more ? Here is how you can connect.

Buy lovely things on Etsy here: 


and on madeit here: 

www.madeit.com.au/TheSmileEmporium

For all the latest news, you can become a Facebook fan here: 



Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Cool Change - Wednesday Wishes

I have noticed there is a definate chill in the morning air at the moment, 
Cool Change is the inspiration behind todays Wednesday Wishes x
Ladylike crocet fingerless gloves in gray with pearls from jewellerybijou 
hand painted owl + golden moon grey tea cup, saucer from madrab
Grey kimono jacket with a scarf from AndyVeEirn

Organic Chai Tea from UnaBiologicals

Gray Charcoal Slouchy Beanie Unisex from BouquetSpecialDesign

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday Friends - Local Artists - Alana McLean Photography

Happy Friday lovely readers, I hope your collective weeks have been just wonderful! Nothing exciting to report on the Maddabling front this week, hoping you all have something exciting planned for the weekend?

This week I am thrilled to introduce you to my guest blogger and Friday Friend - meet local photographer Alana - the face behind Alana McLean Photography. I am really proud of Alana who recently held her first photography exhibition at the Denmark Visitors Centre. This Pelican Reflection on Canvas in a Lacy Sheoak Frame is a firm favourite of mine.
Time now dear readers for me to hand the blogging reigns over to Alana. I really love her work and I hope you do too. Readers - are you ready to sit back and take your place Behind the Lens with Alana McLean Photography? I hope you are -  Happy Reading! 

P.S. please remember that the copyright for the photographs in this blog post remain the property of Alana McLean Photography and are not to be cropped, altered or reproduced in any way without the express permission of Alana McLean Photography. 

Behind the Lens with Alana McLean Photography
Hi everyone, my name is Alana and I am the face behind Alana McLean Photography. I'm currently living the 'happily ever after'! I was born and raised on an idyllic beef farm in Torbay, (where we have since built our ever-after to raise the next generation), so have always had an affinity with the land and all her beauty. 
Being a Taurean may also have something to do with loving the 'earthy' elements to life! I love to go bare-foot (don't tell everyone) I love the fact that I have married my hard-working brickie who has continued to adore me and supported my endeavours between raising our three healthy, vibrant and cheeky kids! 
Show-casing our region through photography is an absolute pleasure! My camera comes everywhere with me! I have had a love of photography from a very early age with family portraiture being the most significant influence.
My career background was in first child protection and then Social welfare for over ten years. During that time I saw first hand the 'need' for children to be wanted, loved and a part of something - a feeling of belonging. A family portrait provides such sanctum to a child and an empowerment of 'knowing where they belong in this big, scary world". 
Family portraits will always play a significant role in my work but for the moment I am concentrating on exhibiting some exciting new works and making others happy through my work (play)!
My favourite so far in the exhibition side of things is my "Fire-tail Flirt" original photograph on canvas surrounded by a hand-crafted Jarrah fleck frame courtesy of my Dad. I recently sold this piece to a very happy husband and wife from the Woodshed in Denmark. 
I was very humbled as this gentleman is a Judge at the Woodcraft expo in Denmark every year and sure does see some exquisite local work - for him to buy it meant confirmation to me....but I sure do miss that little birdie!!! xxx

Dear readers, do you want to see more? Here is how you can connect with Alana McLean Photograhy. 

Become a follower on Facebook here: 

http://www.facebook.com/alanamcleanphotography