Maddabling

Violets are Blue - Wednesday Wishes

2012-02-15T22:09:00.001+08:00

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 by CrudeThings

Regal Purple Agate Slab and Sterling Silver Statement Necklace by WildflowersAndGrace

Violet Sensuality Muse Dress by LeMuse

tie dye tight - fuchsia and purple by nanafro

UK 5, Handmade leather shoes, D fitting, Violet, Rose, PETAL by Fairysteps 1597

Friday Friends, DUSTy Divas - Fluid Ink Letter Press

2012-02-10T04:00:00.004+08:00

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.

8 letterpress birds and branches fill in Save The Date imprintable invitation cards

Letterpress Valentines Coaster Scandinavian Folk Style Tree of Life Red set of four (4)

MAN TAGS - Letterpress Gift tags for men x 5 with vintage images

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/

I Heart You - Wednesday Wishes

2012-02-08T19:06:00.001+08:00

val·en·tine

1.
a. A sentimental or humorous greeting card sent to a sweetheart, friend, or family member, for example, on Saint Valentine's Day.
b. A gift sent as a token of love to one's sweetheart on Saint Valentine's Day.

2. A person singled out especially as one's sweetheart on Saint Valentine's Day.

Love it or hate it, Valentines Day is just around the corner. I have found the sweetest selection of Australian Etsy Valentine handmade creations - enjoy x

Pink and Red Heart Felt Garland by lesalikes

Gourmet Handmade Chocolate Selection by CricklewoodChocolate

red rose valentines day necklace by kisforkani

Custom Stone Heart Bracelet in Sterling Silver by JCGemsJewelry

Scrabble Words Love You. Still Life Photography 5x7" by happeemonkee

Friday Friends, DUSTy Divas - luciandjoe

2012-02-03T04:00:00.001+08:00

Hello lovely Maddabling Blog Readers - I can't believe it's Friday already ! Where has this week gone to ? This weekend holds no grand plans for Maddabling which is kind of nice in a way. No pressures or deadlines ! Oh except for getting a start on a new DUST Team craft swap parcel :) I hope you all have nice plans for the weekend. This week it is my great pleasure to introduce to you Joe from luciandjoe.

Joe is a relatively new DUST team member and I hope that all DUST team members will make her welcome ! luciandjoe offers gorgeous books, cards and other paper items, I want to share some of my favourites with you now.

a paper garland made from a recycled maths textbook

this beautiful Upcycled book - art journal or notebook

a cool Custom Bus Roll Blank Card

I invite you now readers, to turn the virtual pages of the luciandjoe storybook and learn a little more about papercraft, bookbinding and the inspiration that drives Joe. Have a wonderful weekend, see you all next week for Wednesday Wishes xo

the luciandjoe storybook

Who is luciandjoe?

luciandjoe has been formally in business from late 2010, although I’ve been making books and paper products for a lot longer. The name is deceptive – it’s just me dabbling into bookbinding and papercraft in and around the hours allowed by my ‘real’ job. I’m Joe and the Luci component is my dog, a little white fluffball who is currently asleep on the floor nearby.

How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin?

I had undertaken some bookbinding courses held locally (South West Victoria), one with a bookbinding artist and the other with a professional bookbinder whose apprenticeship was with the Federal Parliament printery. Both experiences showed me a lot of traditional techniques, as well as some ways that I could adapt things to suit my own needs and ways of making products. I tell people that I butcher traditional techniques, which is mainly to discourage inquiries about “fixing an old book that I have at home”. They should probably look closely at what I’m doing to old books before they entrust their family heirloom to me!

I got started in the business side of it when my friend who had just opened a new independent bookstore, asked to stock some of my books and journals. The interest in those led to a stall at regional markets last year and then onto the etsy store, which opened in late 2011.

What inspires you?

There are so many sources of inspiration for me at the moment. When I visit or have a stall at markets, it’s amazing to see the idea of other artists and talk to them about both their products and ideas, as well as their business journeys. Talking to customers at markets also gives you a lot of feedback – what they’d like to see in products available, as well as just good old-fashioned praise. Sometimes you forget to listen to that, especially if you’re like me and always looking to improve and build.

Online there is a tremendous amount of inspiration available. I’m a huge fan of Pinterest (username: joe logan) and regularly check in there for all sorts of ideas, both for my business and craftiness and homeliness in general. Spending time on Pinterest actually makes be feel productive and creative, even if I’m only looking and compiling.

At Etsy, becoming members of teams is very important and I’m happy to be involved in the DUST team as well as a Victorian sellers team. Both are very active and supportive for new and existing members. Creating treasury lists and taking the time to induct other members into your circle all creates more of a sense of connectedness and sharing – so important for artists who can more than often feel isolated with their work.

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

I love paper. I love discovering the beautiful cover of a dirty hardcover book, that’s been dumped at the tip shop ready for disposal. Or when you open an old, abandoned reference book that has beautiful plates and diagrams literally falling into your hands. When I discover materials like these, it’s usually them that ‘tell’ me what I’m going to be doing with them.

It’s also very difficult to not keep buying more and more new products. Especially with the beautiful ranges and ever-improving quality of paper and fabrics that are available now, you have to (unfortunately) set limits and use up the supplies that I have at home. [I’m not always nearly that disciplined though!].

What kind of things do you make/create ?

My first love/creation are books. I make books from scratch, usually using all new materials.

I also make upcycled books – books that re-use a hardcover from an old book, and also pages and insides from other books and paper sources as well. My books are all unique and due to the nature of the raw materials themselves, often I’m not sure how they’re going to finish up when I begin the project.

I’ve also started using book pages in my works as well. I use pages from up

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

I have made a lot of custom items for people, so it’s always very satisfying to create those pieces.

Usually my favourites change all the time, depending on the fabric that appeals to me the most that day, or the worn texture of an old cover. There are a few books in the etsy shop at the moment which are particular favourites, just knowing part of the journey that the book took in order to get to my shop. That’s why markets are so good as well, I can take the opportunity to show them some neat features or surprises inside them.

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?

I’m going to continue to build up my Etsy store and watch that (hopefully) grow over the course of this year and beyond. I’m enjoying the whole market experience, so I’ll be returning to old favourites and looking for new haunts as well. I love talking to people at markets so I hope that it will always be part of my creative business. Eventually, down the track, a looooong, long way away, perhaps luciandjoe bookbinding will become my full-time job. That would be just lovely.

Maddabling readers, do you want to see more ? You can connect with luciandjoe here :

Follow the luciandjoe Blog : http://luciandjoe.blogspot.com/

Buy lovely things on Etsy : http://www.etsy.com/shop/luciandjoe

or at the little bookshop, an independent bookstore in Portland: http://www.thelittlebookshop.com.au/

Steampunk Couture - Wednesday Wishes

2012-02-01T17:56:00.001+08:00

Dear readers, since discovering the joys of Pinterest, I have found lots and lots of amazing "pins" to look at ! This weeks Wednesday Wishes compilation list is inspired by gorgeous steampunk couture ! Enjoy !

Darkwear Clothing - Brown Vinyl Steampunk Eyepatch Costume Piece Darklysewn

Custom 1800's Victorian Steampunk Ensemble - Jacket Bustier/Corset and Skirt by porshesplace

Bustle skirt and blouse, burlesque, victorian, steampunk, boudoir, gothic,
Somnia Romantica by Marjolein Turin SomniaRomantica

Custom Steampunk utility corset, bronze Neo-Victorian coutil steel boning by LillysWorkshop

Steampunk Victorian Burlesque Costume Bespoke Leather Dress Coat by ImperoLondon

Friday Friends, Australian ETSY Sellers - Art by Aune

2012-01-27T04:00:00.003+08:00

Happy Friday lovely Maddabling Blog Readers. Yesterday, the 26th of January 2012 was Australia Day !

How did you celebrate ? I listened to Triple J's Hottest 100, ate lamingtons, cocktail sausages and party pies, then watched the fireworks display in our town !

I have a wonderful artisan to introduce this week - meet the lovely Aune from ArtByAune !

Aune opened her Etsy store quite recently and I was browsing Australian Sculpture when I stumbled upon her gorgeous shop ! I think I may have mentioned once or twice before that the best part about featuring artists on my blog is that you get to have a really good look around their shops and you fall in love with new creations every week. Here are two of my favourites from ArtByAune !

I love the composition, textures and colours in this painting http://www.etsy.com/listing/83540682/abstract-painting-large-textured

which Aune describes : "Abstract Painting large mixed media original was created by Aune using Tar, Acrylic and oil pastels on oil paper. It was so fun to create as you are not sure how it will turn out with the reaction of tar and acrylic.Then I added the lady in the oil pastels. It is very textured. the back is a bit marked from the tar."

And then there is this little lady. http://www.etsy.com/listing/83280449/sculpture-garden-art-original-small

What is not to love ! She really is just the cutest ! Aune describes here as : "Sculpture Garden Art Original small punky fairy,black witch,indoor,outdoor This garden sculpture is a one off original created by Aune using a wire base and wrapped and dressed with fabric dipped in Wrapertoire / paverpol a textile hardener. sitting on a wooden block."

Dear readers, time for you to take some time just for yourselves now, and explore the Art by Aune Archives. Enjoy and see you all next Wednesday for Wednesday Wishes !

The Art By Aune Archives

Hi ! My name is Aune I live on the NSW/ QLD border of Australia and love it. I started sewing at a young age and wanted to become a designer but family commitments put an end to that. Later I started painting and creating as a hobby in all types of media eg. Watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, mosaics and paper clay sculptures and my fabric garden sculptures.

I went to all different workshops to see the different techniques and loved them all. My favourite might be when I just throw everything onto paper and then later look into it and bring out what I see. You never know what you will end up with and that is exciting.

I also started holding workshops with my fabric sculptures - such a fun day, you have ladies saying they haven’t got a creative bone in their bodies and they go home with this piece that they have made and are so proud of themselves it is so wonderful to watch.

I just started my ArtByAune Etsy shop at the end of 2011 (wow into 2012 already ), when I finished working and decided to put some of my works I had online and focus on that. Just had my first Etsy sale last month, which was a fabric sculpture of a Hippy that went to the USA ! So happy with that !

The painting below of the dolphins head was featured in Australia Artist magazine they did a wonderful critique on it. The other is one I painted and was sold straight after I framed it they both are based in water colour with a few other things thrown is such as onion net and cord.

Then there is a fabric sculpture that I did - they can be placed outside in the garden you can hose them down, I’m not sure how they would react in extreme conditions but in normal weather they are fine.

Dear Readers, are you keen to see more ? Here is how you can connect with ArtbyAune.

You can buy her wonderful creations on Etsy here :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByAune

or follow ArtByAune on Facebook here :

https://www.facebook.com/ArtByAune

Happy Australia Day (Eve) - Wednesday Wishes

2012-01-25T18:13:00.001+08:00

Football ........meat pies..........kangaroos...........and holden cars...............

Happy Australia Day Eve everyone - this Wednesday Wishes Blogpost includes five creations which epitomise Australian popular culture - enjoy ! Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi !

Australia Day Vibes - Print by GasBombGirl

Sydney Opera House Earrings in Sterling Silver by MissWrightDesigns

Throw Pillow 1982 calendar birthday red Australia Tea Towel Repurposed
Cotton Pillow Cushion OOAK Eco Friendly by collectingfeathers

Australia Day Card Girt By Sea Blank Greeting by pinkdesertbluebird

Made to Order -- Australian Rules Football Player by Sandra Eterovic

Friday Friends - DUSTy Divas - Unique Dichroic Glass Creations

2012-01-20T04:00:00.007+08:00

Dear Readers welcome to a new edition of Friday Friends ! I hope your week hasn't been too hectic and that you had some time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

I am thrilled to announce a personal Blogging milestone today - the Maddabling Blog has reached 100 Blog Followers ! A HUGE thank you to each one of you, it makes me happy to share creative finds and other things with you and your comments always make me smile and feel the blogging love !

This week I am continuing my focus on local artists i.e. creators located in the South West and Great Southern of Western Australia. I am so pleased to introduce a new Friday Friend and DUSTy Diva - the absolutely lovely Deborah of Unique Dichroic Glass Creations.

I have been lucky enough to meet Deborah in person at the Denmark Markets a few times, and although we don't get to chat for long, it's always nice to see her big smile and she always has kind words to share !

I must admit, I do love glass jewellery and I have a beautiful Unique Dichroic Glass Ring in my jewellery collection. The simple silver on black is so effective don't you think ?

I also think that this pendant is very very tattoo cool, I will have to look out for it at the Denmark Markets this weekend.

LOVE Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant, OOAK Hand Etched Love Heart Design

Dear readers, I invite you now to read The Unique Dichroic Diaries and learn a little more about the art of Dichroic Glass creation. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, see you next Wednesday for the Wednesday Wishes post xo

Dichroic Pendant, Fused Glass, Pretty Calla, Pink Rainbow, Dichroic Glass

The Unique Dichroic Diaries

Hi ! My name is Deborah and I am passionate about glass! I’ve been playing with dichroic glass for about 7 years and I still love it. Dichroic Glass is such a wonderful medium to work with..the colours are amazing. And there are so many different things you can do with it.

It does surprise me that I’ve been passionate about dichroic for so long.....I’ve always been ‘crafty’ and I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating things.. I usually only play with things for a couple of years and then move on to another medium. But this glass has got me hooked!

And I think the reason why I still love it is because I’m still finding new ways of working with it. I am still able to experiment and come up with new ideas and new techniques. I love firing it it my kiln, watching it glow red hot and melt together. And I still get excited opening the kiln after it’s cooled to see what has been created.

I also love to hand-etch the dichroic glass! This has allowed me to express my artist side, and really does turn the glass into a little piece of Art. I freehand etch designs straight into the glass...I don’t use patterns or templates. I am able to turn things I love into glass art.

I live on a very quiet and peaceful rural property surrounded thousands of acres of National Park forest, and my studio is a tiny single room cottage at the bottom of my large garden. So naturally trees are a big influence, and I enjoy hand-etching trees into the glass. They are probably my most popular designs, but I also hand-etch other things I love like Grass Trees, dragonflies, emus and even robots...(yes I’m a robot geek)

I mostly create glass pendants, and have a wide range of different styles...from colourful 3D ‘tack-fused’ designed which require a very precise firing technique, to wire-wrapped pendants where I cut a discrete groove into the side of the glass and wrap with silver wire. Others are created by building up layers and layers of tiny chips of glass and kiln firing up to five times...lots of work but the results are amazing!

I also make a range of dichroic glass earrings. My faves are my hand-etched tree earrings. They have such fine detail I need a magnifying glass to hand-etch them. The earring hooks are also handmade by me. Like a lot of other people, I have sensitive ears and had problems wearing earrings. So I started making my own solid sterling silver hooks which solved the problem of itchy ears, and I do enjoy making them.

Something new that I’ve just started making is a range of Charm jewellery...little charm pendants that incorporate my own handmade dichroic glass, and sweet little charm earrings. I do love these.

What’s next???...I can’t tell you because I don’t know LOL I just follow my passion!

Life is far more enjoyable when you do what you love :)

Dear readers, do you want to see more ?

You can find Deborah and her gorgeous creations online here :

Etsy :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/UniqueDichroic

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DebUnique

BigCartel shop :

http://uniquedichroic.bigcartel.com/

Follow the uniquedichroic blog here :

http://uniquedichroic.blogspot.com/

or you can shop in person at The Denmark Markets this Sunday 22nd January.

"S" is for Sushi ! Wednesday Wishes

2012-01-18T21:57:00.000+08:00

Sushi
noun

a Japanese dish consisting of small cakes of cold cooked rice flavored with vinegar, typically garnished with strips of raw or cooked fish, cooked egg, vegetables, etc

Have you ever made Sushi ? We are going to try making Sushi this weekend ! Wish me luck..................
"S" is for Sushi is the theme for todays Wednesday Wishes. I can only hope ours turn out to look half as good as these xo

Kawaii Sushi Ring Traditional Japanese Food Jewelry by SouZouCreations

Felt Food- 3 Sushi Rolls, 2 Chopsticks and a Fortune Cookie by jdensing

Sweet "Geisha Chibi" t-shirt / tee (with lanterns and mochi hair ornaments) by http://www.etsy.com/shop/PeppermintCarouselAU

Sushi Soap set by Bubblelanesoap

Sushi Beeswax Candles - Set of 6 by Simple Natured

Friday Friends - Australian Etsy Artists - 4Eggs

2012-01-13T04:00:00.006+08:00

Welcome dearest readers to a new edition of Friday Friends. I hope your collective weeks have been filled with laughter and sunshine. I am excited this week to introduce a Maddabling guest blog writer - meet Emma from 4eggs !

Emma hails from one of my favourite parts of Australia, being the Busselton area, which really is only a hop skip and a jump (as the crow flies) from the Southern Coast. A local artist who makes the most divine soft furnishings, bags and clutches. I featured one of Emma's cushion sets in this weeks Vibrant Wednesday Wishes list - did you spot it ? Before I hand the blog over to Emma for your reading pleasure I just want to share one or two of my fave items from Emma's Etsy store :

I really heart this Red ladies cushion cover - 'Armando Caruso' Fabric. Red, white and black with tulle Fringing - isn't it just gorgeous ?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85940437/red-ladies-cushion-cover-armando-caruso

oh and you really must see for yourself the amazing level of details and textures in this Black Embellished Evening Shoulder Bag...... The Perfect Accessory for your Little Black Dress !

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88490946/black-embellished-evening-shoulder-bag

I will now hand you over to Emma so she can share the wonderful tale of her creative journey with you all. Be kind to one another, see you all next Wednesday for a new blog post full of Wednesday Wishes. xo

Who is 4Eggs?

4Eggs is me! Emma Egginton. I used to tell my husband that I would name my brand 4Eggs because it represents my first passion, my family. All my family call us the Eggs so it was fitting that it became my shop name. It also keeps me a little bit anonymous which suits me because I can be a little shy when it comes to my creations.

When did my artistic journey begin?

I have always loved art. Many moons ago I looked forward to going to art class, I rarely got into trouble during art lessons unlike the rest of my studies. I remember making scrunchies out of liberty print fabric and selling them at a local beauty therapist. I also made Christmas cards when I was 16 and sold them at my Uncle’s book shop.

This is my year 12 major work for art; it is a self portrait of me made up of coloured photos. This was pretty cool way back then, there wasn’t any Photoshop around! I used black and white film and had it run through a colour processor to get the coloured photos. It has seen better days but I will never throw it away because it took so long to complete.

My mum is an excellent seamstress I was always impressed by her ability to whip something up on the weekends so at the age of 23 after being fed up with being a beauty therapist since leaving school I decided that I would learn how to sew and enrolled in an Advanced Certificate in Garment Production at the Canberra Institute of Technology. Let me say I had no idea what “right sides together” meant when I started out, but finished the course with an array of skills and techniques that I still use today.

I made several tailored jackets and ball gowns for friends and family but realised very quickly dress making wasn’t going to be a viable option for me because people were not prepared to pay for the time it took to make a customised garment. I made the odd outfit for friends or myself and went back to the work force and got a degree in Community Education at the University of Canberra, getting a job as a Youth worker until I had my daughter Amy.

This is a close up of the hem of a chiffon embroidered dress I made at CIT.

I started doing craft again when I was bored at home waiting for my daughter Amy to arrive; she wasn’t interested in leaving my womb so I ended up having weeks off work and nothing to do. I would wobble off to Bunning’s nearly every day to buy something to paint or stick on somewhere! After she was born I loved making her little dresses and hat and still have her special little pinafores I made for her.

In 2006 we decided to leave Canberra and move to Busselton. During a visit to Yalingup Gallery I discovered “The Ritzy Tote bag” by Caroline Thomas. I tracked her down in Dunsborough and asked her about her bags, she offered to teach me the technique and so I did a two day course and got the creative juices flowing again...

I've made four bags and two clutches using this technique. I currently have one of them on sale on Etsy : http://www.etsy.com/listing/88490946/black-embellished-evening-shoulder-bag

The creativity carried on until my son was born in 2008. Two little people left little time for sewing so my craft activities was redirected to painting and paper art with my daughter and my son as soon as he became mobile. Here is Amy proudly holding a painting I helped her with.

Below is a purple people eater outfit I made for Amy and 20 other little girls for their dance concert a few years ago. They all looked so cute !

As Tom got older I was able to do more and come 2010 we decided to build a house so I started painting all our furniture which was all wood and dated. You name it, I painted it - a pink tall boy for my daughter with decoupage bedside table. Tommy got a blue and aqua tall boy with matching bedsides. The kids helped with a lot of the painting (even if it meant another sand after they had contributed ! ).

I bought an old desk and dressing table from Vinnies and did them up. I love my acrylic blue dressing table. I also tried my hand at upholstering some old chairs from Vinnie’s. I just used some IKEA fabric which I embroidered and painted. Hard work but I’m proud of the finished results.

Inspiration

2010, Enter Pinterest to my life, this site is truly inspiring! I love how visually stimulating it is.

A myriad of images in front of me, pins on anything and everything your heart desires. It is an amazing resource and source of inspiration and motivation for me. Pinterest ignited my creative side and motivated me to start crafting and creating again. I began (with the help of my kids) trying out things I’d never dreamt of. We made homemade glue and wrapped yarn around a bowl. Amy’s (who is 6) turned out better than mine but I persevered and tried with fabric and sari silk. I love making a creative mess, drenching fabric and yarn in gooey glue was very therapeutic and the end result I called ‘fabricmache’!

I have discovered really cool techniques from other talent artisans and I always go straight to Pinterest if the kids want to do a craft activity. We had a great time making glitter goose. Glue, glitter... what more could you ask for?

If you would like to see my Pinterest boards : http://pinterest.com/4eggs/

My Etsy Shop

I was talking to a great friend in QLD about getting a job when Tommy went to school, she made some comment along the lines of why don’t you just make stuff and work from home. I ummed and arrhhed for a while and then one day made a conscious decision to try. Knowing myself as well as I do I knew I had to pick a forte and concentrate on it. After throwing around a few ideas I decided on cushion covers. Why? Because to me cushion covers are like a laid-back canvas that comes to life when the insert goes in. Cushion covers allow me the freedom to create a one off piece that is unique. I can create something different every time. Colours, techniques, fabric type, embellishment, always different. I love mixing vintage fabrics and deconstructed vintage clothing with new satins and cottons to create bold, quirky, fun designs. I love mixing textures and weights to create unconventional cushion.

I draw influence from everywhere and anywhere for my cushion creations :

Shapes, patterns, interior and fashion designers, art, artisans, nature, colours, kids craft books, jewellery just to name a few. I am inspired by fashion and the colour's and patterns designers use to create eye-catching ensembles. I believe cushions can be a powerful entity, they have the ability to completely change the vibe of a room. I like knowing that what I make and sell has really power in the home decor world. I read just today that they are the ‘five-minute face lift of interiors’.

My designs are partly planned partly spontaneous. I sometimes have to walk away from one for a while till I work out what it needs next. I have to have about five on the go at a time otherwise I can get a little bored.

To see my shop in its entirety please visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/4eggs

Future aspirations

To be big you have to think big... so I dream of seeing my creations in a magazine like ‘Inside Out’ or ‘Home Beautiful’. That would be the best thing ever. I hope that crafting can be my business and that I can contribute financially to my family through my passion. For now I will continue making my cushion covers, jot down my ideas, do craft with my kids because, that is what keeps me happy, and as the saying goes “happy wife...happy life”.

ps you can also catch 4eggs sweet tweets over on twitter : http://twitter.com/egg4

or on her inspirational blog here : http://stufflessordinary.blogspot.com/

Vibrant - Wednesday Wishes

2012-01-11T04:00:00.001+08:00

vi·brant

adj.

1.

a. Pulsing or throbbing with energy or activity: the vibrant streets of a big city.

b. Vigorous, lively, and vital: "a vibrant group that challenged the . . . system" (Philip Taubman).

2. Exhibiting or characterized by rapid, rhythmic movement back and forth or to and fro; vibrating.

3. Produced as a result of vibration; resonant or resounding: vibrant voices.

4. Relatively high on the scale of brightness: a vibrant hue.

My Wednesday Wish this week is to escape the mundane ....... I hope these items inject some much needed colour into your day as they did mine - wonderful bright, vibrant Australian Etsy finds.

You and me and Yesterday - vibrant mixed media art print -
colorful paper lanterns by danielleQ

Bright indie maxi skirt by THELONELYLEOPARD

Exuberant Neon Cushion/Pillow Cover Set. 14" x 14" & 19" x 11" by 4Eggs

Purple polka dot paper roses by machupo

Vibrant Coral Necklace with Fuchsia Turquoise Nugget Pendant by fleurelisedesigns

Friday Friends - DUSTy Divas - Ariom Designs

2012-01-06T07:55:00.000+08:00

Welcome dear readers to the very first edition of Friday Friends for 2012. How is everyone going with the New Years Resolutions they made ? I decided that my resolution is not to make any resolutions this year.

I am very pleased to introduce quite fresh dust this week - a brand new DUSTy Diva and Friday Friend - meet Moira of Ariom Designs.

I met Moira recently at the Denmark Markets and was taken with her beautiful original work. I was also thrilled to me a local Etsy Seller. It was wonderful that I could pass on information in person regarding our beloved DUST team and am so happy that Moira decided to join us :) Welcome to DUST Moira !

I want to share with you a few of my favourite pieces from Ariom Designs. The pieces speak for themselves in their raw beauty I feel. I hope you love them too.

Handmade Leather Journal - remember to remember - the creative instigator
What a precious gift this would make for someone ! Moira describes this journal :
A special book can provide just the amount of encouragement you need
to jot down that special thought from a moment you share or
the “quote of the day” that provided just the inspiration
or laugh that when treasured can provide endless enrichment!
This journal is made from an old suede jacket and features
a little Amethyst bead paired with a bigger Eye Agate one on the cover
and on the back I couldn’t help but add a little bit of fur I found
in one of my bags of rescued scraps which I think maybe is rabbit...
I’m not really sure but it is really soft! Turning discarded
or unused materials into a precious and practical part of creation

creature-cuff features ( as detailed by Moira) a rainforest jasper, prehnite/tourmaline

and carnelian combination and is made from recycled suede and cow leather - stunning !

Fluorite, Tourmaline and Ryolite bliss.... (with a touch of agate : )
How incredibly striking is this gemstone necklace ? I love Moira's description too :
Roughly polished pieces of watermelon tourmaline, the beautiful
bands of agate, clarifying pieces of fluorite topped off with
a deeply coloured piece of Rainforest Jasper....
the most delicious cocktail of supported love.

When creating something fresh something new I often love

the simple beauty and don't use too many different stones

in the one creation but I would say this one is one of

my favourite deviations from that :) it just works and I love it!

I look forward to meeting the one who loves her just as much as I do!

Time now dear readers to turn those virtual pages, and discover the wonders and treasures of The Ariom Designs Oracle. See you all next week for a Wednesday Wishlist and a New Friday Friend Feature x

The Ariom Designs Oracle

Hi all ! My name is Moira Stanley and I am the creature behind the label Ariom Designs. Currently I live in Denmark, Western Australia amongst the beautiful Karri trees and absolutely LOVE it here. After moving around a bit I have finally found the environment which supports my deep hunger for creativity. A very clever woman once said to me that once you find your “niche” your hands won’t be able to keep up with your creativity....now I truly understand what she meant.

I have always loved creating jewellery with gemstone beads but I think my specific love affair with combining this with leather began a few years ago when I entered the world of shoe repairs. I am a Cobbler by trade and it is a job I love but it does not support the sort of working environment I need to feel truly fulfilled. So that is when I really looked at what was I was creating whilst I was running Cobbler shops and said to myself “this is what I truly love”. So I now fill my days creating what I love supported by nature and I couldn’t be happier !

I create use several different mediums from Seashells and Driftwood to Australian Gemstones and leather and paper. After working in a field where I witnessed a lot of waste when it came to leather I have taken on the mission of using only recycled leather so all of my materials I seek from the off cuts of larger companies like Upholstery warehouses and am always on the lookout for old leather jackets that have been sitting in Op shops for centuries. I pull them apart to make something unique and one of a kind.

I do all of my stitching of my beautiful much loved 1932 hand wheel sewing machine “Ruby”. She has come a long way and is still going strong! They just don’t make them like this anymore!

I create everything from beaded jewellery, leather pouches, wallets and hand bound books. I absolutely adore bookbinding and the endless possibilities that lay within it. I find it to leave me in an almost meditative state with the careful intent of tearing page by page to fit your creation and folding and stitching the paper bringing several different mediums together to produce a bigger picture.

I have recently been doing several custom jobs for people and I really enjoy co creating projects. To combine my creativity with another’s vision is something truly inspiring and I look forward to my future being filled with many more projects like these ;)

My mission is to sustain myself in my life from every angle by sharing what I love doing with the world.

Dear readers - do you want to see more ? You can connect with and shop with AriomDesigns

on ETSY here : http://www.etsy.com/shop/AriomDesigns

or catch Ariom Designs at the Denmark Markets on Saturday, 7th January 2012 !

Wednesday Wishes - Happy New Year, Hopes and Dreams

2012-01-04T21:54:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year Banner - New Year- Vintage Inspired by FernEllaDesigns

Happy New Year to all of my darling Maddabling readers :)

I am excited to be sharing with you all another year of blogging adventures in 2012!

As the new year unfolds, I must remind myself that endings are new beginnings....

that if something does end, it presents opportunities to embrace and try something I previously not imagined, experienced or dreamed of.....

This Ending is a New Beginning / original illustration ART Print SIGNED / 8 x 10 by studio3ten

As I continue to learn the role of a DUST Team Admin this year,
I feel my mantra should be
"she believed she could so she did"
I can also apply this as a personal mantra in my everyday life.

Etched Copper Bracelet Leather Cuff She Believed She Could So She Did in Oxblood by QueSarahSera

I didn't make any New Years resolutions this year but really like the sentiments listed below !

New Year's Resolutions Journal Diary Notebook Idea Book by stevenjameskeathley

I am also feel it's time to experience new growth in my everyday life
to make it more fulfilling and purposeful,
I want to make a difference somehow in whatever small way that I can.

New Growth Earrings in Sterling Silver. Jewelry by FullSpiral

What are your plans for the brand new shiny year that is 2012 ?

Friday Friends - Local Australian Artists - i.love.milly.mu

2011-12-30T04:00:00.002+08:00

Welcome dear readers to the last edition of Friday friends for 2011. I hope the festive season has been kind to you, nearly time to pack away the Christmas Tree and decorations for another year. The leftovers are all gone now, gift wrap recycled, the pace of daily life seems to have returned to its normal hum.

This week it my great pleasure to introduce a wonderful local artisan whom I met recently at the Denmark Markets - meet Elizabeth of i.love.milly.mu ! Elizabeth is a clever creator of toys, stitched or crocheted.

I went to the Denmark Markets for a spot of last minute Christmas Shopping and I was fortunate to stumble across the i.love.milly.mu stall. I found this gorgeous Owl and Pussycat set (the ones on the left) which became a Christmas Gift for one of my nephews

and this beautiful Heart Doll which became a Christmas Gift for one of my nieces.

Both gifts were well received and are much loved already in their new homes. It's wonderful when a younger generation appreciates and treasures items that are handmade with great care, attention to detail and much love.

Personally, I adore these little foxes, aren't they just the sweetest ?

I really like this moustache man too, he reminds me of a dear work colleague who sports an amazing mo !

And of course, I am a self confessed, well a bit of a collector of softies and handmade dolls. I really must admit that I do covet the most crazed Mr Bunnyford.

Dear readers, I invite you now to take some time out just for you, and to read through The Marvels of i.love.milly.mu, to see what inspires Elizabeth, a very talented creator. See you all next week for the Wednesday Wishlist - have a fantastic weekend ....... oh and I hope you get to enjoy a Happy and Safe New Years Eve !

The Marvels of i.love.milly.mu

Hi I'm Elizabeth, the crafty person behind i.love.milly.mu ! You may have seen me around at the local markets, cos that's where I love to be :)

I'm the one with all the soft toys, crocheted goodness and fabric toy delights! I've been doing markets for just over a year now..... I love markets as they are a great environment to meet people who have a similar passion for handcrafted goodness! I have two little girls who inspire me on a daily basis to make and create and a super supportive hubby who lets me get away with my craft madness!

A few years ago our family made the big move to Albany and with that came a bit of a life change. I had a chance to try new things or go back and try old things again, although I had given sewing a go before, this time I really took to it! I started out making things from patterns out of books and learnt techniques by watching youtube videos (when learning to crochet youtube is your BEST friend!) then it just grew from there !

At the moment my favourite past-time is crocheting things, I am totally addicted to it... I am on the border of actually carrying yarn and hooks with me everywhere! If I am sitting still, I just feel the urge to be crocheting something, ANYthing!

My favourite softie friends that I've made is the peoples with the furry hair, they are fiddly little things but when they pop right side out i know they were worth it!

So what does the future hold for milly.mu? I really hope to continue doing markets, I enjoy them too much to give them up just yet! I'm also hoping to start up an online store where people can find me out of market times. Apart from that I just hope to keep creating and enjoying what I do, and hopefully pass on the love of handmade goodness!

Dear readers, do you want to connect and see more i.love.milly.mu soft toy and crochet goodness ?

You can connect through Facebook here : https://www.facebook.com/i.love.milly.mu

or catch i.love.milly.mu at the Denmark Markets on Saturday 7th January, 2012.

Paint the Town Wednesday Wishlist

2011-12-28T19:52:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year 2012 banner garland decoration
wall hanging black and white by CowCountryCreations

Welcome to the Wednesday Wishlist for this week my lovely readers. What are your New Year Resolutions ? Perhaps your Resolution is not to make any Resolutions ! Whilst you ponder this, I am going to share with you some fab party items to help you paint the town this New Years Eve !

Feather Cocktail Ring Ceramic - big bold oversize handmade -
RUFFLE MY FEATHERS - 2.3 inch by StudioLeanne

lipstick on your collar pin NOW in 3 shades by SavageKitten

Chunky Black Onyx Gemstone Statement Necklace by GlitzyGecko

New Years 2012 Party Kit. Perfect for photo booth pictures,
new years and parties by livelaughlovelots

DevilWoman Cherry Red Lipstick by NYXsUniverse

Black and Red Clutch by SouthernBeaus

Black Wrap Dress with Silk Ruffles by PolinaIvanova

Upcycled, 5" Red Patent Leather High Heels, Silk Flower Embellishment,
1" Platform, Size 10 by Jeriscustomoriginals

Maddabling Christmas Message

2011-12-24T18:59:00.002+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS Banner, Rustic Kraft Banner by LazyCaterpillar

Merry Christmas Eve to all of the lovely Maddabling followers. I would like to share a sweet poem with you from kidspot.com that is sure to make you giggle just a little. It's called Puppies Christmas. Anyone who has raised a puppy will understand this completely ! Although I am sure parts of this poem would also apply to children and kittens too ;)

It's the day before Christmas

And all through the house
The puppies are squeaking

An old rubber mouse.

The wreath which had merrily

Hung on the door

Is scattered in pieces

All over the floor.

The stockings that hung
In a neat little row
Now boast a hole in
Each one of the toes.

The tree was subjected
To bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid,
It's missing some limbs.

4 Dog Puppy Boston Terrier Christmas
Greeting Notecards/ Envelopes Set
by ASLICEINTIME

I catch them and hold them.

"Be good", I insist.

They lick me, then run off

To see what they've missed.

And now as I watch them

The thought comes to me,

That theirs is the spirit

That Christmas should be.

Should children and puppies

Yet show us the way,

And teach us the joy

That should come with this day?

Could they bring the message
That's written above,
And tell us that, most of all
Christmas is love.

Be Merry - Christmas Banner by craftyearth

Christmas is a time to be merry. There were two trustworthy elves (Maddabling and DELiciousDesignz) who co-ordinated the DUST Team Secret Santa craft swap this year. Maddabling sent goodies to Petaliferous and tamaradesigns sent goodies to Maddabling. It is always SO EXCITING to receive your craft swap parcel, but even more so when you don't know who is sending it !

The Secret Santa goodies Maddabling received from Tamara at tamaradesigns

The Secret Santa goodies Maddabling sent to Bri of Petaliferous

Peace and Love Christmas Banners by GoldenAppleDesigns

A dear friend of mine, the lovely Cyndy of Cyndy Kitt Productions doesn't send the traditional Christmas Card. This year she made a gorgeous mini poetry book and sent it in an envelope made from recycled pages from Frankie Magazine. Isn't this just the sweetest ? I will certainly treasure this tiny book for many many years to come.

Finally dear readers, before I go, I want to share this lovely treasury that made front page of ETSY today. It was a wonderful early Christmas Present for me and featured many wonderful Australian ETSY sellers.

I wish each and every one of you a joyous festive season, peace and love. Spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than yourself and remember that Christmas is not always a happy time for those around us. Perhaps you could practice a random act of kindness to a stranger in the true festive spirit. Oh and don't forget to leave milk and cookies out for Santa and his reindeer. Merry Christmas xo

Holiday JOY banner vintage inspired paper bunting
by AlicesLookingGlass

Friday Friends - Australian ETSY Sellers - Belinda Morris

2011-12-23T04:00:00.004+08:00

Welcome dear readers to a new edition of Friday Friends. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, it is very nearly upon us, I hope you are all prepared and wish each and every one of you a fabulous time with friends and family. I will write a special Christmas Eve Blog Post filled with some festive finds, pictures of the recent DUST Team Secret Santa Craft Swap and a peek at a wonderful poetry book that a dear friend Cyndy sent to me in a gorgeous recycled handmade envelope !

I digress......... This week it is my great pleasure to introduce Australian Etsy Seller and Seamstress Extraordinaire Belinda Morris !

I think Belinda is a terribly talented seamstress and I love the flattering and feminine designs of Belinda's frocks, they are such beautiful classical lines. Elegant yet casual, the dresses remind me of yesteryear in their patterns and styles. Retro Glamour and Vintage Inspired at its very very best. Dresses for the modern girl with a vintage heart. I really adore these three styles and want to share them with you now.

Mia Dress in Red Floral

Sandra Dee Dress in Blue and White Gingham

Sophia Top and Faye Skirt in Indigo and Red Rose

Dear blog readers, I invite you now to release your inner fashionista, and indulge in some online exploration of Belinda Morris and her Fabulous Frocks. I wish each and every one of you a happy and safe festive season with your loved ones. Eat, Drink and be Merry - see you all tomorrow xo

The Fabulous Frocks of Belinda Morris - A Fanciful Fashion Feature

Hi, my name is Belinda Morris and I am a designer from a small town on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia. I hand-make one off or small runs of vintage inspired, women’s clothing and handbags.

I definitely love a bit of a vintage feel. All that style, glamour and playfulness of bygone eras is really appealing to me. I love clothing and accessories that are soft and feminine, but with a twist. I definitely have a soft spot for a few ruffles and bows.

I like my pieces to be a bit of a personal expression and not the standard ‘off the rack’ look and love a handbag that makes a statement all on its own.

I work with all natural fabrics such as cotton or cotton-silk blends and I try to emulate all the amazing tailoring techniques of the past. The finish of the garment is really important to me.

I started designing and making clothing when I was a young girl. My Mother taught me how to sew and by the time I was in High School I was making a range of crazy outfits for myself and friends. I love the creative process and am always finding new things I want to learn how to make or sew.

My favorite pieces at the moment are these Sophia Dresses in bright summer prints. I love the simplicity of them and the subtle femininity that comes through in the design.

I sell the Belinda Morris range through Australian Boutiques and two online stores - Madeit and Etsy. The online stores are unfortunately both closed for the Christmas Holiday period, but you can see many of my creations on my Facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/BelindaMorrisDesigns

If you would like to sign on to my page I will be sure to let you know when the online stores are reopened in mid-January.

http://www.madeit.com.au/BelindaMorris

http://www.etsy.com/belindamorris1

Fancy Festive Finds - Wednesday Wishlist

2011-12-21T04:00:00.002+08:00

Hello dear readers, happy festive hump day to you all !

Today I have put together a fun Australian wish-list inspired by Christmas-sy colours. To inject a little humour into the often stressful and hectic lead up to Christmas, I would also love to share with you a funny Christmas quote by the talented Joan Rivers :

"The one thing women don't want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband."

Enjoy xo

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATION
on Wooden Spindle by NestInTheAttic

Merry Christmas Banner - Spotty Dotty Red - LAST ONE by BenandJess

Soy Teacup Candles - Limited Christmas Edition -

Triple Scented - Lime and Passionfruit by SquinkStudio

clementine bow beret - red with white bow by kisforkani

Green Lavender Scented Bird Christmas Decoration

with Dandelion Embroidery by edwardandlilly

Red and white striped knitting needle necklace by tikimau

Mary-Jane Style Christmas Stocking by PepperPony

Friday Friends, DUSTy Divas - Art by Jaz

2011-12-16T12:01:00.001+08:00

Peace Angel

Hello lovely readers, welcome to Friday and a new edition of Friday Friends. What a busy week it has been. Our workplace spread a little Christmas Cheer by donating nearly a shopping trolley full of non perishable food items to a local relief agency to put towards Christmas Hampers for those in need. It was such a great feeling to be able to make a contribution to society at this time of year.

Maddabling was also very lucky to have an ETSY treasury featured on ETSY's front page - it featured lots of talented folk, was entitled Festive Fawn and included many Australian Artists !

This week I am happy to indulge you in a little bit of whimsy on a fantastical visual journey with a fabulous Australian ETSY Artist and brand new DUST team member; meet Jaz from Art by Jaz !

I stumbled upon these gorgeous prints and paintings, while trawling through Etsy one evening. They are beautifully drawn, feminine and completely colourful ! Here are a few of my faves (by the way I had a lot of trouble narrowing this down). I must mention that due to my wonderful husband being a supporter of handmade and local talent, the original Cat and Mouse painting (shown below) is coming to live with us.... he purchased it for me for Christmas :D I am so pleased to be the owner of a piece of original Art by Jaz.

Jaz, you can be assured that Cat and Mouse is coming to a home where she will be loved and treasured.

Cat and Mouse

Oh Deer There is a Storm Coming

Blue Ringed Octopus Fairy

Dear readers, I invite you now to take some time out of your hectic day and to indulge in a whimsical visual journey ruffling through the virtual archives of Art by Jaz.

Drink Me

Art by Jaz Archives

I'm Jaz Higgins. I'm a full time artist, working from my home studio in Brisbane, Australia. I live with my husband, our beautiful 3 year old daughter and our little black and white cat.

Xenia Fairy

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved creating things. I've always been happy with a colouring book and a good set of felt pens! One of my first memories of my love of colour was visiting a family friend who was a cake decorator and looking at all the brightly coloured pigments that she used to make icing flowers with. There were rows and rows of them and I was absolutely mesmerized !

Birdy has a Birthday

I have studied commerce and marketing at uni, and I have worked in retail management, but I realised about 5 years ago that I wanted to work on my art full time. I feel very lucky to be in the position now to do that. It's not always easy being your own boss, and being responsible for paying the bills from your own artwork - but it's worth it.

Pretty in Pink

I'm specifically drawn to painting girls, my paintings often feature mermaids, fairies for this reason. I'm inspired by anything whimsical, kitschy, feminine, pretty and fun. I love flowers, fantasy, oceanic creatures, animals, nature, fashion, children's storybooks, vintage emphemera, wandering through art galleries, reading art blogs - I'm inspired by countless things!

Alice Meets the Caterpillar

I mostly paint on canvas with acrylic paints. I find I'm too impatient when it comes to waiting for oil paint to dry, and I find acrylics less messy to clean up than oils! :)

Cat and Mouse

Some of my favourite paintings I've done so far are: "Naughty Cal", "A Jellyfish Friend" and "Alice Meets the Caterpillar".

A Jellyfish Friend

While I have sold my artwork online for a while now, I was excited to start getting my artwork in to some 'brick and mortar' stores this year, starting with "Cultiver" in Ipswich, QLD, with more to come in the next few months. I'd also like to start doing some more art shows, expos and markets. I'm looking forward to creating lots of new paintings in 2012 - so keep an eye out! :)

Naughty Cal

Lovely readers you can explore and learn more about Art by Jaz or do a little shopping here :

Art by Jaz Website : http://www.artbyjaz.com/

Art by Jaz on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/ArtByJaz

Art by Jaz Blog : http://artbyjaz.blogspot.com/

Art by Jaz on Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/ArtByJaz

Art by Jaz on Etsy : http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbyjaz

Twelve Days of Christmas Wednesday Wishlist

2011-12-14T19:40:00.001+08:00

Happy Hump Day dear readers and welcome to a Wednesday Wishlist based around the Twelve Days of Christmas. It goes something like this -
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

12 Drummers Drumming
11 Pipers Piping
10 Lords-a-Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids-a-Milking
7 Swans-a-Swimming
6 Geese-a-Laying
5 Gold Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Vintage German Nutcracker Drummer by Chixycoco

Antique AQUA Twelve Days of Christmas Eleventh Pipers Piping
Postmarks Music Digital Download for Transfer, Pillows,
etc Burlap No. 3407 by AntiqueGraphiqueAged

10 Lords a Leaping -10th Day of Christmas - 4" x 6" postcard
by Kamalika

9 Ladies Dancing Limited Edition Reproduction
by TempestStudios

Eight Maids a-Milking Print - 8x10 by lisachow

Blank Greeting Card of an altered book sculpture
Twelve days of Christmas - Seven Swans a Swimming
by daysfalllikeleaves

Six Geese a Laying -Needle Felted Twelve Days
of Christmas Ornament by BossysFeltworks

Five Gold Rings Modern Design Necklace by ThePolkadotMagpie

Four Calling Birds, set of 10 cards by nicolecampbell

Three French Hens in Holiday Red and Green by makingcents

9x12 Giclee Print Two Turtle Doves 12 Days of
Christmas by HansMyHedgehog

Very Tiny Partridge in a Pear Tree - OOAK Handsculpted Dollhouse
Scale Decor or Unique Holiday Gift by wonderworks

Friday Friends, Australian ETSY Sellers - Platypus Dreams

2011-12-09T13:23:00.001+08:00

Hello dear readers, welcome to another edition of Friday Friends. Maddabling took a well deserved Birthday holiday break this week and enjoyed really good food (including a Chocolate Factory and Ice-Creamery), the company of good friends and a fantastic time trekking around Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave is located 21km South of Margaret River. Revealing prehistoric fauna from over 35000 years the Mammoth Cave provides easy viewing of fossil remains. The Mammoth Cave was first recorded in 1850, later explored in 1895 and was opened in 1904. It was quite a humbling experience to be in the silent gothic caverns of this cave, amongst the ancient formations.

This week I am thrilled to introduce you to an Australia Soap Artistan - Sharon of Platypus Dreams.

Platypus Dreams have been making unique gourmet soap and bodycare as a full time business for well over 8 years, a small boutique business based near Mackay in the Whitsundays in Queensland Australia.

As I am a bit of an addict when it comes to handmade bath and body products, this gave me the perfect excuse to purchase some products from Sharon to try for myself. They are all completely gorgeous; the packaging and presentation is just beautiful.

I had great difficulty in using the cupcake in my bath as it is so pretty and smells divine, but I relented and really enjoyed the beautiful bubbly bath it produced. The scent lingers on your skin too - luscious !

Seriously though, aren't these things just so pretty ? I can promise they really smell gorgeous too ! The soap really is a work of art and is delightful to use, soft and gentle on your skin.

Dear readers, I invite you to dip your toes into the virtual bathtub, take some time to relax and read all about The Delights of Platypus Dreams. See you all next week x

The Delights of Platypus Dreams

Who is Platypus Dreams ?
Hi, I am Sharon the artisan behind every product you see at Platypus Dreams. I have been making soap, bath and body products in the Whitsundays in Queensland under the label Platypus Dreams for the past 8 years.

Everything you see when you receive one of our products is handmade by me, from the beginning -
including the formulation, the mixing, packaging right through to the graphics on the labels. It is all printed and designed in house.

What inspires you?

Everything and anything can bring inspiration, the key is manipulating and moulding that inspiration so that it will fit the market place. Inspiration can come from art, food, nature, patterns on material or even a customers need for a product.

Inspiration is drawn from different places depending on the type of product that needs to be made, then the packaging and finally the label design and presentation. It can also come from a scent, close your eyes and smell something. What image does it create in your mind? What do you feel? Now evolve that metal imagery into a product and take it even further, through every step of production to the finished product. Keep going further with that image, push it onto a shop shelf, in a customer’s hand, in the customers home. Does this idea tick all the boxes, if so then maybe it’s worth bringing into being.

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

I work with many mediums and hundreds of ingredients from herbs, botanicals, extracts, clays, colours, essential oils and fragrances. Shape, form and design is the strongest with soap and this is my favourite medium as it can be shaped and moulded within the constraints of what you can do with soap. There are limitations but first and foremost the formulation is the most important.

What kind of things do you make/create?

Where does one begin. I make mainly soap and it is all goats milk soap, the soap is divided up into different categories. Natural Soap or Fragranced Soap, plain square cut in bars or logs or fancy topped bars of soap. Then there are the cupcake and cake style soaps where I can really be creative.

I also make other products like bubble bath cupcakes, body scrubs, body butters, lip balms, bath bombs, liquid soap, body sprays, soy wax melts and perfumes.

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

Everything is a favourite until I make something new and better which always seems to happen. Presently the cake range is my favourite and I love every one of them. This will change with time of course otherwise I would not be an artisan. I think an artisan never stops designing and creating new things. Funny thing you know... I never considered myself an artisan when I first started. I think we are all artisans one way or another if we create, the longer we do it the better we get.

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?

Presently I am happy where I am at. I can see Platypus Dreams being around for a long time, that is while ever I still have the passion and love for what I do. I would like to thank Samara for contacting me to be a part of this blog.

Dear Readers, here is how you can connect with Platypus Dreams.

You can shop for lovely things here :

http://www.platypusdreams.com.au/

Read the Platypus Dreams blog here :

http://www.platypusdreams.com.au/blog

Connect through Youtube :

http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalsoapbodycare

or Facebook :

https://www.facebook.com/Sharon.PlatypusDreams

Christmas-licious Handmade (belated) Wednesday Wishlist

2011-12-08T19:15:00.000+08:00

Delicious handmade Christmassy things from Australia feature in this belated Wednesday wish list, and they won't break the bank ! In fact I must define these as being Christmas-licious ! Enjoy x

CARD "Candy Cane Love" Original 6" x 4"
Photograph on Heavy Card Stock by PhotographyByAnita

Christmas Button Decoration Baubles, DIY KIT
with Size 75 (45mm Buttons) by bjandlee

Unique Reindeer Food. Mrs Claus'' MAGICAL REINDEER FOOD"
in a beautiful Shiny Red Box by The White Mango

Christmas Hat, Rudulph Reindeer Crochet Hat ,Christmas, Animal, by DELicious Designz

Celtic Christmas - Polymer Clay Bracelet with Holly Charm
by moagsandsmeet

ORGANIC mulled wine spice mix - Two Sachets -
also yummy in white wine, apple cider or honey
by SageandMage

ORNAMENT - 3 Christmas Birds - holiday gift,
partridge in pear tree by denardi

Friday Friends, Australian ETSY Artists, Red Zebra Designs

2011-12-02T11:16:00.006+08:00

Welcome dear readers to another edition of Friday Friends. What a strange week it has been, after all of the hype of the Summer Street Fair last week, a return to the ordinary this week. I have prepared and sent a craft swap parcel for my DUSTy Secret Santa recipient.......hmm I wonder who I will be sending it to ? And it's now officially Summer Time !

I must also send a big thank you to Del of DELicious Designz too for her help on the matching of DUSTers to Secret Santa Recipients, so I can also be surprised by a Secret Santa x

I digress, this week I am thrilled to introduce an Australian ETSY artisan, who has a big focus on up/recycling in her creations - meet Robyn of Red Zebra Designs.

If you are seeking truly unique handmade upcycled gifts this Christmas, then you really can't go past Red Zebra Designs. I present for the retro music lover, The Cassette Tape Bowl - a quirky decorator idea.

Or for the hard to buy for gentleman, a different kind of cufflinks set, a Rare Perfectly Matched set of Steampunk Cufflinks.

I do believe that any girly movie buff you know would be absolutely thrilled to receive an upcycled VHS Case Handbag - there are many titles available. How uber cool are these ?

Dear readers, I invite you into the Realm of Red Zebra Designs, to read all about Robyn's story and hope to see you all again next week. Have a fabulous weekend everyone !

The Realm of Red Zebra Designs

Welcome to Red Zebra Designs which is me, Robyn Woodrow. I am an artist based on the glorious Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane. Red Zebra Designs creates a fairly wide range of jewellery and accessories. I tend to follow ‘shiny lights’ and get creatively side- tracked by new projects with monotonous regularity.

I also own and create for http://www.beautifullybald.com.au/ which specialises in stylish full coverage headwear for women who have lost their hair for whatever reason. This venture was borne from my own experience from chemo-induced hairloss.

I have always been interested in art and creating, but digressed for about a decade to work fulltime in the corporate world. I have recently returned to (almost) fulltime creativity- it doesn’t yet pay the bills! I trained as an art teacher in the 80’s, and have always ‘made stuff’. I am constantly looking for ways to combine fine arts with tradition craft, jewellery and accessories.

In 2009, I started to pursue art and jewellery-making more fulltime. I joined Etsy as well as Madeit

My inspiration comes from everywhere – an image, an idea, a feeling, a need.

I work in a broad range of mediums – from resin, through fabric and upcycled goods. I started my jewellery range with hand-painted and tinted resin jewellery. When my hands needed a break from the chemicals, I started to work with fabric flowers, which then expanded into a passion – fantasmagorical headpieces created from fabric, silks, beads, recycled jewels, trims …

My current passion is working with upcycled materials, including books, LP records, and old VHS and audio cassettes. I hate the idea of such beautiful things being sent to landfill. I also love the idea of turning old media into new – an LP record into a DVD holder, and old audio cassette into an MP player holder.

Red Zebra Designs make a wide range of men’s and women’s jewellery and accessories (including handbags); fascinators, hats and headpieces; and homewares including bowls and lights.

I only make things that I love, which makes picking a favourite piece almost impossible. My current favourite is a range of upcycled handbags made from old VHS cassettes and books.

I dream of being able to feed my family from my creative endeavours, as well as rescuing and upcycling media so it doesn’t end up in unnecessary landfill.

Robyn Woodrow

Dear readers, you can connect with Red Zebra Designs here :

To shop for lovely things :

http://www.beautifullybald.com.au/

http://www.redzebradesigns.com.au/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/redzebradesigns

http://madeit.com.au/redzebradesigns

or connect on Facebook :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Zebra-Designs/292894038831

Turquoise - Wednesday Wishlist

2011-11-30T05:00:00.001+08:00

Turquoise is the theme for today's Wednesday Wishlist. The December Birthstone, this is a collection dedicated to all things turquoise found by using Turquoise as a search term on ETSY. I hope you love it !

La Diva Airstream- Altar Ego, articulated paper doll, fully assembled by rowenamurillo

Seafoam heart plate in turquoise blue stoneware ceramic with
lace crochet imprint by PrinceDesignUK

Cuff with Carico Lake Turquoise Sterling Silver Genuine and Handcrafted by litapsilverj

Handmade designer crochet lace dress "Blue turquoise butterflies'
in mercerized cotton and silk chiffon by http://www.etsy.com/shop/RuchkiKruchkI

Vintage upcycled (with key) hand painted turquoise and brown with a cross train case:
carrying case, art case, makeup case, jewelry case designsbyluckey

Turquoise Beaded Necklace, Vintage Jewelry, Gemstone Flower Necklace,
Stone Jewelry by zafirenia

Aqua Turquoise Blue Art Glass Small Sea Coral Bowl by UneekGlassFusions

Friday Friends Dusty Divas Inner Earth Soaps

2011-11-25T08:26:00.001+08:00

Welcome dear readers to a new installment in the Friday Friends DUSTy Diva's series. Oh and Happy Friday too :)

Maddabling has been flat stick this week with Summer Street Fair - market opening night was last night and we still have today and tomorrow for you to pop in to buy fabulous handmade and vintage Christmas Gifts.

This week I am thrilled to introduce a Friday Friend and DUSTy Diva who I am a big fan of and I adore her products. Meet the gorgeous Erin of Inner Earth Soaps.

I am going to share some of my all time favourites with you, from Erin's store. Lip Balm. A year round essential. I never leave home without a lip balm in my handbag. You really must try the Vanilla Honey Lip Balm for soft kissable lips. Delicious ! Just remember not to eat it straight from the pot, it does smell that good.

Can't decide what to buy for someone who is notoriously difficult to buy for this Christmas ? What about a 3 Month Soap Subscription ? Get a luxury handmade soap in the mail each month for three months - cost includes shipping.

I totally love this as a concept and purchased a three month soap subscription for family member a while ago for their Birthday. It was well received and ultimately, it was a fab gift for someone who is difficult to buy for and tends to think of others before herself.

I heart The Kakadu Soap very much - it is "scented with Australian native lemon myrtle essential oil plus hints of eucalyptus and tea tree, this bar is fabulously uplifting and fresh, enriched with gentle Australian white clay."

And for a sublime summer perfume - could you go past the Mango Papaya Perfume Oil ? How good does it sound ? Almost edible..........

Dear Readers, I think you really should check out Erin's Festive Range too with such soapy goodness as Snowflake, Candy Cane and Plum Pudding Soaps - wouldn't they make awesome stocking stuffers ? That's if you could bear to part with them. Erin also makes gorgeous body products that you should check out too.Time now for you to sit awhile and read An Inner Earth Soap Opera ! See you all next week xo

An Inner Earth Soap Opera

Who is Inner Earth Soaps?

It's just one person - me! I work from home in our little flat in Bondi Beach.

How and when did your artistic journey begin?

The first time I ever made soap it was for Christmas gifts ... it was about five years ago, and I was really starting to get into handmade stuff. I thought it would be cool that year to make some soap and give it out to friends and family. I bought a block of MP (melt and pour) soap online and melted it down, added colour and fragrance, and poured it into cake loaf containers.

When it had set, I cut them into bars and wrapped them up for gifts. I love the whole process so much that I decided to get a bit more serious and learn to make my own soap base from scratch. The traditional cold process method - which is what I use now - was tricky to master but I loved it.

What inspires you?

The changing seasons. Christmas. Halloween. A whiff of something that smells nice. A vibrant colour. Flowers. Cakes. The beach.

What kind of things do you make/create?

I make quite a few different products: soap of course, also perfume oils, lip balms, body creams, facial products, and scrubs. But my passion will always be with making soap.

Do you have a favourite piece that you've created?

Last year I used to make a soap called Citrus Sunrise. It was a total pain to make, with four separate pours in different colours, but the effect was really cool.

What are your future plans, dreams, inspirations?

I can see myself making soap and skincare products for many years, and further along the track I'd like to teach my own soap making course.

Check out the Inner Earth Soaps website here : http://www.innerearthsoaps.com.au/

buy online at Etsy here : http://www.innerearthsoaps.etsy.com/

buy online at Erin's Big Cartel store here : http://www.innerearthsoaps.bigcartel.com/

connect on Facebook here : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inner-Earth-Soaps/197683883604916

catch sweet tweets on Twitter here : http://twitter.com/innerearthsoaps

or follow the Inner Earth Soaps Blog here : http://www.innerearthsoaps.blogspot.com/

DUST Team Gift Ideas under $20 - Wednesday Wishlist

2011-11-23T18:02:00.000+08:00

Hi lovely readers, just a quick wishlist this week due to market prep. Here are some fab ideas for Christmas gifts from the DUST team and they are all under $20 ! I hope you are all buying hand made for Christmas !

For the Environmentally Concious

Reusable Snack Bag by BonTons

For the Soap Lover :

Lime and Patchouli Soap, Hippy, Grounding, Peace, Love,
Calming, Soothing, Avocado, Dry Skin by New Earth Soaps

For the Chocolate Lover

Box of 8 Gourmet Chocolates by CricklewoodChocolate

For Little Ones

Plush Toy , Polka Dot Cat, Vegan Friendly, Lime Green by earthslings

For the Crochet Lover

Vintage Neckwarmer Pattern by Chrisbeads

For the Jewellry Lover

Butterfly Symphony blue butterfly music motif necklace,
altered art, bronze setting and chain by Starzyia

For the Boys

100g Shaving Cream - Alor Shaving Cream - For Men by Rhasdala

Postcard/Craft Swaps, Decadent Morning Teas, Bath Bombs and Buying Handmade

2011-11-21T12:06:00.000+08:00

Hello dear readers, it has been a while since I have written a generalised blog post but there are a few things I thought were newsworthy, so to speak. I am in full swing to organise for the Summer Street Fair market later this week (more info below) and wonder if I will be ready on time......

Now onto general ramblings. I just want to say I love craft swaps.

And postcard swaps. They are so much fun to be involved in ! The October/November Postcard Swap over on the DUST Team forum is in full swing. I was teamed with Abigail ( Jades' daughter) and she sent me this card of Traffic Signal Boxes - she also told me that she had painted the one in the bottom row, second from left ! I think they look fantastic.

I sent Abigail a postcard of the Brig Amity replica and the Albany Town Crier. I really hope she loves it.

The DUST Team craft swap for September/October was a hit, I think all the recipients were happy DUSTers ! I was so spoilt by Tess, my swap partner but more on that in a moment. This is what I sent to Tess. I wrapped it all so prettily - I figure that when you are sending a craft swap parcel, it should feel like Christmas for the receipient :)

This is what I sent to Tess. A mixed media collage, some gift tags, some original photographs I took, some gift tags and a greeting card to say thanks ! I was so pleased that Tess liked my photos enough to include some in a swap.

and this is what I received from the gorgeous Tess from planettreasures ! She certainly spoilt me ! Where do I start. A postcard, a hoot oops I mean cute fabric Owl brooch, a greeting card, some earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and a fabric business card holder. Turquoise is my birthstone and features in the earrings and bracelet :)

Decadent Girly Morning Teas - I was lucky enough to indulge with Del from DELicious Designz on Friday at a gorgeous cafe called Liberte in Albany. Beautiful decor and wonderful food, what more could a girl want, apart from a Latte and a Croissant !

A new project - I tried my hand at making bath bombs for the Summer Street Fair coming up from this Thursday night. I think they turned out rather well for a first attempt. I love to make new things and love it even more when they work out first time round :) This photo is what they looked like when I pressed them out of the mould, now they need to air-dry for 1-2 days.

And finally, are you buying handmade this Christmas ? Deb from Two Cheeky Monkeys suggested for the November/December DUST Tea Craft Swap Secret Santa that we create a treasury list of things we like so that it makes things a little easier for our Secret Santas. There are so many gorgeous things on offer and they won't break the bank ! All of these items are $20 or under !

See you all on Wednesday for a Wednesday Wishlist................... have a great week xo

Friday Friends - Australian Artists - SimmoneStar

2011-11-18T08:44:00.000+08:00

Pretty eye pirate smile dolly

Hello dear readers - welcome to another edition of Friday Friends. I hope the week has been kind to you, I have been preparing for a Christmas Market and I am enjoying some time at home. The vege garden is picking up growth quickly with a good blend of mild to warm weather and refreshing Spring Rains.

This weeks I have any exciting new Australian Artist to feature -meet the lovely Simmone from SimmoneStar on MadeIt.

I stumbled across Simmone's work in a MadeIt Email Newsletter and instantly fell in love with her divine dollies. I may have mentioned before that I completely adore Hand Made Dolls and these creations are no exception.

For example, I present the Custom Made Best Friends Girl Dolly - doesn't she have the sweetest face and coolest clothes ....

My best friends girl dolly - Custom Made

or the Stylish Little Bun Dolly who is "Cuddly and cosy, joyful and sweet, just a few words that spring to mind when in Little Bun's company. Handmade from designer corduroy, cotton, lace and felt with a hand embroidered face."

And not to forget the boys, these cheeky Pirate Boy Dolls described as "corageous and cuddly, mysterious and smart, just a few words that spring to mind when in a Pirate Boy's company "

I think any child (or grown up for that matter) would be thrilled to find one of these treasures in their Christmas Stocking - what a perfect gift ! Simmone also makes lovely childrens clothing too, you simply must check out her Madeit store for yourself.

Dear readers, I invite you now to take some time out of your hectic schedules, perhaps enjoy a cuppa and indulge in The Sweet Story of Simmone Star.

The Sweet Story of SimmoneStar

Hi - I'm Simmone - the face behind SimmoneStar. I enjoy many different roles, I'm a professional make up artist, librarian, children's entertainer (clown/face painter), mother, wife, creative artist, just to name a few.

Vintage Pillow Dollies

I grew up in Northern NSW on a ram shackle property with no electricity, my Mum would create amazing clothing and home wares using her treadle singer machine. I guess somewhere her skills unconsciously rubbed off on me! I moved to the Dandenong Mountains 3 years ago, from bustling St. Kilda, where I spent the past 25 years. I have a 2 and 3 year old, a wonderful supportive partner, 2 chickens and an epic rambling yard.

Little Bella dolly, felt face, designer fabrics, soft and cuddly

My fave things include, sewing, gardening, makeup artistry, face-painting, books, looks, kids, chooks, paper dolls, tea parties and tunes... Whenever I can, I put my foot on the pedal and go,go,go. There as so many possibility's ! I spend any spare moments, which are hard to come by, sewing funny little toys, kids clothes, doona covers and more.

Christmas decorations made by SimmoneStar

I enjoy op-shopping, off on my own little treasure hunt! I collect doily's, embroidery, buttons, fabric and lace. I love to sew one off garments, perfectly imperfect. Flowers and babushka's make me smile.

Lavender Babushka Ladies

Want to see more ? Or perhaps do a spot of Christmas Shopping ? You can connect with SimmoneStar here :

The SimmoneStar Blog : http://simmonestar.blogspot.com/

Buy lovely things on MadeIt here : http://www.madeit.com.au/SimmoneStar

Connect on Facebook here : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simmone-Star/103116343123535

and see what inspires SimmoneStar on Pinterest here :

http://pinterest.com/simmonep/my-handmade-happiness/

Summer Sojourn - Wednesday Wishlist

2011-11-16T21:07:00.000+08:00

Sojourn - temporary stay in place.

Summer time never seems to stay long enough, a fleeting season full of sunshine. This Wednesday Wishlist is designed to give you a taste of Summer in Australia. Enjoy xo

Summer this way - 4 x 6 inch fine art photographic print. Iconic red combi. blue sky. torquoise ocean. white sand. bikinis. water babies. bondi beach. sydney. all in the name of summer. by VivienneWard

Sterling Silver and Floating Summer Cane Glass Bead Necklace by LaFemmeJewels

Fine Art Photo Print Pelicans Seagulls Birds Summer 4 x 4 TtV Photograph by Hey Harriet

fancy summer shell cuff by angellujah

POSTCARDS Set of 4. Surfer, Sydney, Australia, Beach,
Sunshine, Summer, Surfboard, Surfers PhotographyByAnita

Caribbean Shell Macrame Barefoot Sandal by GlobalGypsyJewelry

Beach photography - Fine art photography print 5x5 - Summer Dreaming
nautical beach ocean photography print pastels blue sky clickety by mylittlepixels

Friday Friends - Australian Artists - The Artling

2011-11-11T07:56:00.001+08:00

Supper Time, Gocco (screen) print

Hello lovely Maddabling Readers - I hope this blogpost finds you happy on this fine Friday. What are your plans for the weekend ? I am going to try my hand at making bath bombs - wish me luck !

This week I want to introduce a very creative soul - meet Jan from The Artling. I first "met" Jan through the DUST Team on ETSY as part of a Christmas in July promotion and promptly fell in love with her creations. Especially the gorgeous Art Reproductions of her original works, so much so that I purchased the trilogy of prints below. The original works were all mixed media (acrylic & ink) and vintage book page collage on canvas. The Original Waiting for Someone Special also had some hand stitching in it. Aren't they just gorgeous prints ?

Waiting for someone special

Waiting for someone special (blue)

Wish you were here

Jan has embarked on a new and inspiring Artistic Journey and I am thrilled to be able to share this with you !
Dear readers, I invite you read all about it in The Artling Archives. Once you get to the end of this article, there are some links that you may well be interested in, including one to The Artling Website/Blog. There is a special offer at Jan's blog - if you subscribe to her blog you get a free e-book 'The Artling's Sketching Success Manual'. So make a cuppa, kick back for a while and peruse the archive ...... oh and have a fabulous weekend too xo

Influence, Mixed media and collage on canvas

The Artling Archives

How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin ?

It seems I began creating as a very young child. I have my mother to thank for allowing me to make ‘a mess’ and for keeping me well stocked with all kinds of art and craft supplies. I am particularly grateful as I don’t come from a creative family (well, not a traditional type of one anyway). The only time I remember seeing frustration on her face was every time I asked for another roll of sticky tape - which was quite often!

Sketchbook page, ink and watercolour

What inspires you ?

That house I started creating in as a child had been painted very strange colours by the previous owners. Long before the advent of the ‘feature wall’ I lived with emerald green, sari pink, steel grey, mauve, mustard and purple. We had Persian rugs on the floor that my Mum bought from a door-to-door salesman and a red couch with matching gold chairs. It was an eclectic accident! My inspiration hasn’t moved far from that really. I love the domestic, the everyday. I love colour and pattern. I also seem to love the black line in my work, which I put down to my childhood obsession with colouring in books, illustrations and comics.

Plans, Mixed media (acrylic, pencil, charcoal) and
vintage book page collage on paper

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

I have been a collector of skills over my life and as a consequence I draw, paint, sculpt, sew, make paper, books, installations and prints. I have tried glass, ceramics, photography, jewellery making and textile dyeing. If I saw something that I didn’t know how to make I would either take a course or teach myself. I love to know how to do everything!

Sketchbook page, ink and watercolour

I do have a few favourites - painting and drawing of course, and recently I’ve taken up hand quilting. I love to sew at night while watching a DVD with my husband. I think it is the repetitive action and the colours and patterns in the fabrics that gets me. I love it. I am currently almost finished a queen size quilt (in a Dresden Plate patchwork pattern for those that are interested) that is 100% hand stitched. I taught myself this skill too so it’s by no means perfect, but I have loved making it.

Who is The Artling ?

Well, I am the person behind The Artling website. The Artling is my new project and I am really pleased with it so far. It came about as a self motivation tool really. For a long time now I have felt ‘called’, if you like, to create figurative narrative paintings but have put it off ‘until I’m good enough’. (Figurative narrative painting is really just a fancy name for paintings of people that tell some kind of story, no matter how small.) I came to realise I would be putting it off forever with that criteria in mind and so The Artling was born.

The blog will have my sketches of people and discuss figurative sketching. It also has interviews with artists who sketch people or do figurative works. This was a great idea as it really does motivate me. For some reason I am afraid of doing this work. The Artling is my way of pushing the fear aside, or at least being compelled to do it anyway.

The Artling will also grow and have resource pages. There will be even more information on sketching and there will also be a resource page for artist bloggers and website owners. I also have plans for an innovative ‘featured artist gallery’ but it is too soon to say more as yet. And there will be a gallery section of my art too. It’s slowly coming together.

Glamour Girl, Gocco (screen) print

Why ‘The Artling’? I think the name has lots of connotations. The fledgling artists, the followers, the artist through and through, I think we all feel like one of these or all of them at some time. Over time I hope to address all those feelings in the blog.

Sketchbook page, ink and watercolour

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?

I plan to develop online courses and ebooks for The Artling in the future and have extensive and useful resource areas on the site. In the near future I have a very exciting interview coming up with my own personal art hero! (So exciting!) And for my painting - I plan/dream/aspire to do that figurative painting!

Before we finish, can I just thank you Samara! Thank you for taking the time to put this interview together of course, but also thank you on a personal level! Until you curated all my works together here I didn't realise I've been doing figurative narrative painting for years! (How did I miss that!?) I now feel like my journey is not so much beginning, as simply continuing on! Thank you. And good luck with those bath bombs!

Dear Readers are you keen to see more ? You can connect with the Artling here :

Website/Blog : http://the-artling.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/the.artling

Wednesday Wishlist - Ausmusic Month

2011-11-09T20:37:00.005+08:00

It's Wednesday Wishlist time again dear readers, and this week I am focusing on music oriented things to celebrate Ausmusic Month ! I hope you enjoy this collection of Ausmusic Creations.

I am a huge fan of home grown music talent and I am incredibly envious of those lucky folk on the East Coast of Australia who will get to see an a Tribute to Nick Cave concert called Straight to You featuring : "In alphabetical order the vocalists are: Abbe May, Adalita, Alex Burnett (Sparkadia), Ben Corbett* (Gentle Ben And His Sensitive Side/SixFtHick), Bertie Blackman, Dan Sultan, Jake Stone (Bluejuice), Johnny Mackay (Children Collide), Kram (Spiderbait), Lanie Lane, Lisa Mitchell, Muscles, Tim Rogers* (You Am I) and Urthboy (The Herd).*One off special guest."

The basis of Ausmusic Month is to celebrate Australian Music

"November is Ausmusic month for triple j. We showcase live music on your tv, live broadcasts, parties, competitions and all the best damn Aussie music"
You can check it out here : http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/events/ausmusicmonth/11/

Sunset At The Espy - Large Print by PeaPress1

Wicks Looper, Synth noise loops by rarebeasts

Play music - print by theolivebird

I Love Music. Harmonica Necklace by PolliniAtelier

Arm cuffs made in all leathers with music inspired designs by Naturalwomynmann

NIght Light Music cassette Tape Small - Upcycled Recycled Ecofriendly
Wedding Table Setting by redzebradesigns

Phillips Radio all tube valve guitar amplifier Head / Combo by valvechild

Friday Friends - Australian Artisans - Art by Jen G

2011-11-04T07:49:00.005+08:00

Welcome dear readers to another edition of Friday Friends. What an exciting week it has been here. I received an amazing craft swap parcel from Tess over at planettreasures (which I will blog about over the weekend) and yesterday we had a thunderstorm and torrential downpour that led to some localised flooding, the force of mother nature sometimes is nothing short of awesome ! I will share some photos on the Maddabling blog over the weekend.

Now back to today's blog post. This week it is my great pleasure to introduce a dear Friday Friend and an amazing Aussie and Glass Artisan - Jen from Art by JenG.

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway on Jen's facebook page a while back now and was given the sweetest glass Cupcake Necklace - a guilt free cupcake - no calories in this one tee-hee !

I find that a big part of researching the artists I feature, is the fun I have discovering the wonderful things they have created. I was particulary taken by the lovely sentiment on this Ceramic Decorative Tile

and the gorgeous colours in this stunning sterling silver and bead ring, so summery and bright.

And with the Festive Season almost here, Jen's Nativity Sets would make a perfect addition to your festive home decor - they come with their own storage box for safe keeping and you can use and treasure these for many years to come, it could even be passed from generation to generation perhaps ! The stable is approx 12cm high and the figures approx 5cm high.

And speaking of gift giving, for the creative person in your life, or someone that you know who is just wanting to do something different, or to overcome school holiday boredom, why not look into Jen's creative classes ?

My Glass class is simply - Making Your Own Glass Beads which gives the Beader a chances to take their Jewllery Making to the Next Level.

My Ceramics classes are also a chance for you to be in control of colour and design.

I have PAINT Ceramic class, where you choose from painting an Art Platter, a Child's Plate, a Tile, Beads or Buttons.

My PAINT and MAKE Ceramic Jewellery Class is also designed for you to take your work to the Next Level in creativity.

There is even a Unique PARTY class. Perhaps for a child to an adult group of friends to share.

And a MAKE and PAINT Ceramic class where you will make something from scratch and learn the whole Ceramic process.

Jen also says this about her classes : Male and female of any age are welcomed and NO artistic ability necessary! Just come along and have FUN. Better still, bring a friend and share the experience.

Dear readers, I think it's time now to put on the kettle and brew a cuppa, indulge in the Vitreous Lustre of Art by Jen G.

The Vitreous Lustre of Art by Jen G.

Hi I’m Jen, and I’m a Ceramic and Glass Artisan, privileged to live in the picturesque Adelaide Hills on about 45 acres.

As I type, various bird songs can be heard and looking out my window I see my large garden and more hills in the distance. Dainty shadows are cast on the lawn as the sunlight peeks through the leaves on the trees and the water in the pond gentle ripples as the fish swim about the water lilies. Yes, this is a place that fuels my creativity.

When I was in my late teens, our family home was destroyed in the Bushfire of 1980, leaving the surrounding Adelaide Hills in a blanket of thick smoke, black tree trunks and a grey ash ground for what seemed to last forever. Thus my craving to use Bright Bold colours in my Art work became even more important.

As an artisan, I tend to approach my work from graphic, abstract and stylized perspectives. I love to make my work Designed to be Noticed. That is how my hobby received its Business name, Jen-e-sais-quo. It is a play on my name and the French word Je-ne-sais-quoi (pronounced ‘je-ner-say-qua’) which means "an indescribable attractive attribute or quality"; "a certain something."

I enjoy having total control over the colours and shapes, particularly in my making my beads and jewellery. To produce Wearable Art is great but to be able to produce the Wearable Art, having MADE your own beads is very rewarding and satisfying.

I love what I do and as a result I offer Ceramic and Glass Classes. It is such a thrill to give others a chance to experience and explore these creative activities for themselves.

And for people who are unable to attend one of my classes, I have Ceramic Beads that can be posted anywhere, so they can painted to make something uniquely theirs.

Want to see more dear readers ?

You can explore and indulge in the Items For Sale here : http://facebook.com/ArtbyJenG - (go to Photos tab under profile picture on Left Hand Side)

Connect on Facebook here : http://www.facebook.com/ArtbyJenG

Or check out these blogs :

Web : http://artbyjeng.blogspot.com/

Classes:- http://artplattersplus.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Wishlist - Movember Moustache Goodness

2011-11-02T19:14:00.000+08:00

Happy Hump Day dear readers - and welcome to the Movember Wednesday Wishlist ! Movember is such an important event and I wanted share this info with you. Warning : this may seem like a bit of a "blokey" post but there is lots of moustache goodness to be seen !

"During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo growing efforts. At the end of the month, Mo Bros and their female supporters (known as Mo Sistas) celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate, with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland. In addition, Movember is aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health cause right across the globe, from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between. No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, getting them to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment. In 2010, over 130,000 Australian Mo Bros and Sistas got on board, raising $25 Million AUD."
You can read more about Movember here : http://au.movember.com/about

Mister Movember Art Print - 8 x 10 by SquinkStudio

Vintage Man - Round Glass Paperweight by Reformed Shop

custom bearded folk man doll by pepperstitches

Stemless red Wine Glasses - set of 4 by RumRiverOriginals

Cat and Mo Art Print 5 x 5 inches by Helena Tay,

signed edition, cat with a mustache stick by Little Mo and Friends

Faux Fur Mustache On A Stick - Set of 3 by ArchaicEmporium

All-Nighter Coffee and Pipe Tobacco Moustache Wax by MansFaceStuff

Blogtoberfest Day 31 - Halloween and the End of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-31T20:10:00.000+08:00

Hello dear readers, welcome to the final blog post for Blogtoberfest ! Time for a little celebratory bloggers dance - I can't believe I did it - 31 posts in 31 days ! I can't wait until next year so I can do it all again.

Fine art photo print, surreal gold venetian masked woman, carnival, fireworks, 8x12
by TheShutterbugEye

With today being Halloween, I thought it fitting to make this the topic of the 31st blog post.

Personally I don't know much about Halloween or the traditions behind it. I decided to do some research. I found this article on the History of Halloween at http://www.whatishalloween.com/history.php which I found really informative. I hope you do too.

"History of Halloween"

Woodland Witch OOAK Hand-sculpted
Art Doll Bust by NenufarBlanco

Halloween (or Hallowe’en ... but also known as Samhain, Summer’s End, All Hallow’s Eve, Witches Night, Lamswool, and Snap-Apple), is a holiday that's celebrated annually on the night of October 31. It originated in Ireland, and is said to be among the world’s oldest holidays. The simple history of Halloween - it has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture). Traditionally, the festival was a time that was used by the ancient pagans to take stock of their supplies and slaughter livestock for winter storage. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness (plague) or damaged crops. The celebration of Samhain would frequently involve bonfires, upon which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown; costumes and masks were also worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.

The essential elements of Halloween - lighting bonfires, costuming, trick-or-treating, telling ghost stories, and attending parties can all be traced back to Samhain celebrations as early as 2000 years ago.

CUSTOM Costume Let Your Dream Become a Reality by
AtomicStitches

Ultimately, the Celts believed that on October 31, the Lord of Death (Saman), would call together all the souls that had died the previous year in order for them to travel to the afterlife. Thus, the living would often disguise themselves in ghoulish costumes in order for the spirits of the dead to think they were one of their own, and pass by them without incident. The villagers would also wear masks and form parades in order to lead the spirits (souls) out of the town. The Celts would also offer food to Saman, in order to persuade him to more be temperate when he is judging their ancestors. This is seen as a precursor to "trick-or-treating", a key component of modern day Halloween Celebrations.

Halloween Trick or Treat Printable Party by FrogPrincePaperie

History of Halloween in America - Halloween did not become a holiday in the United States until the 19th century. Strict Christian traditions and lifestyles prevented this, and American almanacs of the late 18th and early 19th centuries don't include Halloween in their lists of holidays. The trans-Atlantic migration of almost 2 million Irish in the mid-1850s finally brought Halloween to the United States. Scottish emigration, primarily after 1870, also brought the Scottish version of Halloween. By the mid-1900s, Halloween had become engrained in the fabric of American society. From a commercial perspective, Halloween is now the United States' second most popular holiday (after Christmas).

Black cat photograph by afiori

So there you have it. That is what Halloween is all about. To finish off Blogtoberfest 2011, I want to share a song from an Indie Band called Panic ! at the Disco called It's Almost Halloween.

"Panic! at the Disco is an American alternative rock duo, formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Since its split, the band's line-up includes Brendon Urie (lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Spencer Smith (drums). Former members Ryan Ross (guitar) and Jon Walker (bass) left the group in 2009. The band has been described by critics as a variety of genres, most commonly pop punk, alternative rock, and baroque pop. The band formed and recorded their first demos while they were all still in high school. Shortly after, the band recorded and released their debut studio album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005). Made known by the top ten lead single "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies", the album eventually was certified double platinum and met with much success. The group then wrote and recorded their second record, Pretty. Odd., released in 2008. Marked as a drastic change in tone from their debut, it oversold commercial expectations but was met with critical success. The band released their third album, entitled Vices & Virtues, on March 22, 2011, while the record's first single, "The Ballad of Mona Lisa", was released February 1, 2011." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic!_at_the_Disco

For more information check out their website here : http://www.panicatthedisco.com/

Thank you dear readers for sticking with me during Blogtoberfest - see you on Wednesday for the regular Wednesday Wishlist xo

Blogtoberfest Day 30 - Think Pink - Part 2

2011-10-30T05:00:00.002+08:00

Welcome to Blogtoberfest Day 30 dear readers. What has been going on in your collective worlds ? I have been baking ( I can offer you a virtual slice of this vanilla cake I made ) and crafting as well as admiring the vege patch that hubby planted while I was unwell.

Today I want to share with you today a rather delicate and confronting topic but one that ties in strongly with Frocktober and Pink Ribbon Day. This post is dedicated to feeling and looking Beautiful during Cancer Treatments and Recovery. A lot of us wouldn't have given this much thought. I recently came into contact with an inspirational woman by the name of Robyn and she has decided to share her story and website for today's blog post. I think that you will find this interesting and informative. It may even help women that you know, whether it be yourself, family members or friends. Robyn started her own business after undergoing Cancer Treatment and the products she offers are both cosmetic and beautiful.

At 44, I was diagnosed with, and treated for, ovarian cancer. Fortunately it was caught early. As predicted, I started losing my hair three weeks after my first chemotherapy session, and by four weeks it was all gone. While I had no problem with my new hairless state (saving heaps on hair products, not to mention the time!), my kids weren’t quite so understanding.

Fairly fashion-conscious, I went in search of stylish options to cover my head. I found wigs uncomfortable and unnatural looking, many hats irritated, and I hadn't worn a baseball cap for 40 years, so why should I start now!? Most of the chemo headwear looked like just that - chemo.

I wanted headwear that looked like a fashion item—not a necessity: something that reflected me, not my medical condition. I couldn't find Australian sites with fashion-focused headwear, and none with a specialised special occasion or custom-made service. I resorted to experimenting with tying large scarves and adding my handmade accessories, many of which received positive comments, but often ending with ’’but I could never tie it’’. Thus Beautifully Bald was born. With some millinery experience, a creative mind, lots of research, and even more trial and error, Beautifully Bald designs were born.

I focused on headwear that was easy to wear, comfortable and, most importantly, made to be seen. In particular, I wanted to offer headwear that befitted special occasions, as well as a custom-made service.

I am also committed to keeping everything locally-made and limited edition: no mass-production. As I travelled on my own hair loss journey, I also discovered the paucity of options for disguising eyebrow loss. There were many choices for cosmetic eyelashes - but not many for eyebrows. So I set forth sourcing the world’s best, and most economic, cosmetic options for false eyebrows.Without exception, I receive comment on my headwear every day - I hope you do too. (And no-one ever comments on my eyebrows, which must mean they look realistic!)

There are many items available on this fab website to make women recovering or undergoing Cancer treatment to feel comfortable and beautiful. The range includes :

Headwear - Ezy Turbans, Hats and Caps, Head Wraps, Scarves, Custom Made & Special Occasion and Accessories

Cosmetic Eyebrows - an exciting range of semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos and human hair eyebrows and Areola Tattoos - a natural looking, inexpensive alternative to getting a permanent repigmentation tattoo which can be very painful and very expensive, or unnatural feeling prosthetic nipples. These removable Areola Tattoos are easy to apply and remove, and they can last up to seven days. Ideal for those who are you planning to have, or have already had, breast reconstruction surgery.

Robyn's website can be found here : http://www.beautifullybald.com.au/

A beautiful song to finish off today's post - Adele covering a song that Aretha Franklin made so famous - You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman). Personally I think she did a fantastic job. See you all tomorrow for Blogtoberfest Day 31. Be kind to one another xo

Blogtoberfest Day 29 - My Creative Space

2011-10-29T17:56:00.002+08:00

Welcome to Blogtoberfest Day 29. I thought today dear readers that I would share a little bit about my creative space with you all. I have been busy making gift tags for the festive season, I love having a desk in front of a huge window as it's nice to work in natural light. Well it's no so much a desk as an old kitchen table that I used to study at during high school, it was secondhand and has served me extremely well.

I have lots of crafty stuff. My wonderful (and long suffering) husband built me some craft shelves in the corner of our multipurpose room and I really would be quite lost without them. I like pretty things, including coloured glass bottles and I think next to the Windmill (that belonged to my Nanna) on the top shelf you may catch a glimpse of a painting - a bathing beauty - that I did many years ago. There are also various framed prints from Aussie Artists and Jewellery Mannequins that I hang works in progress on.

I also like to have interesting reference material such as books and magazines on hand, as I do love pretty pictures and shiny things,

also quirky things like this old alarm clock that no longer has a face or glass but still works, I love watching the inner mechanism at work as time ticks away.......

and this beautiful heartfelt card given to me by one of my dearest friends is a constant reminder that I am loved and have self worth.

I am striving to become more organised, simply because it makes things easier to find and am in a constant process of sorting and labelling supplies so I know what is where.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my creative workspace. I thought I would share a song to round out the blog post, it was one that I saw on RAGE this morning. I do love the distinctive sound of Californian bands and to be honest Music I find can be an inspiration, it can influence your mood. Anyway back this sweet indie band, here is a little more information :

"Dum Dum Girls are an American indie pop band from California that formed in 2008. Their name comes from both The Vaselines' album Dum Dum and the Iggy Pop song "Dum Dum Boys". The band is the project of singer and songwriter Kristen Gundred whose stage name is Dee Dee. After issuing several singles and EPs, Dum Dum Girls released their first album I Will Be to critical acclaim in 2010. Their second album Only in Dreams was released in September 2011." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dum_Dum_Girls. If you want to find out more, you can check out their website here : http://wearedumdumgirls.com/

See you all tomorrow lovely readers for Blogtoberfest Day 30 xo