My Coke Rewards Bottlecaps

This large Priority flat-rate box contains 900 bottlecaps from various Coca Cola products, all purchased by my household. Each cap is worth 3 points a piece. Each cap has a 14 digit code.  These codes have not been used or entered. The codes cannot be emailed.

Thank you!

 

Faith Working Through Love Mixed Media Collage

This piece was created with a special customer in mind. The focal point is an image of Mary Cassatt's "Margot Standing in a Garden." It's such a beautiful image. The canvas is made of recycled materials. I've added a flower (of course), beads at the bottom & a bead hanger. This sparkly piece is also accented with vintage sheet music, vintage pattern paper & the verse "The only thing that counts is faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).

I really enjoyed creating this piece.  I love how it came out. It measures approximately 8" x 10". It is signed on the back. 

This piece was also created from recycled materials. The focal point is  Frank W. Benson's "Two Boys." It measures about 8" x 10" and I enjoyed creating it. It's also signed on the back.

Pearls & Charms Red Romantic Chic Toile Custom Made Accent Pillow

We've got pearls, charms, toile & lace!!!

This custom-made pillow was handcrafted using a designer toile remnant & beautiful red lace from a vintage piece of lingerie (Perfectform half slip). It has been accented by hand with vintage buttons, faux pearl beads, silver-tone charms, a washer & an embroidered "Engine" patch. I'm working on a similar one with pink lace. I'll load it up when it's complete.


This pillow measures approximately 10" wide & 9 1/2" high. 


I really enjoyed creating this pillow & hope you'll consider giving it a new home. This pillow will fit in nicely with any grouping of pillows. Add a touch of elegance to your decor with this custom-made pillow.

This item is currently listed for sale on eBay.  However, I love custom orders & enjoy the challenge of creating a special item you'll feel proud to add to your home decor!!!

Rose Toile Custom Made Designer Pillows

I love roses & was so happy when I found a Hunter Douglas fabric sample book at my local thrift store. Both of these pillows were created using red & lavender toile.  The red pillow is accented in the center with a monogrammed linen hand towel. The lavender pillow is accented in the center with a gorgeous Cowtan & Tout lace remnant that I had been holding onto until just the right project. I also added faux pearl beads around the perimeter.

Measuring about 9 1/2" x 10", these pillows are great accents for any room. They provide the perfect pop of color. They're great for layering & mixing & matching.

I'm happy to say that both pillows have found new homes with two wonderful customers who support my work. While I don't have anymore of this particular designer fabric, I do have other fabric that is only available to the interior decorating trade. I happily welcome all custom orders. Please feel free to contact me if you have a particular decorating wish. I'd love the opportunity to come up with something special just for you!

Pink Vintage Sheet Music Flower Hair Clip

This is really a lovely GIFT idea! A definite head-turner, conversation piece. I love receiving custom orders. If you need another color, a bridal package, a smaller flower or a brooch, please let me know. 

Lovingly handcrafted by me for you! I've been creating  for as long as I can remember. I enjoy creating in different mediums.  This piece is truly a OOAK (one of a kind)! Hours of work went into creating it. I love fabric & textiles. I love to create with recycled & reclaimed items. Crafted from cotton fabric, measuring 5 1/2" across, this flower is definitely no shrinking violet. This handcrafted flower is accented in the center with vintage sheet music. Each bead & sequin was sewn on by hand.  Each petal was sewn by hand. The edges of the petals are raw. The petals, however, have been treated to control the fraying. The back is finished with felt.

This flower would be pretty worn on the side, accenting a ponytail or sitting directly on top of the head. It's all up to you & whatever best suits your style. Please keep in mind that the tip of the clip (not completely covered by the petals) can be seen, depending on the hairstyle you're wearing. The tip is hidden more if you have some volume to your hairstyle or your hair is curly like the mannequin "Clara."

The flower is attached to a  3 1/2" duck bill clip.  This item should NEVER be tossed in the washer.

I'm extremely pleased with how this flower came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. This hair clip would make a lovely gift as well.

This is available for sale at Allen & GRACE!

Marilyn Monroe Black White Hair Clip

Marilyn Monroe Flower Hair Clip- 5 1/2", $15

Perfect GIFT idea! A definite show-stopper, conversation piece. I love receiving custom orders. If you need another color, a bridal package, a smaller flower or a brooch, please let me know. 

Lovingly handcrafted by me for you! I've been creating  for as long as I can remember. I enjoy creating in different mediums.  This piece is truly a OOAK (one of a kind)! Hours of work went into creating it. I love fabric & textiles. I love to create with recycled & reclaimed items. Crafted from vintage fabric, measuring 5 1/2" across, this flower is definitely no shrinking violet. This handcrafted flower is accented in the center with an image of Marilyn Monroe. Each bead, faux pearl & sequin was sewn on by hand.  Each petal was sewn by hand. The edges of the petals are raw. The petals, however, have been treated to control the fraying.

This flower would be pretty worn on the side, accenting a ponytail or sitting directly on top of the head. It's all up to you & whatever best suits your style. Please keep in mind that the tip of the clip (not completely covered by the petals) can be seen, depending on the hairstyle you're wearing. The tip is hidden more if you have some volume to your hairstyle or your hair is curly like the mannequin "Clara."

The flower is attached to a  3 1/2" duck bill clip.  This item should NEVER be tossed in the washer.

I'm extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. This hair clip would make a lovely gift as well.

She's available for sale at Allen & GRACE!

Lucille Ball Turquoise Flower Hair Clip

Isn't she pretty! This flower was handcrafted from vintage bridal satin. She's accented with sequins & beads & finished on back with a duckbill clip. 


* Lucille Ball I Love Lucy Turquoise Flower Hair Clip- 5 1/2" across ($13.25)

* Perfect GIFT idea! A definite show-stopper, conversation piece. I love receiving custom orders. If you need another color, a bridal package, a smaller flower or a brooch, please let me know. 

* I'm extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. This hair clip would make a lovely gift as well. It's available for purchase at Allen & GRACE!

Vintage RARE Dick Tracy Fabric

I just love this RARE cotton fabric. Hopefully it's just perfect for that special project you're planning!

Vintage Yellow Dick Tracy Cotton Fabric 2 yards ($14.00 + $4.25 shipping)

This fabric has been sitting in my mother's storage unit in her backyard for a long time. There are some specks/dark spots in a few places, especially near the selvedge edge. Please see last photo. To freshen up the fabric, I recommend soaking/washing this fabric before use. Will arrive with some wrinkles.

45" wide

My Fantastic Blue Monday Mood!

Happy Blue Monday everyone! I'm in a fantastic blue mood. Thanks to Smiling Sally for hosting!!! You guys know I love my handcrafted flowers. The first flower crafted from vintage bridal satin is of Lucille Ball, of course. Who doesn't love Lucy? The 2nd is Chipette Brittany. I created that one for my daughter Taylor's birthday. The 3rd is Chipette Eleanor, which was made for my daughter Madison's birthday. I recycled one of my girls' denim jeans & created a wall pocket. I just love the country blue fabric. After making the flowers, I attached sticks from my yard to the back & this pretty is hanging on the wall of my kids' bedroom. Just love the little dream tag.

Now for the piece de resistance! With Mother's Day in less than a week & my Granny's birthday just 2 days after that, I was thinking of  my grandmother Mary. She's no longer with us, but she's remembered & loved more & more every day.

All of my flowers can be custom made. Whether you need a hair clip, headband or a brooch, I love custom orders. Just contact me & I'll do my best to create something special for you. 

Happy Blue Monday guys and Thanks for stopping by!

Audrey Believes in Pink Mixed Media Art Wings

I just loooove how these turned out. Audrey #1 is part of a series I’m so excited about called, “Beauty, Love & Grace: all things Pure, Honest & True”. This one has the quote “

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.~ Audrey Hepburn.

” Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!

This piece measures 21″ high (without hanger & beads), & 24″ high (with beaded hanger). At the widest point (across the wings), this measures 16″ across. The wings are big, but not too big or too heavy for your wall or door.  

This piece is especially for everyone who loves a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.

Audrey was created using recycled/reclaimed materials, vintage pieces, beads, fibers & a handmade flower.

I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own.  Audrey is available now on Ebay!

I'm also excited to share my pink. Happy Pink Saturday!

Lucy Gorgeous Redhead Mixed Media Wings

I just loooove how these turned out. Lucy #1 is part of a series I’m so excited about called, “Beauty, Love & Grace: all things Pure, Honest & True”. This one has the quote “Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead~ Lucille Ball” Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!

This piece measures 21″ high (without hanger & beads), & 26″ high (with beaded hanger). At the widest point (across the wings), this measures 16″ across. The wings are big, but not too big or too heavy for your wall or door.  

This piece is especially for everyone who loves a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.

Lucy was created using recycled/reclaimed materials, vintage pieces, beads, fibers & a handmade flower.

I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own.  Lucy's available now on Ebay!

Clara's Got a Brand New Wig

Here's Clara's new wig. I love the color (dark brown with auburn highlights) & the curls. I found this wig on Ebay for $9.96 (shipping included).  I actually purchased this wig thinking I might wear it on occasion. Now that I see it in person, I think probably not. The fit is a little tight for me. 

It suits Clara perfectly though. I think she looks so much better now with this wig. I'm so eager to photograph some of my new headbands on Clara. Please stay tuned...

It's Blue Monday-Mixed Media Art Wings

"Be Thankful and REJOICE." It's Blue Monday! This happens to be my first Blue Monday. These are a pair of my mixed media wings (made with all kinds of recycled goodness). Just perfect as a door greeter or wall hanging. I'm really excited to contribute to Blue Monday. I look forward to seeing everybody's shades of blue! Thanks to Smiling Sally for hosting Blue Monday!

Wordless Wednesday-Crimson Birthday Roses

It's Wordless Wednesday! So, I guess I  really shouldn't be saying anything. I just adore the idea of Wordless Wednesday!

Celebrating My 37th Birthday!

My birthday was a wonderful day. We had lunch at Applebees. My husband & babies made me feel so special all day (they always do). My kids say, "Mom, we always go to the nice restaurants on your birthday!" I sometimes believe they look forward to my birthdays more than I do. They anticipate & countdown each day that passes.  Birthdays are a big deal in our house. Not because of extravagant parties or big gifts. Rather, it's the special time the six of us get to share together, doing something different, maybe something we don't get to do everyday. We didn't get a big cake that defines a true celebration in my kids' minds. I opted for the Blue Ribbon Brownie at Applebees. It was so thick & rich. So, I took a little bite & pushed the plate over to my babies. And hey gladly handled the rest. To see them diving in, someone would've thought that neither of them had ever tasted sugar in their lives. They were happy. So, I was happy. I should've taken a photo of the plate when they were finished.

I just thank God for allowing me to see my 37th birthday. Yesterday morning, I was saddened to read about Mindy McCready (who was also 37) who won't get to see her little ones grow up. Reflecting on my life, the things others fight so hard to acquire in this world versus every true thing I truly possess, I feel blessed to have peace. I feel blessed to have Christ, His protection & favor. I feel blessed to share my life with my family. Just one day after my birthday, I look forward to keeping God the center of my life & dedicating all that I have to Him. I hope that His light shines through me. I hope that as this year progresses, I please Him more & more.

Blessings & love!!!!

Aristotle Allen: Mr. Rogers Icon Doll

I’m soooo proud of my husband Aristotle Allen. His Mr. Rogers ICON doll is now a part of The Neighborhood Archive: A Collection of All Things Mister Rogers! I’d like to congratulate my husband & wish him continued success with his creative endeavors.

My Birthday Celebration Fabric Giveaway

To celebrate my birthday (February 18th), I have a treat for you! I’m giving away what I love: FABRIC! If you’re anything like me, you can do a thousand projects with any given piece of fabric. The beauty of fabric can send your mind in a million different creative directions or you could instantly know exactly the right project. Well, my storage room is overflowing with fabric. NOW is the perfect time to share.

This giveaway includes some rare vintage pieces (1 yard of Holly Hobby & 1 yard of Dick Tracy) that my mother has had in storage for years. I remember oohing & aahing over these designs when I was a little girl. I sold a few yards of it on Ebay for about $25 at the end of last year. There are some stains on the selvedge edge of these pieces. So, I do recommend washing prior to use to freshen up the fabric. This giveaway also includes 2 Cowtan & Tout square samples (perfect for pillows), and Waverly “Fulham” fabric .

I just adore roses! So, my first fabric giveaway wouldn’t be quite as special without throwing in some vintage rose fabric remnants. This fabric is definitely beautiful enough to frame & hang on the wall. I know that anyone with a passion for fabric can do something special with these pieces.

I’d like to have a giveaway on a regular basis- perhaps weekly or monthly. So, let’s make this giveaway a success!

Ways to Enter

(US Residents)

1. Leave a comment below. What would you do with the fabric? Follow me on Twitter & retweet “RT & Follow @TondeleyaAllen for your chance to enter My Birthday Fabric Giveaway leyalivesbyfaith.blogspot.com” (one entry) (If you have no comment, please include your email so I can contact you if you win)

2. Subscribe to this blog (another optional entry)

3. Like Allen & GRACE on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Allen-GRACE/126130680761530 (another optional entry) (if we’re already connected on Facebook, just leave a comment below)

4. Follow my blog http://allenandgrace.com/wordpress (another optional entry)

I’ll pick a winner at random by February 15th & announce the winner at the bottom of this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

My "New" Thrift Store Mannequin

I love to thrift! It’s one of my favorite places to go. For the longest time I had wanted a mannequin or headform. I needed one for my headbands, fascinators & barrettes. Well shortly after my latest discussion with my husband about buying one, we look up at our favorite thrift store & this beauty was just there on a shelf. She was on SALE (I’m a SALE-queen) & not for display, thank God! She only cost me $3.20. She’s been beat up some, gone through a lot in her life, but I love her anyway. Now I just have to buy a wig for her. I think I found some suitable wigs (budget friendly) on ebay. I can’t wait to buy one & start taking new photos of my headbands. Oh, and my kids have named her Clara!