New Blue Country Quilt and New Review

Well, I'm feeling darn pleased with myself this morning. Not only did I complete my new blue quilt. She's been washed and dried once to start the "ragging" process. I realized just this morning You Inspire Me has a new review.

Here's my newest creation. Isn't she lovely, all fluffed out and puffed up?  She's all cotton. She measures approximately 50" x 60". She's filled with batting.

And here she is from another angle (back).

And rolled up.

Okay, maybe that's enough photos. Although, I have more. She's getting camera shy. I'm getting carried away. I just can't believe how much I LOVE this quilt. I fall in love with every quilt I make. I'm really proud of how it came together. There's a rose fabric, that's more of a teal than blue. I wasn't sure if it would blend with the other fabrics, but I think it does. Tell me what you think.

As much as I love this quilt, I can't keep her.  So, she's available on eBay.  If no one takes her home there, I'll move her back to this blog.

Now, about You Inspire Me.  We have another review. Woo-hoo!

I'm feeling so much joy and gratitude this morning, I can hardly stand it. I hope that wherever you are, peace and joy are with you as well.

P.S. This blue quilt immediately made me think of Smiling Sally. I just headed over to her blog to realize that she has passed away. May she rest in heaven. I look forward to seeing her there when my time is done. Her Blue Mondays are now being hosted by Jeanne of Backyard Neighbor.

Blue & White Statement Textile Necklace

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.

* Fabric, long strips

* no clasp, goes on over head

* fibers wrapped around focal coil

* measures 28 " from top to bottom, 17" from top down to first coil

* band at nape of neck measures less than 1/2" wide

* Due to the length of necklace, may be shipped folded or coiled

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.

Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with fibers, stitching, beads, buttons, charms, and two of my handmade fabric flowers, which I use whenever I can.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.
I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Vibrant Blue Multi-Strand Textile Necklace

$18 + $3.50 Shipping, SOLD!

Custom Orders Welcome!

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.

* Colorful multi-strands, comprised mostly of cotton (vintage & new fabric)

* Colors: blue, yellow, orange, turquoise, fuschia, green, black, white

* no clasp, necklace goes on over head

* measures 29" from top to bottom, 19" from top down to first fabric strand

* band at nape of neck measures 3/4" wide

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/repurposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Not intended for children. Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Ecru Flower Coil Textile Statement Necklace

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.

* 2 coils, comprised mostly of vintage cotton

* round coils accented with handcrafted beaded flower, charms, a shell, vintage buttons, beads & wrapped fibers

* no clasp, necklace goes on over head

* measures 17" from top to bottom coil, 15" from top down to first coil

* at nape of neck measures 3/4" wide

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/repurposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with a flower, fibers, stitching, beads, buttons, charms, & a shell.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

I AM MOM What's Your Super Power Art Sign

* I AM MOM Wall Hanging Door Greeter 11" x 14"

$30 + $5 shipping

* Colors: Tan, Red, Black

*  Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!  Need another color or inspirational verse/quote? Contact me. I LOVE custom orders! Please check back often. I'm currently working on some new items. The plant is NOT included in this listing.

* 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 one of a kind!  This sign was created on an archival, acid-free flat panel canvas. The background has been covered with pieces of  pages from an Asian book & atlas pieces.  I used acrylic paint for this item.

* The raised letters are die-cut, then painted. The sides of the canvas are painted. I left the back white.

* I have anchored this on natural polished hemp.

* This piece measures 11″ x 14" (without hanger), & 17″ high (with hanger).

* This piece has been signed on the front. Layers of varnish have been added to this piece for added protection & shine!

* Although this piece has a hanger, the hemp could be cut off and this piece could be placed in a frame (without glass).

* This piece is especially for everyone who loves surrounding themselves with inspiration, a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.  Although this item has been glazed with exterior varnish, I recommend this item be displayed indoors.

* I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. 

* This item will be wrapped in bubble wrap and/or sandwiched between 2 layers of cardboard for shipping. I often use recycled shipping supplies. This item may be shipped in a large envelope or wrapped in kraft paper. Thanks for understanding!

Family Love One Another Inspirational Art Sign

* Be Thankful Love One Another Art Wall Hanging Door Greeter 11" x 14"

$30 + 4.50 shipping

*This item is custom-made. Please allow 2 days for this item to be created before shipment.

* Colors: Tan, Red, Black

*  Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!  Need another color or inspirational verse/quote? Contact me. I LOVE custom orders! Please check back often. I'm currently working on some new items. The plant is NOT included in this listing.

* 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 one of a kind!  This sign was created on an archival, acid-free flat panel canvas. The background has been covered with pieces of vintage sheet music, pages from an Asian book & atlas pieces.  I used acrylic paint for this item.

* The raised letters are die-cut. The sides of the canvas are painted. I left the back white.

* I have anchored this on natural polished hemp.

* This piece measures 11″ x 14" (without hanger), & 20 1/2″ high (with hanger).

* This piece has been signed on the front. Layers of varnish have been added to this piece for added protection & shine!

* Although this piece has a hanger, the hemp could be cut off and this piece could be placed in a frame (without glass).

* This piece is especially for everyone who loves surrounding themselves with inspiration, a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.  Although this item has been glazed with exterior varnish, I recommend this item be displayed indoors.

* I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. 

* This item will be wrapped in bubble wrap and/or sandwiched between 2 layers of cardboard for shipping. I often use recycled shipping supplies. This item may be shipped in a large envelope or wrapped in kraft paper. Thanks for understanding!

Tan We Do Family Inspirational Collage Art Sign

* Tan We Do Family Wall Hanging Door Greeter Sign 9" x 12", $25+ 4.50 shipping

* Colors: Tan, Red, Black

* This particular item will be made to order. Please allow 2 days for this item to be created. Due to handcrafting, no two items are exactly alike. Please expect some variation between the photo & your actual sign.

*  Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!  Need another color or inspirational verse/quote? Contact me. I LOVE custom orders! Please check back often. I'm currently working on some new items. The plant is NOT included in this listing.

* 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 one of a kind!  This sign was created on an archival, acid-free flat panel canvas. The background has been covered with pieces of vintage sheet music, pages from an Asian book & atlas pieces.  I used acrylic paint.

* The raised letters are die-cut. The sides of the canvas are painted. I left the back white.

* I have anchored this on natural polished hemp.

* This piece measures 9″ x 12" (without hanger), & 17″ high (with hanger).

* This piece has been signed on the front. Varnish has been added to this piece for added protection & shine!

* Although this piece has a hanger, the hemp could be cut off and this piece could be placed in a frame (without glass).

* This piece is especially for everyone who loves surrounding themselves with inspiration, a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.  Although this item has been glazed with exterior varnish, I recommend this item be displayed indoors.

* I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. 

* This item will be wrapped in bubble wrap and/or sandwiched between 2 layers of cardboard for shipping. I often use recycled shipping supplies. This item may be shipped in a large envelope or wrapped in kraft paper. Thanks for understanding!

DREAM Motivational Tan Black Red Inspirational Home Wall Hanging Art Sign

* Dream Get Motivated Art Wall Hanging Door Greeter 11" x 14"

$40 + 5.00 shipping

* This item will be made to order. Please allow 3 days before this item is shipped out. Due to handcrafting, no two items are exactly alike. Please expect some variation between the photo & your actual sign.

* Dream, Get Motivated, Have a Vision, Get Inspired, Believe in Yourself, Work Hard, Stay Focused, Be Fearless, Get Out There!

* Colors: Tan, Red, Black

*  Perfect GIFT idea~An all year round item for your home!  Need another color or inspirational verse/quote? Contact me. I LOVE custom orders! Please check back often. I'm currently working on some new items. The plant is NOT included in this listing.

* 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 one of a kind!  This sign was created on an archival, acid-free flat panel canvas. The background has been covered with pieces of vintage sheet music, pages from an Asian book & atlas pieces.  I used acrylic paint for this item.

* The raised letters are die-cut, then painted. The sides of the canvas are painted. I left the back white.

* I have anchored this on natural polished hemp.

* This piece measures 11″ x 14" (without hanger), & 17″ high (with hanger).

* This piece has been signed on the front. Layers of varnish have been added to this piece for added protection & shine!

* Although this piece has a hanger, the hemp could be cut off and this piece could be placed in a frame (without glass).

* This piece is especially for everyone who loves surrounding themselves with inspiration, a pop of color & for those of us who enjoy touching art, not just looking at it.  Although this item has been glazed with exterior varnish, I recommend this item be displayed indoors.

* I’m extremely pleased with how this piece came together & hope that you like it enough to make it your own. 

* This item will be wrapped in bubble wrap and/or sandwiched between 2 layers of cardboard for shipping. I often use recycled shipping supplies. This item may be shipped in a large envelope or wrapped in kraft paper. Thanks for understanding!

iCONS Featured in ilovedinomartin

Anyone who truly knows me, knows just how proud I am of my husband Aristotle Allen, for far too many reasons to list or count. 

Here's another proud wife moment. My husband's beautiful work with primitive dolls has been noticed & today he is being featured on ilovedinomartin! 

God has blessed my sweetie with SO much talent...and might I add, computer hacking skills to match. 

Thank you Dino Martin Peters for the feature! All of you Martin & Lewis Fans should drop by his site for all things Dean Martin.

Don't forget to check out the other wonderful dolls & canvas artwork Aristotle has created!

Faith Bigger Than Your Fear Crimson Toile Pillow Cover

* Crimson Toile Custom Made Inspirational Faith Throw Toss Pillow Cover  16" 

$12 + $3.75 shipping SOLD

* Lovingly handcrafted by me for you!!! Custom orders are welcome! Need something in a different color/quote? Feel free to contact me.

*  Inspirational words "Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear" grace the center of this cover.  This item makes a wonderful gift!

* Each pillow cover will need a 16" pillow insert. Inserts can be found at any home goods store. You can make your own or just stuff with polyfill & stitch up the back, or close with safety pins or just reclaim an old pillow that you may have lying around the house. 

* Each pillow cover measures approximately 15" x 15".  I usually make my covers a little smaller than the pillow to get just the right plumpness & fullness. (The photo shows the cover enclosing a 16" pillow insert).

* The pillow covers will arrive with folds. 

* The back of each pillow cover is finished envelope-style for easy removal of insert. This item will need to be ironed after each wash. I recommend washing inside out and covering the letters with a cloth when ironing. Due to handcrafting, no two items are alike. Due to handcrafting, please expect a small variance in size.

* I used French seams on the interior of this pillow cover. So, there are no raw edges. Interior stitches have been reinforced.

* This item is the perfect pop of color & romance for your bed, sofa, chaise or favorite chair.

* I enjoyed creating this pillow cover & hope that it's exactly what you're looking for to decorate your home.

* This item will be folded & shipped in an envelope. Thanks for understanding!

 

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

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!