Sep 20 2016

Shopper Bag Giveaway!

Lately I’ve been dreaming of traveling and all the places I want to visit. So for this giveaway, I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject! And speaking of traveling and shopper bags… I always pack one of these handy gems folded up in my suitcase just incase I have more to bring back with me than what I went with. Works like a charm, you need one, so don’t miss out and enter to win!!! 🙂

SIMPLE TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on this post: Telling me THREE things that are on your BUCKET LIST.

2. Share us with your friends on Facebook or Instagram and leave a comment (here on the blog) letting me know you did.

3. Sign up for our newsletter (on the top right hand side of this blog).

Contest will close Saturday, Sept.24 at midnight PST, (winners announced Mon. Sept.26).

To enter the Facebook drawing, there will be a post up on our Facebook Page on FRIDAY, Sept 23rd. that you can comment on to enter there as well.

Nov 8 2015

And the BAG WINNERS are…

And the BLOG BAG WINNERS are….
Congratulations & thanks for playing!!! I really LOVED reading all your “thankful” comments. A good reminder of how much we ALL have to be thankful for, it’s just the perspective we choose to have.

(if this is you, please email me (michelle@allendesignsstudio.com) your mailing address and bag choice)

Nov 1 2015

6 Bag Giveaway & Big Hugs!!!

It’s almost November and there is no better time to have a GIVEAWAY to tell you how thankful I am for YOU! Being an artist can be a very lonely road at times and your encouragement through Instagram, Facebook and personal emails means a lot more to me than you can probably imagine. Thank you & BIG giant hugs to you!

p.s. these bags are a wonderful gift as they fit perfectly into a large envelope and are super easy to send.

SIMPLE TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on this post: Telling me what you’re most thankful for this month.

2. Share us with your friends on Facebook or Instagram and leave a comment (here on the blog) letting me know you did.

3. Sign up for our newsletter (on the top right hand side of this blog).

Contest will close Saturday, Nov.7 at midnight PST.

To enter the Facebook drawing, there will be a post up on our Facebook Page on SATURDAY Nov. 7th. that you can comment on to enter there.

Mar 2 2015

March Desktop Wallpaper

dreaming of snow covered mountain tops…
i truly love going to the mountain (mt. hood) in the winter. driving up and crossing into the land of snow always gives me instant peace and a rush of happiness! sadly, snow is one thing we have not had enough of here in the NW. i’m sure there are many of you who would gladly give us yours. of course, wouldn’t it be nice if it worked that way!

click here for your copy of this month’s FREE calendar.
hope you enjoy!
xoxo- m

(for personal use only)

Feb 24 2015

Giveaway Winners!

We have some WINNERS!
If you’re one of these lucky moons, email me your mailing address and your bag choice to sales (@) allendesignsstudio.com.
Thank you for playing along and also for all our your wonderfully creative bag design ideas!!! YOUR IDEAS MATTER!

Feb 19 2015

6 Bag Giveaway & Thank YOU!!!

I’m feeling a bit sentimental right now and wanted to show you how much I appreciate YOU!!!
You guys are AMAZING! It’s because of you that I am encouraged on a daily basis, thank you!

p.s. these bags are a wonderful gift as they fit perfectly into a large envelope and are super easy to send.

SIMPLE TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on this post: Telling me what kind of art/theme you would want to see on a bag???

2. Share us with your friends on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment (here on the blog) letting me know you did.

Contest will close the evening of Monday, Feb.23.

To enter the Facebook drawing, there will be a post up on our Facebook Page on SATURDAY
that you can comment on to enter there. 🙂

Feb 2 2015

300 Days of Creating Progress Report

Well, I have to say, this has been a REALLY GOOD challenge for me.
I’m already more intentional to be creative knowing that I can’t get behind.
And, along with it, I’m FEELING more creative!
Below are a sampling of a few of the days so far…

7/300 Thinking a lot about the lack of snow up in our poor mountains, makes me sad.

8/300 If all I get done in a day is a sketch, then I count that.

9/300 Love this wonky guy. “Angst Expressed”

11/300 I decided to make and keep a journal of the 300 Days of Creating as well as my 2015 Goals.

If you want to see more, follow along with me on Instagram (allendesignsstudio).
Also, check out the hashtag #300daysofcreating to find others who have joined me in this challenge!
And, it’s not too late to join! There are still 331 days left in the year!!!

p.s. if you want a pdf copy of the 300 Days of Creating lettering from above, make sure to sign up for my mailing list as that will be included in the next newsletter 🙂

Dec 11 2014

Clock of the Day!

Clock of the Day!!!
20% of THIS clock through tonight!
Use CODE: COTD20

Dec 8 2014

Clock of the Day!

Clock of the Day!!!!!!
20% of THIS clock through tonight!
Use CODE: COTD20

Dec 3 2014

Impromptu GIVEAWAY!

To show how thankful we are for you all, we’ll be giving away this clock by the end of the day tomorrow!
Go to our Facebook Page to to enter.

Nov 30 2014

Cyber Monday Sale Start NOW!

thank you again to all of you who were able to make it out to our annual Studio Sale!
it’s always such a treat to see so many friendly faces. it’s like a yearly reunion!

xo-m

Nov 5 2014

Want a FREE BAG?

Oct 6 2014

The Artist’s Garden

as some of you may already know, cause you follow me on instagram (allendesignsstudio), i was asked to paint a violin for a charity event put on by the Vancouver Symphony & Orchestra.
i had told myself earlier this year that i wasn’t going to say “yes” to any additional charity pieces through the rest of the year. but, when the violin came up, i just couldn’t say no.
i LOVE music. and who wouldn’t want to paint on such a beautiful instrument!

here she is as she came to me.

some of the progression.

i played the flute in 6th grade and i sucked. i really wanted to be good at it.
i practiced. and practiced. a lot. (my mom may disagree, but it felt like it was A LOT)
i had no rhythm. nor patience. so i quit.

if you look closely, there’s a string missing. that would be due to my lack of stringing-an-instrument-skills!

i was determined to paint a rose. i’ve wanted to for a long time and i just decided i was going to work at it until i got it.
roses are HARD! in the end, i’m pleased with how it turned out. happy with myself that i pushed through the good hour of frustration that it took to paint and repaint till it actually looked like a rose.

i love how this turned out. it’s playful yet serious. free yet organized.
Playing it Forward auction Nov. 1st.

Jul 1 2014

July Desktop Calendar!

I’m back!!! Did you miss me?
It’s been as hectic as ever around here lately. Lots of family stuff & business stuff. All good… just lots of it!
But I did find a sliver of time to make this little beauty up for you! Hope you like it! xo-m

Click here to enjoy this month’s free desktop calendar. 🙂

Apr 3 2014

April Desktop Calendar

okay so i skipped a month.
i’ve decided to put guilt aside and am, once again going to try to get back at it.
may i present April’s Desktop Calendar with a seahorse theme…

can you tell that i’m dying to go on vacation somewhere warm???

click here for your copy of this month’s FREE calendar.
hope you enjoy!
xoxo- m

(for personal use only)

Jan 3 2014

Free 2014 Owl Calendar!

looking for a new 2014 calendar to inspire your year?
once again, My Owl Barn has compiled a group of artists (myself included) and has one for you- FREE!
below are some of my favorites…

by artist- Christine Pym

by artist- Mina Braun

your truly 🙂

artists- Deanna Maree, Anna Walker, Patti Backer and Ola Liola

enjoy! xoxo-m

Nov 4 2013

November Desktop Calendar

finally getting to this months wallpaper calendar!
this month’s art is inspired by the 2 ginkgo trees i have out my window, which i absolutely love!
and by my recent trip to China.

on another note-
do you care if there’s a calendar on this?
or would you just as well prefer art without the calendar?

click here for your copy of this months calendar.
hope you enjoy it 🙂

(for personal use only)

Oct 2 2013

October Desktop Calendar!

can you even believe we’re already to the month of October??? i sure can’t.
for me, this month means a trip to China to develop our 2014 winter Allen Designs product line.
and all the preparation to be ready for that trip.
it means time to pull out all the warm clothes and put away the flip flops. boo 🙁
it means it’s pumpkin-everything time!
it means watching a LOT of soccer games in the RAIN.
and last but not least, it means it’s almost my BIRTHDAY time! 🙂

click here for your copy this months free calendar!
i hope you enjoy it!

(for personal use only)

Sep 24 2013

the “blog” shopper bag winners are…

thank you ALL for making this shopper bag giveaway so much fun!
reading through the comments and seeing which ones are people’s favorites, along with some stories, have totally made my day!

winners: please email me your mailing address along with your bag of choice 🙂

Sep 16 2013

6 bag giveaway!!!

as you can probably tell,
i’m still beyond jazzed about these new Allen Designs Shopper Bags that we just got in!
and i want you to celebrate with me.
what a better way than a giveaway?! 🙂

SIMPLE TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on this post: Telling me which one is your favorite???

2. Share us with your friends on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment (here on the blog) letting me know you did.

Contest will close Friday September 20th.

To enter the Facebook drawing, there will be a post up on our Facebook Page on THURSDAY
that you can comment on to enter there. 🙂

Sep 3 2013

SEPTEMBER DESKTOP CALENDAR & doodles

sorry to be a few days late with the september desktop calendar!
i must have been having too much fun over labor day 😉
hope you enjoy!

i took a sketch and altered it in photoshop to make this month’s calendar.
loving simple pen & ink!

click here to download this months free calendar!

(for personal use only)

p.s. would love to know if you use it! 🙂

Aug 1 2013

august free desktop calendar!!!

august is here already!!!
since doing these monthly free desktop calendars i’m realizing more than ever just how quickly the months FLY BY!
my desire is to be intentional this month.
writing a good list of things that i plan on doing, both in my business life & my personal life.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” -Benjamin Franklin

click here to download this months free calendar!

(for personal use only)

p.s. would love to know if you use it!!! 🙂

Jul 1 2013

july desktop wallpaper!

yay for july and yay for sunny weather!
here’s a free desktop wallpaper to make your indoor time a bit brighter. 🙂

Just click on the image below to open the file, then right click to save. enjoy!
(for personal use only)

Jun 3 2013

pretty up your office! june wallpaper

i know i’m a few days late but…
i finally finished this painting of the squirrel a few days ago.
and in celebration i thought i’d share some love.

Just click on the image below to open the file, then right click to save. enjoy! 🙂
(for personal use only)

Apr 29 2013

make your desktop pretty! may desktop wallpaper

today IS going to be SUBLIME!
i hope you enjoy this month’s free desktop wallpaper.

our Allen Designs wiggles clock can be found here.

i like the idea of making that statement as i wake to encounter each day.
my days ARE better when i begin with that kind of attitude.
sometimes it’s fiercely hard. there are people & things that are constantly trying to drag us down.
it’s our CHOICE if we let them.
it takes practice & discipline to keep going back to a happy & thankful heart.
for me, i have to let myself lean into God and trust that he’s got my back.
he’s protected & provided, why should i doubt him now.

MAY (pun intended) you have a wonderful & sublime month! xoxo-m

Just click on the image below to open the file, then right click to save.

please feel free to share it with your friends. 🙂

Apr 1 2013

April Desktop Wallpaper

hello April, hello spring!
in celebration of this beautiful sunny weather we’ve had here in the NW-
we gift you with this month’s equally cheerful desktop wallpaper!

“love first” giclee can be found here.

Just click on the image below to open the file, then right click to save.

Mar 5 2013

March Desktop Wallpaper

we wanted to share a little gift with you this month-

just click on the image below to open the file, then right click to save.

happy March!!!
spring is in the air and we’re so excited.
don’t forget this weekend to set your clocks forward.
yay for longer days!

˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚

i like this.

Feb 15 2013

valentine winner!

i loved reading everyones valentines traditions/plans!
thank you for playing and sharing!
i used random number generator to choose the winner and here she is…

congratulations Angie! email me your address and we’ll get your package out to you asap!

this was the card i gave my husband. perfect eh? he laughed.

and the breakfast we went out to at byways cafe. yum.

Feb 10 2013

Close2myart Valentine Art Giveaway!

because i want to show you how much i love you, i want to do a quick fun giveaway!!!

the lucky winner will receive a love forever clock,

a kittles dangling doodling,

a heart bead picture frame,

AND a small heart frame!

ENTER to WIN by one of the two below- or BOTH!

1. Leave a comment on this post: tell me your “go to” Valentine’s date/celebration idea.

2. Share us with your friends on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment (here on the blog) letting me know you did.

Contest will close Thursday February 14th.

there is no cash back on the items
international entries are welcome but you would be responsible for the postage

Dec 11 2012

free & fun Christmas Card Templates!

if you’re still looking to send out your christmas cards,
here are some fun & free templates you can use with your own photos!
just follow our step by step instructions below,
if you have questions post in the comments and we’ll help as best we can.

STEP 1: You will need to download Photoshop if you don’t already have it. There is a free trial here that you can use.

STEP 2: Download our free card templates here and open the one you want to use in Photoshop.

STEP 3: Drag and drop your photo into the folder titled Your Photo Here.

STEP 4: If your photo is too large use the marquee tool (M) to select and delete any parts of the photo that go beyond the template.

STEP 5: Get it printed! (Costco & Walgreens are two options)

hope you are enjoying the season so far! xo-m

Dec 10 2012

fun Christmas Card Templates!

i know- this is going to be too late for many of you…
since i’ve received several christmas cards in the mail already.
but, for all of us- slower, not as organized peeps- these are for you!

so, tomorrow i will be posting some FREE christmas card templates to use with your pictures & have printed at places like costco & walgreens!
below are some examples of the these fun, artsy designs.

Dec 5 2012

free owl calendar!

i love the yearly project that my barn owl does by bringing together artists and then offering a free owl calendar.
and i’m totally honored to be included last year and then again this year!

this is the piece of art that i submitted for 2013.

depicted above is just a small sampling of the lovely artists you have to choose from.
so- go here to get your very own free 2013 owl calendar.

they would also make sweet little gifts for that owl lover in your life.
may your day be owl-ilicious!