Design Gives Back

MIRACLE MAKEOVER: Fashionista, Graphic Artist, and Craftsman To The Rescue

Using all of their skills, talents, and courage Design Gives Back team members Sherry Mirador, Andy Fox and Jeremy Wood have come to the rescue of Elijah and Isaiah's room makeovers. 

Sherry Mirador is a gifted seamstress and fashion designer. She has shared her passion for fashion and giving back with our makeovers for the past five years. Sherry is constructing curtains, pillows, duvets and more for the boy's rooms. An eye for detail helps her to create beautifully made products.

"I just love giving my gift for sewing to this family. Working with Design Gives Back allows me to use what I have in the service of others," said Sherry.

 

 

 

Andy Fox, the founder of Brainstorm -- a division of Bennett Packaging & Displays (digital printing), helped interior designer, Kelee Katillac, bring to life her vision of a comic book story in Elijah's room. As a graphic designer, Andy is morphing Katillac's imagery with Elijah's hopes and dreams into large scale murals, framed art and signage. Bennett Packaging & Displays offers cutting edge digital printing and design services.

 

 

Everyone knows that the Ninja Turtles live and fight the bad guys in New York City. Elijah is definite that the bricks in his comic book room have to be brown -- like in NYC. To help make the vision complete, Jeremy Wood, of Wood Wallcovering, Lee's Summit, Missouri, volunteered. 

"It is so great to do something special with our business. Design Gives Back is amazing to work with and the level of project management and development for these families in-need is outstanding," said Jeremy.

 

 

MIRACLE MAKEOVER: Bone Marrow Donor to Receive New Room

It was a life or death situation. Isaiah had found out that he was a rare bone marrow match for his little brother Elijah, then five years-old. This would be a chance to save Elijah's life. Without hesitation the 14 year old jumped-in to save his drowning brother. Three years earlier, his 13 year old sister, Essence, had died from the same disease that was trying to pull Elijah under too. But, not to be; Elijah has now been cured of Sickle Cell Anemia by Isaiah's gift of life. We find the valor of Isaiah to be awe inspiring. It is time this young man has a room for hope and happiness. A place designed by him to express goals and dreams of a bright future. Will he become a doctor, politician, or engineer? These are all on his radar. 

 I have been personally assisting Isaiah in the creation of his space.  He has deep sensitivity and artistry of spirit. His room will be insightful, modern and in good taste. His color palette is earthy yet retro: leaf green, chocolate brown, teal, saffron, tangerine and white. So far, he leans toward mid-century furniture silhouettes and edits decisively.

Today, Josh Jett, left, of Home Delivery Service KC, assisted Isaiah, right, and myself, in assembling the FLOR area rug. The modular carpet tiles allowed Isaiah to customize the colors, design and size. The rug is the color "hub" for the new room. Josh references the FLOR website on his I-Phone for installation instructions. Stay tuned for the video reveal to see the final product.

" This is a new start. I am very grateful to Design Gives Back for this opportunity to define my life and world. For years, I have felt just caught       up in events. It felt like the old things in my room were keeping me in the    past. I needed to cleanse my mind and space. I get to choose what happens here," said Isaiah.

 Whatever he chooses to pursue in life, it is already a fact that Isaiah is a true leader. He has shown us the need for bone marrow donors and that it is a rewarding process. Saving a life, what could be better? Bone marrow is needed to heal many diseases. To find out more go to:

                           The Bone Marrow Foundation.org

                               Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.org

 ~ Kelee Katillac 

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DCM CONSTRUCTION: Helping Create Dream Rooms for Those In-Need

DCM CONSTRUCTION: Helping Create Dream Rooms for Those In-Need

DCM Construction Company of Kansas City, Missouri is led by the noble Rick Bright. When Bright, below left, heard that a brother US Marine's family was struggling with the congenital disease of Sickle Cell Anemia, he volunteered the services of his talented craftsmen to help Design Gives Back create two dream bedrooms.

Elijah and Isaiah D. are the recipients of the Miracle Makeover now in-progress. Because Elijah has had complications due to a bone marrow transplant that have devastated his stomach and caused ongoing health concerns, we have endeavored to use the most hygienic and non-toxic materials in the installation. Jesper Nielsen, right, of DCM Construction spent three days of the past week installing a low VOC engineered wood floor by Mullican. DCM's crew will continue to help with carpentry throughout the project. We are honored to share this project space with Bright and all of his DCM Construction  "Knights in Shining Tool-belts."

 

 

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SHERWIN WILLIAMS: Healthier Paint for Elijah's Miracle Makeover

Anyone who has suffered with health issues knows that keeping the immune system strong by limiting exposure to chemicals and germs is a must. In our upcoming Miracle Makeover Elijah's room will be painted with Sherwin Williams' ProMar 200. It is a zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) product that does not "off gas" dangerous chemicals into the environment. Not only does Sherwin Williams care about our health, but, they also just simply care. This company with heart is providing all of the paint for the Daniel Family makeover. Jonathan Nelson, right, of the Kansas City, Missouri, Wornall location, models ProMar 200. Thank-you to store manager Casey Carey, and the Sherwin Williams Paint Company for your ongoing support of Design Gives Back projects. We love you!

Design Angel: Remembering Gloria Hamilton & The Habitat for Humanity Project

                                                    

Some things in life are just " meant to be." That was true of my relationship with Gloria Hamilton, one of the dearest friends, and a most faithful Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Gloria recently left us for that celestial plane, to take her place near Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller, Dr. Martin Luther King, and other revolutionary lights, now departed. As a gifted public speaker, Gloria could bring down the house with the best of them; I have "God-bumps" as I write this, thinking back to her spirit-fueled talks that often garnered standing ovations.  As a volunteer leader, Gloria was there for me without fail, over 100 days in the first year alone. She could have asked much, expected much...because she gave much. Gloria never pined for rewards, always just giving more, and, sometimes even bringing one of her amazing pecan pies. In the volunteering world, it is said that the purest hearts ask the very least. Based on that maxim, she was an alchemist's ideal gold.

                                

                                 Gloria Hamilton, with great-grandaughter Jasmine. Read about their project here.

As part of the Habitat family of homeowners and community volunteers, Gloria became a member of our traveling troupe, spreading the word far-and-wide about the power of creativity to transform homes and hearts. One day, in the summer of 2000, Gloria and I sat talking in a cabin room (we were to provide a keynote address that evening for 600 Habitat staffers) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking up at a very tall peak, we shared a revelation, grabbing each other's hands and proclaiming simultaneously " we are almost to the top of the mountain!" Of course, referring to Dr. King's famous words. I am so grateful that just a few years later, indeed, the election of President Barack Obama, proved us right. And, "Glo" lived to see it. Like many African American women of her generation, she had lived through a whole lot.  

 Looking Back at the Habitat for Humanity DIY Workshops... a memoir excerpt:

"I had come full circle – from my own humble start to a successful interior designer of 15 years. And, it was time to give back. I held an estate sale, selling my worldly goods to fund the start-up project, working more than full-time, for a few years, without income. Later, we found help from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and in the short term the volunteers, too, were generous and charitable. The "House of Belief" DIY workshops for Habitat for Humanity helped homeowners to have the furnishings, window coverings and amenities to make their Habitat house into a true home. I knew the empowerment that would result from the DIY philosophy. It had changed my own life. When you see that you have the creativity to hand-make a home for yourself -- and your family, you begin to believe in the potential to have the life of your dreams. One action of creativity creates more belief. Seeing is believing. A "House of Belief" becomes a source of personal and family inspiration. A visual reminder that creativity is our gift from the source that created us; a Divine heriditary substance that powers the spirit."

Creative Solutions: A salvaged fireplace mantel became a working fountain; a mosaic with our create-believe ideal was embedded in the wall; a crude concrete floor was painted with rock shards and poetry; castoff two-by-fours were turned into a primitive bluewainscoting; three-dollar thrift-store shutters were refinished for the window; a sisal rug was striped with island colors; and canvas for cushions was handpainted with personal symbols for the sofa. 

A Miracle Makeover: We were given an abandoned drug-house to remake. The drug users had left remnants of their lives inside: family photos and once-cherished belongings. The very concrete had cracked, an apt metaphor for the decay of it's inhabitants. It needed a miracle. And so did we.....some needed a bigger vision of life. I asked the homeowners: "If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?" Many answered with excitement: "The islands!" Our journey of belief had begun. We set out to create a visual affirmation of their dream, a Caribbean cottage complete with a sandy beach-like front yard.

I invited 10 volunteer artists and designers to help me conduct workshops. That became 20 or 30 very quickly. Dozens gathered from throughout the city and helped in every way. Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat's founders, came to see the house and loved the project. They wanted me to share it nationwide. I traveled with Gloria and others, presenting keynote talks, workshops and demonstrations about the project. Habitat affiliate volunteers from Fresno, California; Knoxville, Tennessee; Muskogee, Oklahoma; New Orleans, Louisiana; and many others attended a successful national training event, too.  In all, more than 2,500 participated over three years, nationwide.

Color Courage: The color scheme for the living room was formed from the workshop question: If you could name a color to describe you, what would it be and why? The colors were then woven together to create the color scheme for the space. Each participant was represented by their designated color. Need color courage?A recent study of the happiest places in the world reveals that colorful cultures like those of Guatamala and India are happier than more affluent, beige-loving locales. Try thrifting, repurposing, and your favorite bright colors for a lift. When you spend little for the materials it is easier to try something bold. Financial risk can become a barrier to color courage. Repurposing provides a safety net, with less of a monetary commitment. 

                                      

Island Dreams: Habitat homeowner Janice Busbee sewed her first curtains and valance cut from a Hawaiian shirt. Pillows painted with scenes from the dreams of the homeowners here, to play music – and a thrift bookcase fitted with picture doors. The artist volunteers often worked collaboratively and with the homeowners to express an idea, object or area. It is nearly impossible to accurately credit each contribution as they are so mixed together; the ideas, inspirations and actual hands-on work coming from many people and directions. You will find the key-contributors featured below, and in the book, House of Belief.  

Here are some of the original creative volunteers and Habitat homeowners from the Kansas City, Missouri pilot project. Thank you for all you contributed! Also, thanks to the many sponsors and partners. Over the years, literally hundreds volunteered, city-wide. Nearly 17 years since the beginning, you are not forgotten. From the bus-loads of school children, to the many small business donors, thank-you...over and over again. 

Front Row (seated): Gary Aragon, Gloria Hamilton, Mary Harbin, Pat Gilmore, Tammy Smith, Crystal Shook Second Row: Keisha, Laura and Andy Rowzee, Ruth Webb, Jodi Stoner, Mike Savage, Tamiko Brooks, Janice Busbee, Winston Slider, Sonja Brown, Brian Shook, Jackie Denning, Claudia Cooper, Darlene Parker, Phyllis Harris, Ladedra Edwards Back Row: Meisha, Evadene Judge 

ALL PHOTOS: © Roy Inman

NOTE: See the stories in House of Belief: Creating Your Personal Style. This project is one of 12 beautiful stories and interiors for affluent and limited incomes alike. House of Belief is for all of us. 

Post: Kelee Katillac 

P.S. Gloria, don't forget that pie recipe, I am looking forward to it, when we meet again.

The Architecture of Change: New Book Features Inspiring Creative People

                                                                          

The new book The Architecture of Change: Building a Better World, is a must read for those desiring to change the world one brick, sofa or garden at a time. The book is a tour-de-force of those who have pioneered meaningful design and community environments over the past 20 years. A compilation of the late Kingsley Hammet's essays from Designer/builder magazine, you will find the inspired work of architects, designers, community organizers, gardeners, artists, chefs -- and others -- proving that creativity combined with heart, can change the world. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Design Gives Back co-founder, Kelee Katillac , is featured in The Architecture of Change for her work as (we think) a revolutionary interior designer! XO to you KK  

An Editorial Review: 

"The call for change is everywhere, yet how to define it and how to achieve it remain vague. The Architecture of Change: Building a Better World is a unique book that documents how ordinary people have the power to transform their environments. It is a celebration of human diversity and a call for increased attention to our communities. This inspiring book explores the issues of equity, alternative forms of living, new concepts of urbanism, and the power of social networks."

~ Governor Bill Richardson, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Congressman, Secretary of Energy, Governor of New Mexico, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee

 Post: DGB Team 

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A MOTHER'S DAY PROJECT: DIY Magazine & Team Give Back to a Deserving Family

Moms do it ALL. Their lives are one long illustration of what it is to "give back." Why not let a fun DIY project give a mom you know what she most wants for her day: just a little moment with her family, a day to remember. A recent survey revealed that many moms don't receive a card or present on holidays, even though they give so much to everyone else. With Mother's Day just a few months away, consider a kitchen spruce-up as a gift this year. It is possible even on a tiny budget, like the project shown below.

Better Homes and Gardens' Do-It-Yourself magazine featured this project and it received the honor of appearing on the cover. Thank-you to Susan Andrews for creating the partnership with BH&G to help this deserving family. We worked with Jody (mother of five), and her family, to brighten the space and make it symbolic of motherhood. Her life in non-profit work had been all about giving. Now, it was her moment. Really, aren't all moms non-profit workers? This kitchen started out a dismal, barren gray and received a cheerful makeover. A group of give-back minded craftspeople helped Jody to have this special space. Jody and her family worked together with the team. The thrifty and nifty projects included:

A Floral Color Palette: The geranium pink, delphinium blue and daisy yellow for the walls and cabinets were all taken from Jody's favorite flowers. Paint averages $14 a can – so have a painting day to enliven mom's space.

Refacing The Old Cabinets: Master kitchen designer, Steve Heiffus, volunteered his talents for the reinvention of the cabinetry. New doors added to the existing cases made for a budget-friendly fix-up.

Salvaged-Tin Backsplash: Recycled turn-of-the-century tin ceiling was used as countertop backsplash and wainscoting. Tin backsplash: $150.

                                

Fireplace Settee: A bricked-over fireplace had a bench added to it to make it functional for the table. Our dear friend, the late Phyllis Harris, gave it a distressed and crackled finish. Phyllis also helped create the accent colors for the new cabinet doors. Materials cost for a paint crackle kit: $75, DIY!

                                     

Paint Canvas Chairs: Jody painted blue denim and white canvas slipcovers in her symbol for family – bountiful fruit. Worldwide, fruit baskets are a symbol of prosperity. Think of your own symbols to use in more meaningful decorating. Kelee Katillac showed Jody how to draw and transfer a simple painted pattern to the canvas. Jody had never painted before. We think she is a natural. Don't you?

                                       

Small budget makes big creativity: Old chairs get fresh slipcovers. Fabric costs per chair: $45. The slipcovers are machine washable – great for families with kids. Andy and Laura Rowzee helped by sewing them for us. Rowzee Upholstery has always been a talented and giving business in Kansas City, Missouri.

                                           

 Heirloom Curtains: Hand-embroidered sheets were cut into thrifty and nifty cafe curtains. Sheet for 4 windows: total $90.

                                
  

Cabinet Dress-up: We added a set of vintage glass doors to match the 1915 pedigree of the Edwardian Home and a "feature door" with photos of Jody's mother as a child. Door and glass costs: $250/door. Our friend, craftsman Lew Edmister, worked on the tin splash and doors. His daughter, the talented Kelly Edmister also helped out. 

                                                      

 

* This kitchen and story were featured on the cover of D0-It-Yourself magazine, a Better Homes & Gardens publication. Susan Andrews, field editor, helped make it all possible by creating the partnership with the magazine. Lois Benge-Fortin provided administrative support. Kathy Wismer, too.

ALL PHOTOS: © Roy Inman                                                                 DGB Team Post

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: Can Color Cure Cancer? A Positive Story & Miracle Makeover

 

UPDATE 10/18/2013: Colette's health has now been pronounced stable! 

                                  *As featured in  Magazine

Colette was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. She was given a few months to live. This Miracle Makeovertm occurred a short time later. As part of the makeover, Kelee Katillac began working with Colette using color and art therapy. For the past four years Colette has done beautifully and credits her room makeover and the therapy techniques with helping her to survive and thrive. She has even taught the "color method" to other cancer patients. Here is a link to her Pinterest post. To view another recent makeover go here.   

WATCH THE VIDEO FULL SCREEN: You can watch "The Makeover Reveal Video," above, on your full computer screen by clicking on the white asterick icon on the lower right of the video screen. 

TO EMBED THIS VIDEO, SHARE OR EMAIL IT: Click on "Inspired Home/Miracle Makeover in the top left corner -- it will give you Vimeo and you can click and embed there.

          
 

Design Changes Things: When a room is falling apart, and we are also feeling physically or mentally down, it's easy to believe that things are hopeless. For Colette Gauthier, a cancer patient, this was especially true. So, in two and a half days, and on a tiny budget, we set out to change things. Transforming her rental house bedroom from bleak to beautiful helped her through chemotherapy. The restored and renewed space filled her with hope. A visual reminder that healing is possible for our homes and lives....that miracles do happen. For all of Colette's story go to Guideposts Magazine on-line or go to Target or Barnes & Noble for the monthly edition. See the dreary "before" of the room -- and the challenges we faced -- on the reveal video.

 

Yes, the bed you see transformed here, is Colette's hospital bed, shown left. We started with a thrifty wood headboard. After tracing the shape, I cut batting and fabric to upholster the inner edge.Using a stapler I fixed both in place. The edge was finished with trim. The full tutorial is in the Guideposts' feature story. New bead-board cabinets and wainscoting were added to create the "canopy niche," and to establish a cottage feeling. Eric Thomas handmade the charming cabinets.

A New Focal Point: The canopy bed wall is certainly the "design" focal point of the room. However, when you are spending a lot of time in bed, recuperating, the ceiling becomes the literal focal point; where the eyes go most often. And, the ceiling was a patched together mess. We used linen drop cloths and 1" x 6" boards to create a fresh cottage background for Colette's "light of hope."

Photos Copyright Design Gives Back 2011                                   

The Power of Words: The doctor told Colette that she had a 5-15% chance of survival. How dare he! I set-out to replace his negative pronouncement with life affirmations. I asked Colette to list her life values and intentions. We then incorporated them into the design. Watch the process on the makeover reveal video. Thank-you Hobby Lobby for these "positive plaques" that became valances.

Colette and I thank-you, with full hearts, for your kind thoughts, prayers, cards and comments. Readers, we appreciate that you took the time to share this journey with us. Our host bloggers originally brought so many good comments and shined light on this project. Thank-you. Thank-you. All of your positive energy gave us courage and creativity when we needed it the most.  This project would have been impossible without the help from our donors and volunteers. Please note all the credits on the video. A special thank-you to Jennifer Hanson and Theresa Lemke. The two were heaven sent. Thank-you also to the team from Masonic Pathways that helped with the remodel. See our featured volunteers below. 

              

 

 

       

 

HEADBOARD DIY STEPS: Click on photos to enlarge. Pattern making, batting added, fabric and trim. Thank-you Jennifer Hanson for your help demonstrating these steps!

Thank-you to the bloggers and blog hosts that made this possible for Colette.

                                        Visit and read about them HERE.  

The Pink Saturday Blog Event  and Spiritual Sundays Event are happening now.... Thank-you, again, Design Angels for your efforts to help Colette! A special thank-you to Beverly, Sherry, Erin and Charlotte.

MIRACLE MAKEOVER VIDEO: McCarthy Building Co. Helps Boy Recover From Cancer

 

UPDATE: 11/2/2013 This inspiring video debuted in August 2011. Yes, two years ago. We wanted to let you know that Charlie is now stable! The Grady family thanks you for the kind support, and high thoughts, that have helped them through another year. Everyday is a miracle, and, design does change things.

Charlie's Miracle Makeover: You can watch full-screen by clicking the four arrows in the right corner of the window. 

              ~September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month~

St. Louis, Missouri-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and Friends of Kids with Cancer  partnered with Design Gives Back to create this colorful and hope-filled  " miracle makeover." To learn more about Charlie's condition, NF-1, go here, to Neurofibromatosis, Inc. To read the entire story as featured in Guideposts: America's #1 Inspirational Magazine go HERE.

 

 

Meet Charlie's big brother, Liam, above, on the reveal video. It will be the best few minutes of your day. This video could be that surprise you need, the message that has been sent, a sign meant just for you! It moves fast and our reviews say "it is wonderful." Take this time for yourself to be inspired. Then, feel free to embed it, pass along the goodness, or post on FACEBOOK or a blog.

 

          

 

 

 

    

                            ABOVE: Liam & Charlie's room before the makeover.

 

                        
 

To See Katie's Room Go Here & Also Find Out More About The Process ~ If you are new (Welcome!) & want to know more on Design Gives Back, go HERE  

    

The Art Therapy Blog posted this story. What an honor! Go HERE to see a brief video clip  of the art therapy process with Charlie.  To meet our Design Angel Blog Hosts go here.         

 

Kelee Katillac's CNN Interview: Kids Can Overcome Bullying by Creating a Safe Haven at Home

One of the profound messages of Kelee Katillac's book, Kids' Sacred Places: Rooms for Believing & Belonging, is that bullies should be barred from entry into kid's homes via cyber-bullying (the internet) and cell phones. She acknowledges that while that isn't easy, kids need to feel safe in a space that is their own and free of cyber-assault. In the book, bullied kids  -- and those experiencing other life issues -- take back their power and create self-esteem through the therapeutic art and design projects. "A bedroom can become a safe zone, or haven, in which to create and believe," said Katillac, in a CNN interview.

                   

 PROJECT: "Re-upholstering ME" Jessica took an old chair, fixed-it-up and covered it with affirmations. She has grown-up to become an advocate for fairness: Jessica is now in law school.

 

                  

Pablo, age 10, was the new kid at school. He soon became the target of merciless bullying. When Monday rolled around, he became physically sick at the thought of what was to come at school that day. Soon, he sank into depression. Life almost didn't seem worth living. That is when Katillac helped him to create a safe zone. Pablo focused on his goals and dreams; the things he was good at and the observations he had made about his life. The art projects helped him to express his pain and paint - it- over with hope. Today, nine years later, he is a thriving creative young man with many friends.

"The book is a great resource for adults who want to help kids and also learn something about themselves in the process. " Christine Hillila, PH.D.

"It is the experience of creation, and the experience can certainly help people. Any time a family, a mom, a dad, a kid gets a chance to express themselves through art -it is a good thing!" Michelle Bethune, Vice President, Arizona Chapter of American Art Therapists

"Kelee has been a healthy co-participant in helping others actualize their goals and realize their dreams. In over 30 years as an art therapist, I've discovered that both children and adults need help in learning to validate their identity --they can't do it alone." Dr. Avis Garrett-Baptiste, PH.D., ATR,  art therapy pioneer

 Watch Katillac help a boy with cancer in this Miracle Makeover video.    And another here.

 FREE copies of Kids' Sacred Places for those-in-need until May 25, 2012.

 For more information on art therapy visit The Art Therapy Blog.

DGB Team Post   Photos Copyright Roy Inman