The Katillac Shack

DESIGN & BELIEVE: How Our Homes Help Us Heal...Today & Sunday Your Comments Earn $1 For a Friend-in-Need...Thank-you Beverly's Pink Saturday Team & Anyone That Helps!

At the time Frankie was diagnosed with cancer, she was living the good life. She had a successful corporate career and a husband she adored. But, then, everything changed. In the middle of her chemotherapy, her husband decided to leave her. To both her husband and the cancer, she shouted " Why me? What did I do?" Now, not only did she have a disease to battle, but, rejection too. Instead of giving up, she began to dream. In her dream there was her own little house. 

 

Inside were all of her favorite things: books, thrift-store treasures, paintings, music, and faux fur on everything. Most of all there was color. The color she felt unable to express in her former life. She planned to paint her house a passionate shade of purple! Her favorite color. And, that was just the beginning of Frankie re-birthing her own fabulousness! She went on to creatively paint and glitter and sequin her way back to wellness. She glued rhinestones on everything! There was a cast-off table that got new shoes; she took pumps and attached them to the legs. Then she embellished the shoes with jewels! 

 

The shoe decor didn't stop there, either. Decorated shoes from British designer Stephanie Hoppen's illustrations were cut and applied to an accent wall of hot pink tissue paper, ribbon, and mirrors; in what she called her "London apartment." That room in her little house looked like a "west-end" theatre actor's dressing room. It was complete with a dressing screen and costume pieces. Flowers were always present for the "starlet!" Frankie thoroughly embraced her role by creating a home that helped her to believe in the dream of being an actor. Making that dream more real than her doctor's predictions.

  

Her new found freedom to create--without self-judgement--had been the gift of her illness. Soon, Frankie's dream of acting was manifested too.  Her home became the stage from which she would become an actor and television spokesperson. She even auditioned with Kathy Bates, the actor. For the next 10 years, or so, Frankie allowed the Divine creativity that was within her to "make" the life she had dreamed of living.  

 

You see, at the end of her 10th year of remission and a big, full life, she had a different dream come to her, one day, as she napped. It was a lucid vision of her "new" studio. It was going to be all white and her desk/ creative worktable done-up in white patent leather. As she sat in her recliner--where she found comfort from the pain that had emerged in her body--she shared that dream, with one of her best friends. Frankie was resolved that she had somewhere else to "be." A week later, she went there. Creativity expressed in her home had given her nine years more than she had been promised to have. Then, she decided her next acting job, on a much bigger stage, was calling.....

Photos Copyright Roy Inman & Kelee Katillac 2010

I believe that in the same way that having a little home of one's own helped Frankie, it can also help Colette. The two have a similar story. Colette, though, has children to look after. As a big hearted "giver" herself--she works full-time to help senior citizens--she needs a little help. Because, the cancer treatment for two types of the disease--breast and bone cancer-- are too much. She fears she will lose the small rental house she took after her husband left her. So, that is why today, simply by commenting you will earn $1 for the Pink Saturday Fund to help Colette and her family keep their modest home. My Design Gives Back Foundation will provide the money--you the kind thoughts, prayers and well wishes. 

   1 COMMENT FROM YOU EARNS A $1 DONATION TO HELP COLETTE

 

Lets see what we can do together to

Help Colette (her Facebook page) 

have a home for her healing. All 

comments at Beverly's Pink Saturday blog

and The Katillac Shack Today & SUNDAY 

will earn $1 each for Colette. 

Lets do it in honor of Frankie....

                          WE DID IT! WE EXCEEDED OUR GOAL OF 400                                                 COMMENTS; THANK-YOU BEVERLY & ALL THAT HELPED!

                METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY THANK-YOU FOR HELPING!

DESIGN GIVES BACK 2010 PROJECT AWARD RECIPIENT

What is Design Gives Back? Well, it is what I have been up to since 1991 when I first helped a woman in crisis, to make a new life, by re-designing her apartment. You see, her apartment had been torn apart by an abusive spouse. The furniture was battered, like she was. As she painted away the hurt, and stitched new curtains, she was actually re-fashioning her life. A new life in which her creativity could make her home peaceful, lovely and safe. A secure nest for her children, as well as, herself. 

The journey, for me to help others through design and decorating, as you may know, started on the proverbial other-side-of-the-tracks. My life proves that the Creator can use just about anything to make us beautiful ...turning lives from trash to treasure. That is why I believe in the idea of trash-to-treasure in designing uplifting home environments. We are reminded that creativity can turn old stuff into that which is useful and good. 

Our lives are so much like the poetry of recycle, repurpose and recreate. To dream big is to see the potential within us to be inspiring and to have a purpose. Design Gives Back supports those who dare to dream big and to use creativity to manifest the dream that helps others. Do you like to help others? Do you like crafting, creating, designing and decorating? Then, Design Gives Back may be for you.

My friend, the crazy and fabulous artist Izayah Jeffrey remade this chair over and over again. "Every time I needed to shift my life I re-designed this chair. It represents the transformation of my life," said Izayah.  See how a simple chair makeover, can change things for those in need, in the following posts.  Photo Roy Inman 2010
                                   

-Chairs That Change The World: Inner City Youth Project

-Make A New Year's Chair

-Design Gives Back: Habitat for Humanity Project

                                       DESIGN GIVES BACK 2010 AWARD WINNER

This year we are focusing on women. Women who need us and our creativity. Design 

Gives Back has selected our 2010 Award Winner: Enchanted Makeovers.

Congratulations to all the volunteers, artists and team members! Enchanted Makeovers

will receive a $500 Grant to use in their important projects. Please watch this inspiring 

video of their most recent project for needy girls at Vista Maria.

Post Updated 1/5/2010

WELCOME TO THE RED CARPET PARTY: Watch This World Premiere Video About You, Creativity & Saving Lives... Comment to Enter to Win $100 Hobby Lobby Giveaway... And To Help Those In Need.... The Pet Party is ON!

TO MAKE IT PLAY SMOOTHLY CLICK THE ARROW AND THEN THE RED HD BUTTON IN THE CORNER. To share the video embed the code below or link to this website address- www.katillacshack.com -if after fully loading it doesn't play smoothly go here.

Simply copy the code below ↓ and paste it into your blog or website.

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value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0N8ptwfUxrU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param 

name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" 

value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0N8ptwfUxrU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" 

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This is it. We did it--raised $2,000. for pets-in-need at The Northland Pet Pantry. All with a simple creative idea: make a dog scarf and earn a $10 donation from Design Gives Back. And, today many of you are helping to raise even more--for the first time-- just by being here. Each comment left here before October 2nd earns an extra $1.00 for the Pet Pantry! You can help the cause simply by leaving a comment about the video--and you also will be qualified for the $100 Hobby Lobby Giveaway. Above is the world premiere video of this INSPIRING project that includes over 130 internet friends. Please feel free to embed it, e-mail it, pass it around. Inspire others to give back......and visit all the Pet Parade Party Participants today! NOTE: Not all dog scarf pics are on the video...see the three links at bottom of link column for the rest of pics. A few got bumped off the end of the video yesterday when we uploaded to You Tube--they will be added back next week.:) This has been daunting....and wonderful. Absolutely wonderful....o.k... teary AGAIN.

                        ONE COMMENT = ONE DOLLAR FOR PETS IN NEED 

                                                                                Until OCTOBER 2. (THANKS PAT)

For more information on this great cause visit The Northland Pet Pantry, Northland Animal Welfare Society NAWS, and Animals In Need Thrift.

Dog Scarf Project Awards:  I have to say that every single scarf has been wildly creative, heartfelt and wonderful. This has been an honor and a terrible task--trying to determine awards. I almost couldn't do it. Here are some noteworthy scarves.... Click to Enlarge

Grand Prize Photo Winner: (Top) Karla Nathan & Twinkle, Karla went with the "Play Strong" theme-like Lance Armstrong's "Live Strong" phrase....and photographed Twinkle in her Fairy Princess layered scarf by a bicycle!!!!!! Co-Winners for Cheerful Applique & Handwork: (Three Lower Left) Rachel Macleod and Abby made a summery scarf. Next, Elizabeth High and Beemer created a snazzy flocked scarf. Third, Susan Goffman and Lucy appliqued a charming cottage scarf. Best Project Partner & Supporter:(Far Right) Kim McCole & Maggie of Daisy Cottage helped Oliver and me to launch the Pet Scarf Project. Thank-you Kim for your big hearted generosity. Each will receive a $20.00 Gift Card to Hobby Lobby.

Visit All of These Participants Through Pet Parade Party Links: 

There are some funny pics and posts: The Blackwoods(dog in chicken costume);Mermaids of The Lake(crazy menagerie) Mimi Sues(fun); Pretty Pink Rat(yes..a rat named Max!)..and much MORE.... the posts are 90% up now.....the rest? dunno....... EDITED: 10/8/09 These links are not permalinks for pet posts.

Ally's Corner
Ashley's Busy
Barbara Jacksier
One Old Goat
Thoughts from Alice W.
Lasting Impressions from the heART
Blue Print Bliss
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
Piece & Love
Posted From Home
Muse For Jews
Mermaids of the Lake
Deb's Country Crafts
The Painted Garden
Wild Art
Dream it Learn it Live it
Orchard Street Cottage
Karla's Cottage
Blessings and Beautiful Things
Kelly Ann's Quilting
Blue Gallery
Dear Daisy Cottage
Doodles by Lauren
PupyLov
When Good People Get Together
Shoo Fly Quilts and other Musings
Not-So-Plain Jane
Simply Me and Maggie
Living in the Spirit
Rabbit Run Cottage
Mimi Sue's Cottage
Blackberry Creek Home Arts
Tonya's Sewing Room
My Petite Maison
Drawn to the Sea
Sweet Nothings
Wanderings of a Wannabe
Where the Blackbirds Sing
The Child's Paper
Heart and Home
A Penny Saved
Joyously Living Life
Pasquali Rumpus
My Thoughts and Creations
Paintergal's Little Cottage
Pretty Pink Rat
Tales from an OC Cottage
Enchanted Revelry
Pam Warden Art
Chez Cheri
Blessings and Beautiful Things
Two Ellie
The Queen of Re
Blondie's Journal
eprize
Grams
Sincerely Susie Homemaker
Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life
Embellished Bayou
The Sweet Gardenia
Thoughtfully Blended Hearts
Tiney's Froggy Bloggy
Bluebirds and Bubbles
The Blackwoods
Thoughts From Over The Rainbow
Charli and Me
Design Gives Back- Dog Scarf Project Blog #1
Design Gives Back- Dog Scarf Project Blog #2
Design Gives Back- Dog Scarf Project Blog #3

More Dog Scarf Project Participants:

Talking trash-blogspot.com
Cr8ingwaves-blogspot.com
Borninazoo.com
Magimooker-xanga.com
Havenandhome-blogspot.com
Mybluehydrangea-blogspot.com
Un-Organized Mom
Alittleofthisandalittleofpat-blogspot.com

Some (but not all) who contributed without blogs:

Allison & Mr. B, Didget 

Beth & Lady 

Brooksie & Kitty
Carole M. & Kitties
Cyndi W. & Moxie, Jane and Maddie
Don & Puggles
Ed Miranda in Memory of Paco , 

Erin & Bailey 

Jeanine & Bear, Daisy 

Jennifer & Cosmo 

Joy & Ace 

Julie & Penny
Julie & Bart, Daisy Mae
Kathy & Rappy
Kay B. & Pepi, Emily & Decorating Friends
Lacy P. & Maggie, Gus
Melanie M & Killer
Michelle & Ashley C. In-Memory, Kasey
Michelle P. & Jake, Benny
Pat C. & Pepi , Chatsworth
Pat F. Bailey & Eme
Patty J.
Rachel G & Ivory the Ferret
Randee W. Bumble Bee & Mary Kate
Sonja & Bo
Susan C. & Cody
Susan G. & Lucy
Susa M. & Pugsey
Sue W. & Little Buddy
Violette & Jasmine

NOTE: If you do not see your name included and it should be contact us ASAP. OR if you do not see at least one of your pics in any of the summer posts or video contact us ASAP. This has been so intensive it is likely-despite all our late nights-that we may have missed someone. We apologize and will post it ASAP if you let us know!

GIVEAWAY!!! $100 Hobby Lobby Gift Card Giveaway!!!!!!! COMMENT AND $1.00 WILL BE DONATED TO The Northland Pet Pantry on your behalf (until Oct.2)and you will be registered for the $100.00 Hobby Lobby Giveaway-- Open until October 7.

$100 HOBBY LOBBY GIVEAWAY WINNER: JILL OF LITTLE NEST STUDIO--CONGRATULATIONS! (Post edited for brevity 10/8/09) 

PLEASE VOTE: Sister Bloggers Need Your Help!

We all long to do something that helps others. THAT is what your soul is nudging you toward. Want happiness and fulfillment? Do something great or small-whatever you can....and feel the joy! For the last 20 years I have founded and directed workshops and programs to help others through design--in shelters, Habitat for Humanity, kids programs and others. And, it hasn't been easy. Much of the time they have been funded mostly from my pocket--working as a designer by day to finance the "give-back" projects. Yes, volunteers-- and some grants have thrown in to help--thankfully enough. But, anyone that endeavors to "do-good" needs a lot of help. That is why I am asking you to vote for Terry Grahl as "do-gooder" of the week.

You might have seen that Terry Grahl of Enchanted Makeovers was named one of the 10 finalists in Martha Stewart's Doer of the Week contest . The winner of this "people's choice" contest will be chosen through a poll vote and will win $2,500 for her organization. Of course, $2,500 would go such a long way toward helping Terry with her projects at Vista Maria and Newhouse. The voting is already under way and ends Oct. 2. Would you be willing to help us get the word out? The poll is actually posted on Terry's homepage, in case you'd rather not link to the Martha Stewart Web site.

I have been asked by Cheri at Its So Very Cheri to let you in on a big, Huge, GIANORMOUS announcement on Oct 1. Be sure to MARK THIS DATE and head over to her blog on Oct 1. All I know is you do not want to miss out. Get your calendars out, or whatever you need to remind yourself that you need to go to Its So Very Cheri on Thursday Oct 1, I know I will.

Announcing A PET PARADE BLOG PARTY! And You Are Invited To Link ...Also This Week's Thrifty & DIY Project

This week I am participating in four blog parties. They are listed below. And, I am thrilled to announce a Pet Parade Blog Party here on September 30. You are all invited to attend and link to the event. If you have a pet or just love them post a pic or project! It is in celebration of our summer-long scarf decorating project to raise money for the abandoned pets of foreclosure. Over 130 internet friends and bloggers/blogsites from 43 states participated. Now, you can help too by linking to the party and by posting photos of your pets, pet scarves, and pet craft or decorating projects. By linking to the event you will earn a $3.00 contribution from us at Design Gives Back to give to the total donation. You post and we donate on your behalf! Gee, I sure hope you can attend...and see the ferret in his scarf...the cat in his hat...and the fairy princess poodle! Can't you just imagine seeing all of your furry family members on parade? Oh, come on, hop on this ark! There will be prizes and a fantabulous GIVEAWAY! NEW UPDATE 5:23 p.m. We now have 59 links for the party...be next! That means you have earned $177.00 more!

 

DIY & BELIEVE! Make a Pet Angel: I made this angel from a 1950's rubber dog toy--and, yes it squeaks! His adorable goofy face just says "Smile You Moron--what's there to be down about anyway....?!  I cut his angel wings from cotton gardening gloves and stuffed the fingers with cotton balls. Then, I went to the kiosk at PETCO and made a dog-tag that reads EXPECT MIRACLES! The pink frame is from Hobby Lobby as is the groovy scrapbook paper back. His halo is from the do-dad department at HL too. The cat angels- below- help me keep track of where my glasses are... do you lose yours too? The wall bracket was from an estate sale. I added marbles and cup hooks. The pair of cats are Las Vegas-vintage souveneirs and are now "eye-glass saints" with the help of doilies turned into winged gowns. Meow!

Please leave a comment here with your blog address that we are to post for the event or e-mail us by September 27th with your link address. Be sure and link back to The Katillac Shack. Feel free to post about the event so you can help earn more for the fund. Remember every link earns a $3.00 donation. Grab the party button below to use if you like! 

        

     WHAT:  A PET PARADE BLOG PARTY

      WHERE:                 www.KatillacShack.com

      PARTY DATE:      September 30, 2009

      RSVP With Link:  E-mail jhanson@kc.rr.com by Sept. 27

Today's post is part of Today's Thrifty Treasures   The Kubler's Trash to Treasures, Knock-out -Knockoffs, and Metamorphosis Mondays.  Thank-you sponsors.

Photos Copyright Roy Inman 2009

ENCHANTED MAKEOVERS & KELEE KATILLAC TO PARTNER FOR "RE-DESIGN YOUR LIFE" WORKSHOP AT KC SHELTER

IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
Kansas City, MO (August 12, 2009)


Nationally known interior designer, author, and life coach Kelee Katillac will partner with Michigan based non-profit Enchanted Makeovers for workshops at The New House Women's Shelter in Kansas City. Katillac is known for her "Re-Design Your Life" projects that are both healing and empowering. Participants learn DIY projects that help them to "make a home" wherever they find themselves. A "Comfort Cushion" pillow project will provide an emotional outlet and creative activity for the shelter children. Katillac says "When you are having a hard time, a pillow you have made gives you something to call your own.. and an object to hug."

Enchanted Makeovers is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that transforms shelters for women and children into places of peace and possibilities—not just where basic needs are met, but spiritual needs for hope and beauty also. Enchanted Makeovers founder Terry Grahl and her team--which Katillac has joined--will assist in the workshop. Katillac's Design Gives Back organization partners to help those in need to creatively heal and re-make new lives. Go here for more information on Enchanted Makeovers and for Kelee Katillac.

MY 100TH POST: Blog Bliss & Seashell Treasures for You! Help Design a Friendship Room at The Katillac Shack...

The subject of "treasures" is exactly right for a day of appreciating YOU....the real treasure of this blog. The Universe has so many ways of talking with us and to us; sending us Divine and mystical messages everyday, answering our affirmations and prayers. I believe that creative ideas are answers to prayer and that no matter what religion or belief-system you practice or not....creative ideas are the way we manifest what we need in life. Here is a true story that helped you and I–my precious readers –now friends–to be together. And that is also an example of how we are sent signs and messages.

I had been on a book tour. Book tours, you should know, are not all that you might imagine. Sometimes folks show-up and your work feels real and worthwhile. When Oprah's producers call or on great days -like at Hallmark's Kaleidoscope Center -when there is standing room only, things couldn't seem better. But, many times you are alone and doubtful. A snowy day in Des Moines, Iowa comes to mind. There I sat with a stack of books, pen poised to sign them, an empty table, an empty bookstore, and a lonely heart.

Or the time when a book first came out and we had a big auditorium scheduled for me to speak, do a workshop, and sign books. The timing collided with a personal loss. That same week I had concluded that having a baby was going to be out of the question. After a few years of hoping I had decided to surrender. I was very sad. My mind was clouded with grief and things were a mess pre-event. The books didn't arrive on time; the bookstore had tried to charge an outlandish price for a ticket; and there were confused details In a newspaper posting about the event. It should have been canceled. I really wish it had been. I wasn't myself and the small crowd that did attend got the sad Kelee and the lowest presentation of my career. Sometimes, though, these low moments help to guide us on to our highest purpose.

Soon after that failed event, I was on a trip to Florida and had a mystical message delivered to me. I love to awake at sunrise and walk on the beach. I always imagine the scene from City of Angels with Nicholas Cage in which all the angels on earth gather on the beach at sunrise in a spine tingling moment raising their voices in exaltation. As I walked along I picked up seashells here and there, collecting an offering to the sunrise. Just as the sun floated out of the horizon I turned with my little offering cupped in both hands in deep praise and thanks for the life I have been given. As I opened my eyes--just crossing the horizon as it intersects the sun--were two dolphins silhouetted there arching into the sky...and back into the water and again. And then once more they jumped in perfect rhythm together and back into the sea. I wept with joy. And in gratitude for the vision I had been given. Here is how I translated that moment into a new life intention:

To find friends and playmates with which to leap to the sky with the creativity we have been given and to do the best we can with it–for the good of our lives and the world.

The images of seashells, the ocean and the messenger dolphins have been dear to me since. Seashells have come to represent YOU. Each shell–and person–with varying lines and patterns of wear and experience that make you rare and special. The above intention is the main reason I have started this blog and am writing to you now. And is also the reason I am celebrating my 100th Post by joining in Blogging For Bliss at ArtsyMama.

For Today's Thrifty Treasure (Thank-you Southern Hospitality for sponsoring) I am sharing with you some vintage seashell wall plaques I just found in our local thrift mall. All 3 of these handmade works of art for $45.00 total! I am creating a friendship theme room at The Katillac Shack in honor of my experiences and YOU. I need your help in designing the Friendship Room. Please comment and tell me your ideas on friendship: What it is-or an act of friendship you treasure. Your ideas will make you at home here!

Help design the room! Design ideas needed from you:

● What symbols represent friendship to you?
● What stories, words, or ideas about friendship are meaningful to you?
● What colors and types of fabrics do you see with the Seashell Plaques shown?

Answer one of these to be entered to win one of the Seashell Plaques! Great for Cottage, Shabby Chic, or Coastal Styles.....

DOG SCARF PROJECT UPDATE: We are VERY close to reaching our goal!! The new deadline is next week. We will then make a BIG announcement about the video showing the presentation to the shelter for the abandoned pets and your scarves; posting of your photos; our blog party and the rest. Thank-you for your ongoing belief and support!

Photos © Kelee Katillac

DESIGN GIVES BACK: Chairs That Change The World

Years ago, when I was feeling very low, I found an old chair on the sidewalk of the trailer park in which I lived. It looked like I felt: broken, torn, and hurt. I felt empathy for it and took it back to my trailer. Eventually, I listened to a little voice inside that said "Help it, mend it, make it beautiful." So, with little money and less confidence that I was a creative being I began to fix the chair. With every action of creativity I felt better. I glued the wobbly legs. Painted it. Reused some fabric from a bedspread and added a cushion. As I helped the chair something began to heal inside of me. I started to believe in life and my dreams. Creativity had changed things. Within a few years I was on Fifth Avenue in NYC as a professional interior designer. And, all with only the design training that came from "the best little trailer house in Kansas!" (And the on-the-job "design firm" experience of a few years). For more of my story go here. For the past 20 years I have been helping folks to change their world one chair, wall, or room at a time. One of my favorite workshops I teach is based on that first chair. It is called "Re-upholster Your Life!" It is a wonderful project for anyone. Great for kids and the family too. A few summers ago I shared it with an inner city youth group. Here is a short video that will inspire you and help you to make the chair project your own.

KELEE KATILLAC & DESIGN GIVES BACK: Inner City Youth Summer Project from Kelee Katillac on Vimeo.

QUESTION: If you could change the world for the better what would you do? For more ideas go to DESIGN GIVES BACK.

DOG SCARF HEROES: Please Send Us Your Pics!

Our July 6 deadline is almost here! Please follow-through if you requested a scarf....the abandoned dogs are counting on you. I know you will send them because Katillac Shack friends are amongst the most loyal, kind and giving folks around. We have had more than 150 scarf requests! FANTASTIC! And the requests have come from almost every state in the union. That is because of YOUR kind posts on your own blogs –and mentions– that the word has spread. This is a remarkable group project and all should feel proud of what we are accomplishing to help the dogs and cats of foreclosure and recession. To earn the $2,000 from our sponsor we need all 150 scarves decorated and the pics sent. Under 150 and we earn $10.00 donation per scarf. Thank-you for your time and talent! Your creativity is changing things! Design Gives Back can help make the world a kinder place.

Top left photo is "Mr. Lucky" in a Hawaiian scarf by Kimberli's 8 yr-old. Marianne of Alabama made Harry's banded scarf; Tonks wants to be Maggie and Oliver's flower girl says mom Deidre of NY; Carlie the cat is Tonk's sister; Dante the sweet one-eyed rescue dog is sporting a "peaceful" world scarf statement; Cyndi made three scarves and her Jane (or Moxie is next); Sondra's Maggie and Phoebe the pug of New Mexico; a puppy mill rescue Randee's Mardi Gras Kate is "Jazzy" in her festive scarf; Kelly's Stella has words on her scarf; Zeke is owned by Tracie; and Bady was almost put to sleep at age 6 when mom Allison rescued her.




Question: What does your pet give you? What do they teach?

BUDGET DECORATING: A Colorful Kitchen For The Soul

I have shared with you before about the Habitat for Humanity DIY Decorating Project. You can watch the whole inspiring house tour at Design Gives Back. The kitchen is one of my favorite projects with color stained cabinets and drawer pulls made from salvaged tub drains! I asked the homeowners to name their favorite soul foods. Then artist Tammy Smith led a workshop in which mosaic tile illustrated their answers.





ABOVE: Artist/volunteers Sonya Nicholson stain glazed the stock cabinets and Evadene Judge painted the door sign illustrating the homeowners' dreams of opening a restaurant one day. Habitat residents Janice Busbee and Sonja Brown led the floor painting effort with students from a local high school.




Another Workshop posed the question "What do you want to serve-up from your kitchen for the soul?" In other words, "What do you want to offer others from the heart of your home?" Then they painted plates with their answers. Walls of Clay Ceramic Shop co-sponsored. For more inspiration on how you can volunteer your design time and talents to a worthy cause go to Design Gives Back.






Photos © Roy Inman

DOG IS LOVE: Help Abandoned Dogs of Foreclosure...

Here are the first creative heroes in the life-saving Dog Scarf Project. Please go to this post and get a free scarf to decorate to help the abandoned dogs. The precious pooches below and their moms have each earned a $10.00 donation to go to the Design Gives Back Abandoned Dog Fund. Please consider decorating one of our free scarves and submit a pic to earn a donation in your name from our sponsor! We currently have 85 commitments to make scarves. If we make 150 scarves we will earn a $2,000. donation for the sad dogs!



Dog & Owner Heroes Helping Other Dogs: Top: Rudy and Betsy (center left) from Utah, model Mimi Sue's creations. California Cosmo (center right) models Jen's nature-themed scarf. Sophie (bottom) from Alabama models Sue's "Yoyo" creation. Thank-you to these designing dogs and moms for giving time and talent to help others! Go to Decorate a Dog Scarf to help the abandoned dogs by decorating a scarf.

DESIGN GIVES BACK: Decorate a Scarf & Help Lost Dogs

Design Gives Back projects help the world through creative action. Right now people are abandoning dogs and cats at an alarming rate because of home foreclosure and job loss. Can you imagine having to give-up your precious little family member? Heartbreaking. Simply by decorating an Oliver Wendell "Play Strong" scarf and sending a pic of your creation on your dog–or a friend's dog–you will earn a $10.00 donation to help these abandoned pets. So, simply by applying our creativity to making a cute scarf we can raise $2,000 for these needy friends!

Miss Puggles is the first to sport a decorated scarf for DESIGN GIVES BACK! Her dad Don Clark said, "She has a big heart [and] likes to help others." She was a typical diva supermodel: she required a treat for every shot taken.

We have a sponsor that will make a $2,000 donation if we decorate 150 scarves. The first 150 responses that e-mail us their address get a free scarf to decorate.... after that the scarves are $2.00 each. Please comment to join-in. You can post this invitation at your blog and spread the word. Wouldn't it be amazing if we raised even more money? Be a part of this Internet & blogger effort to use our creativity to help change things. Simply e-mail us your address kelee@prodigy.net attn: Jen– and leave a comment here– declaring that you will make a scarf. Scarf pic deadline is July 6th and then the scarves will be posted on line! There are also prizes for the craziest fun scarves. Oliver will also be helped in his quest for beautiful dachshund Maggie of Daisy Cottage. See the fun post below on May 23, "A Knight's Tail."

DESIGN GIVES BACK: Habitat for Humanity DIY Decorating

WATCH THE FUN VIDEO! Please embed and pass it on to bring joy & inspiration to others!

I had come full circle – from my own limited-income beginning to successful interior designer. It was time to give back. I founded the "House of Belief" DIY workshop for Habitat for Humanity to help homeowners to have the furnishings, window coverings and amenities that make the Habitat house into a true home. And, I knew the empowerment that could result. When you see that you have the creativity to hand-make a home for yourself and your family; you begin to believe in your potential to have the life of your dreams. One action of creativity creates more belief. Seeing is believing. Hence, my title for the House of Belief. It becomes a source of personal and family inspiration. A visual reminder that creativity is our gift from the source that created us. It flows through us as children of the Creator – our spiritual birthright.

I was given an abandoned drug-house to remake. The drug family had left remnants of their life inside: family photos and once-cherished belongings. The very concrete had cracked: a metaphor for the crumbling of the character of its inhabitants. They left it a mess and abandoned. It needed a miracle. And so did we.....many needed a bigger vision of life. I asked the homeowners: "If you could travel anywhere in life, where would you go?" They 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.

If you like to SMILE watch this video!
Creative Miracles: 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.
True Colors Paint Jars: The color scheme for the living room was formed from the workshop question: If you could name a color other than the color of your skin 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 represented by their designated color. Some of the colors chosen were put into the creativity cabinet on the right – which was made of three different wood sections found in thrift stores.
The idea was to make it a room with "living activities": one where the family could create together.

   ALL PHOTOS: © Roy Inman

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.

I invited 10 volunteer artists and designers to help me conduct workshops. That became 20 or so quickly. Dozens gathered from throughout the city and helped in every way. On the video, you will see many of the credits. But not all. Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat's founders, came and loved the project. They wanted me to share it nationwide. In all, more than 500 participated over three years, nationwide.

NOTE: See the stories and credits 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.


FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!!! EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS HERE BEFORE APRIL 18TH GETS A COPY OF KELEE'S BOOK – FEATURED IN THE VIDEO!

"I want all of you to be able to benefit from these stories and projects!" Comment here, then email your mailing address to us. Attention: Jen

Here are some of the original creative volunteers and Habitat Homeowners for the project. Thank you for all you contributed!

Front Row: 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, Darelene Parker, Phyllis Harris, Ladedra Edwards

Back Row: Meisha, Evadene Judge

DESIGN GIVES BACK: Your Creativity Can Help Others...

To celebrate spring, we are going to feature several posts on how design and creativity help people to have new life. Have you longed for purpose? Your creativity – when given away for the greater good – is a calling and a mission. Tomorrow, we begin with a colorful nursery for an adopted baby. On Easter Sunday is a video of my own story and how my life was healed through design. On Tuesday, see an inspiring tour of The Habitat for Humanity DIY Decorating Project. And more next week!  Love, Kelee.

ART FOR ALZHEIMER'S: Meme Remembers Pop

I delivered Meme's Valentine's comfort cushion yesterday. She loved it! And immediately gave Pop a hug. Her memory was especially bright then.

At 94 years old, photos help her to remember their love and 60 years together. Art and artful reminders are especially good therapy for memory-challenged seniors.

Art & Alzheimer's is a great volunteer program for creatives who want to give back.

GOODNESS LIVES: Obama Train Carries Us Forward

Well, I just ran out of Kleenex (no, I don't have a cold) as I watch President-elect Obama's train head through historic lands on its way to Washington, D.C.

My heart is full of gratitude to the Universe – to the ever present potential of God, that personification of Goodness that surpasses individual religions or creeds – for giving us the free-will to say "yes" to change and to create our future.

We have a leader that has offered us the chance to serve...and thus, create a better America...a better world. Join in with me. Give what you have in time and talent. The time is OURS.

Watch Barack's Personal Message.



IMAGE: Izayah Jeffrey created this inspired image as a New Year's affirmation: a composite of light and color, a burst of goodness that symbolizes to me our collective color and potential. The infinite potential we have when we agree to use our creativity for positive change.

Palestine and Israel: Let’s Build a House of Belief

PHOTO: © Roy Inman

DIY: High-Top Intentions. I have long painted right on my Chuck Taylor high top sneekers. Regular old acrylic paint – for a house or canvas – works permanently. This pair even bears positive messages from some of the kids at a House of Belief workshop I sponsored recently. A Sharpee marker keeps me walking in belief.

The world is a house: a house of belief – or disbelief. Certainly, individual rooms exist in which belief lives exclusively – or does not. If the world is a house, its people are an occupant family, functional or not.

When I founded the House of Belief project for Habitat for Humanity all of this became apparent to me. The old drug house we transformed into an outpicturing of shared beliefs, values, goals and dreams – of white, black and "in-between" people – illustrated that if a house were to stand, the peoples must be treated with dignity and equality. And it must focus primarily on their shared sameness rather than their differences.

We all want respect and equanimity. What parent is celebrated for favoring one child over the next? Certainly, a loving Creator loves all of its children equally. So, should they not all be given an equal portion in the house? Palestine needs it own room – its own state – as much as Israel needs one. Let fairness reign, and then peace will. Let’s build a House of Belief.

Please consider signing this emergency petition to help address the current crisis in Gaza and send it to everyone you know. The petition supports an emergency campaign being launched by Avaaz.org, urging the UN Security Council and key world powers to ensure an immediate ceasefire and address the growing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) For more info, check out their Web site, Facebook and Myspace and Bebo pages.

Brad Pitt's Intention: To Make It Right

Brad, you inspire us – and not just with your filmography – but with your "big picture" intentions. 

Brad Pitt’s Make It Right (MIR) project continues to make a difference in rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, an area devastated by massive flooding the day after Hurricane Katrina moved through the area in August 2005. Upon visiting the Lower 9th following the storm, he vowed to help “make it right” and put people back in new homes – affordable, green homes that showcase the possibilities of sustainable design, inside and out.

It’s been wonderful to see this special initiative progress over the last year, thanks to world-renowned architects and designers – and contributions from people across the globe. Earlier this month, six residents were able to move back into the Lower 9th, in new, stylish, very sustainable homes. Brad’s been a regular guest of The Today Show and CNN’s Larry King. And he made the cover of this month’s Architectural Digest (AD):

“Looking to the future, Pitt believes Make It Right is a model for projects around the world. ‘We’ve cracked something here…these houses redefine affordable housing…this is a proving ground for a bigger idea that could work globally. This project is not mine anymore. It’s so beyond me.’”

What a fantastic project. Check out the full cover story in AD here. And be sure to visit the Make It Right Web site for updates. There’s still a long way to go in getting people back into homes – so far, donations have resulted in funding for 88 of 150 sponsored homes.

 So consider making a donation to MIR today!

Support the “Angels for Animals” Doghouse Fund

It was two days after Christmas last year and a dog down the street was in real trouble. The weather had been brutal, way below freezing for days, nearly a foot of snow on the ground and the wind was razor cold.

I glanced out my kitchen window and I could see the bone-thin Pointer in the dirty snow – trying to get up. I hadn't seen her in that yard for a while. In fact, I thought she had been taken elsewhere. But now she looked as if she had been totally abandoned. This breed has a very thin coat and a high metabolism and needs a lot to eat. She looked as if she hadn't eaten in weeks – the canine equivalent of a child of third world famine.

I grabbed a coat and RAN to the yard..no food...no water...a metal dog house empty and cold like a refrigerator. Her doe-like eyes nearly wept when she saw me and she pawed to get inside my coat. I had grabbed a blanket and one of Oliver's sweaters. I wrapped her up, watered her, sweatered her...fed her slowly and cautiously – dogs dying of hunger and frostbite have to be brought back slowly. We made a straw-lined shelter in a stairwell and loved her back to life.

Unfortunately, dogs all over the country suffer through the winter without proper shelter or food. A dog house can change a dear soul's life. Read this, from PETA:

“Right now, a neglected dog sits shivering in a trash-strewn back yard, exposed to the cold, the snow, and the freezing rain. This sad animal, like thousands of others, has only one hope to make it through the winter: your support of PETA's "Angel for Animals" program.

You can help a cold and neglected dog by becoming a PETA "Angel for Animals" doghouse sponsor today. Support for this program this winter alone can help us build and deliver 200 doghouses over the coming months to a forgotten and ignored dog who is facing months outside in the freezing cold, wind, and rain.”

Please consider donating to PETA's Angels for Animals Doghouse Fund…so a needy dog like the one we helped last winter can know a little human kindness and compassion this Christmas.

“Play Strong”: A Scarf for Every Dog

Life at the Katillac Shack is about belief, creativity, color and supporting those we love, including our dogs and cats. And I believe every dog (or cat) should sport a trendy scarf – or even a bandana – every day, and in a variety of colors!

Here’s the “Play Strong” scarf I created to promote Dog Wellness and send Ted Schneck and his faithful companion, Angie, on their way for The Dog Cancer Ride Across America.

To make your own “Play Strong” scarf:

• Create a phrase on your computer
• Print to iron-on heat transfer paper (buy at an office or hobby store)
• Iron your phrase onto a pre-made scarf. This one came from Hobby Lobby for 75 cents

Play Strong!!

Dog Wellness: Our “Guiding Light”

Thinking of Ted Schneck as he continues his heroic Dog Cancer Ride Across America, I am thankful for our own healing story with Oliver Wendell, our Bassett Hound and constant companion. Coming up is Ollie’s “One Year Cancer Free” Day!

In honor of that momentous occasion and celebrating Ted’s Ride, I made a special “Guiding Light for Dog Wellness” lampshade (pictured). It’s covered with dog health tips and features Oliver and Ted’s dog Marty.

It was serendipity for us to discover Ted’s book, Curing Canine Cancer: Natural Treatments That Work and learn how to help and heal our dog. Ollie had recently been diagnosed with a mast cell tumor – and that was after we had found a lump on his back, then his neck. We suspected the flea drops we’d be using for years. Last Halloween, he underwent radical surgery that made him look like ‘Frankendog’. With the help of Curing Canine Cancer, we followed a series of holistic treatments and ultimately persevered!

Reading Ted’s book, I also learned about the real need for dogs to have strong immune systems. The grain-based diets we typically feed – pure kibble – leave dogs weak and vulnerable to carcinogens in the environment that cause cancer. Dogs and wolves in the wild DO NOT get cancer. New studies are showing that the best diets are those low in carbohydrates, high in protein and with good levels of fat. Also, please show caution with veterinary medicines, like those flea drops we put on Oliver’s back. We strongly suspect they may have been the cause of his mast cell tumor.

Ollie’s also featured on the Cancer Ride’s “Map of Heroes”!

“Today, he is cancer-free and full of life, fun and joy!! Oliver Wendell is relentlessly loving, curious and smart. His journey has shown us how to live in the "now." For a dog's life is not long – even when normal and healthy, so every day matters. We now live each moment with intention thanks to Oliver's wake-up call. Thank-you Oliver for being our teacher and role model. And, most of all, our unconditional friend."

We are deeply grateful to Ted and his dog Marty for their courageous journey. Ride on, Ted!

Oliver Wendell: Happy at home

Curing Dog Cancer: Ride Ted, Ride!

Ted Schneck continues his Dog Cancer Ride Across America after a brief visit to Kansas City and here at the Katillac Shack! He's on his way east, across Missouri to St. Louis and beyond - to the Atlantic.

Good luck, Ted!

Dog Cancer Ride Across America

Idaho Mountain Express & Guide

Ted Schneck is one of my new heroes. He’s the founder of and rider for The Dog Cancer Ride Across America. This ride is in memory of his dog Marty who died of cancer last August after an 18-month battle (the vets had given him only three to six months to live). So he wrote a book called Curing Canine Cancer about the lessons learned in fighting Marty’s cancer so other dog owners could help their dogs live longer, too.

Says Ted: “I got great response from people who used my lessons with great success for their dogs. But I also got letters (too many) from other dog owners who WANTED to fight their dog’s cancer, but just didn’t have the money to pay for their cancer care. Finally, I decided to do something about it. That’s why I ride. So together we can raise money that will allow these dog owners to get their dog the care they deserve.”

So Ted’s riding his bicycle all the way from his home in Astoria, Oregon through Idaho, Utah and Colorado, with stops in Des Moines, Kansas City (and here at the Katillac Shack!) and on to St. Louis, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky – then Knoxville, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina, and finally, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Like his Web site says, that’s 96 days and 4,281 miles to honor 1 amazing friend. He’s had this idea since last February. And since he’s a long-distance bike rider, it made perfect sense as his ‘vehicle of choice’ “to ride across America for a passion – to help the dogs (and the dog owners) who need it most.”

You can see his route and some of the dogs and dog owners he’s helping along the way on his “Map of Heroes”.

Check out his book. Visit his site, Curing Canine Cancer. And please consider a donation to this most worthy of causes.