An Eye for Color Comes in Handy

Welcome Home Greg Doucette!

So when my dear, little brother (who towers over me at 6' tall) sends me an e-mail with color swatches of Tweety Bird Yellow, Blaze Orange and Electric Blue saying these are the colors he thinks would look best in his new house the color wheel in my head started spinning, then smoke started coming out my ears and then I volunteered to help paint.

Yes, that's the events of last week that led to a very busy weekend and a few achy muscles - but those weren't too bad and the result is so worth it.

The Original Color was a peach with wayyyy too much pink for Greg.

On Friday, my brother purchased his first home.  It's a well-built solid ranch with 3 bedrooms, a full, finished basement, a 2 car garage all on a nice mature lot in the small town of Brooklyn, WI.  The home was a fore-closure, so he got it for the right price knowing he'd need to put in a bit of elbow grease before he moved in and plopped down in front of the playstation.  The good news is the majority of the work is all cosmetic.

The home was dirty, so Greg's home inspectors said "Just use a little Dawn, it'll clean this place right up for you."  To which Greg responded, "Great, I'll call her right now."  (Yep, no sense of humor here... no sireee!)

After seeing his thoughts on paint colors, then talking with him about how he wanted his rooms to feel when he comes in from work, or sits down to enjoy a weekend the "Wants" were very different than the colors he thought he wanted.  He wanted a warm, cozy feel that allowed him to relax.  But he really likes orange (Note: Blaze Orange was NOT painted in the kitchen)

What Greg didn't realize that I was able to help share with him is that you can get "orange" in a whole host of colors that can still give you the warm, cozy feel you are looking for.

So thus far, we got the kitchen painted (2 coats) from top to bottom - ceilings are the worst part of painting.  We've got the paint for the living room and are playing with options for the color of the master bedroom.  While I painted, mom cleaned and my dad with the brother-in-laws helped Greg install 2 new toilets and tear up stinky, icky carpet from the basement.

It's awesome to see the progress and even more awesome to share in one of the biggest moments of Greg's life!  He's come such a long way in 8 years and I'm a beaming big sister right now!
{Hugs!}

Love how Mulling Spice brings out the warm coloring in the floors and trim!

Thanksgiving Recap - Video Style

In true "dawn" fashion, I have to share with you a snippet of our Thanksgiving... of course I did a video because it's so much more fun to look at pictures set to music!
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http://video214.com/play/taWmgI1S7r4mb1BtUmUgVw/s/dark

We had a great Thanksgiving.  I am really, really blessed to come from such a loving family.  Truly, we're a family that doesn't fight.  We can laugh at the little things (often those are the funniest) and we know just how special that really is.

I have to say.... 3 year old girls are adorable, especially when they take my hand and say "Auntie Dawn, it's time for coffee. Let's make coffee." Love!!! **See photos in video.

This week, I'm stalking waiting patiently for the mailman to deliver my package from Artbeads.com with my 3mm bronze druks to finish my challenge piece for the Challenge of Color Blog Hop on Nov. 30th.  Please dear package, don't make me procrastinate!  LOL 

I can't wait to share my design... it's a first, and truly something one of a kind.  I am amazed at how much this color palette is playing together.

By the way... did you do some shopping today for Black Friday?  I have a funny story to share... but my sister Amy is reading this, so I can't share.  But if you can somehow outsmart the computer genius and block her reading my blog, I'll tell you sometime.  K?

Who wouldn't smile seeing this??

Hope your weekend is full of smiles! 
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Wordless Wednesday - Thanksgiving Style!

Family Love

Furry Love

Working Love

Art Love

Laughing Love

Love in Heaven

To my friends in the US - Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.  To my friends around the globe, I am a believer that Thanksgiving isn't just one day a year, Rather... it should be everyday.  Count our blessings, tell those we love just how special they are, and share a smile with someone new.  Love is contagious... spread happiness wherever you go!

I'm thankful to all of you that read my blog and share your thoughts and feelings.  Your friendship is precious to me and fuels my creative spirit!

Happy Thanksgiving today and Always!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Cinderella Made it Home from the Ball

We survived the 4th of July weekend.  No windows were blown out because of the neighbors fireworks.  All 3 of my dogs still have their bark (although our big guy is still working his way back to normal.)  And we enjoyed all of our family gatherings.  Here's a few pics to share from our fabulous weekend! 

When you wear the funky glasses, these bubbles appear to have lightening bolts in them.

These Fabulous Glasses are 3-D for the Bubbles!

I am in the process of doing a review for SoftFlex Craft Wire using it in a wire crochet cuff.  Can't wait to share with you. (secret: there might even be a tutorial involved.. shhhhh)

Hope you have a wonderful week!  Hard to believe it's half over already!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

My Sweetie and My Baby Bella