This month, David and I are reflecting on all of our blessings…

Somehow, we stumbled upon an Art that we both love to do. Since 2005 we have been honored to share our Art and Interior Design Ideas on so many homes and businesses. To be trusted with the final layer of effect is very humbling...

We still get nervous on projects knowing that each finish has to be as perfect as we can make it. Our name and reputation is attached to every perfection and… every in-perfection.

My good friend Tom, recently asked me, “What is your Favorite Project?” ” I had to think a little bit….. knowing all year we have been on a breathtaking one.”

He then said, when Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous Architect, was asked this question, he always said… “The Next One”

I said, Wow…that is so true! When we finish up this one, we are always excited for the next project.

What a great way to approach life, always excited about the next opportunity!

Short post this month as David and I finish the final details on Columns, Niches, Alcoves & Stairway on a fun project.

I will share a few pictures from Christmas and our parents.  David & Ambers son, Owen, created this Art for Kathy & I.

They used a phrase that Kathy use to say to the boys…. all the time.

“I Love you around the World & Back Again”

The Nordgren’s wish everyone the Best this Holiday Season with Family & Friends!

Time is rolling by fast, Cherish every moment when you get…

“Me and You back at Mama’s!”

Original Art from Artisan… Owen James Nordgren

Below, my Artisans…. David, Owen & Amber Nordgren

I love this song, it reminds me of all the great memories at Kathy’s Parents, my Parents, my Brothers, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins… Great Memories!

Below, this month David & I were invited to a fun project near Sturgis, South Dakota to share our Interior Design Ideas and Decorative Finishes. Beautiful home with a breathtaking view of “Bear Butte”!

At Bella Faux Finishes, we are very excited about 2015 and the opportunities to share our Art and Interior Design Ideas. We would love to learn about your project and help you create the Vision, Emotion and Drama that quietly whispers… Wow!

Below, a picture from 2009 of Kathy’s parents Glennis and Richard Morse at their farm. Richard passed away in 2011. What a Great Father in law to have. He loved his family and grandkids so much!

The pictures here, were their last time at the their farm…

At this time, for Glennis & Dick, walking was a challenge…

Below is the last picture taken, when my Mom was at home. This was in 2012, she broke her hip a couple weeks later and has been in a nursing home ever since.

Below I will share some family picture from Christmas 2014. Here pictured with my Dad, are my three sons, Jason, Michael, David and my grandson Owen.

Below, my oldest son Jason and his wife Katie, came back from Eugene, Oregon to be with family.

Below, my Mom and my youngest son Michael. Michael came back from school at Minnesota State Universary in Mankato, Minnesota. Mom is still doing good, but wrestling with the sad effects of Dementia. She is always happy though!

Below, my beautiful wife Kathy, Michael and my Mom.

My Mom & Dad, will be married 67 years in February on Valentines Day, still hanging on to each other…

Below is my wife Kathy with her Mom Glennis. Glennis is doing good, but has been wrestling with the haunting effects of Alzheimers for many years. She is amazing, loves her family so much!

Our Grandson…. Owen loving Christmas with his dog Emily!

Mr. Owen on a road trip to …. Mama’s

 

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U-nique (yoo-neek) Adj.

1. Being the only one of its kind. 2. Without an equal or equivalent, unparalleled. 3. Very Remarkable or unusual. 4. Used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else.

You are Unique! Your Spouse, your Children, your Personalities and Passions are all Unique!

But is the “Interior Design Theme” of your Home or Business Unique?

Does your home look like everyone else’s home, similar colors, a little faux glaze painting here or there?

Are your Columns, Niches or Tray Ceilings begging for some drama?

What sets your home apart from others?  What Interior Design Ideas will your friends want to Borrow or Steal to introduce in their… Home?

Where in your home do you have an area, that consistently gathers friends and family, generating comments of… Praise, Curiosity, Wonder and Questions?

Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer from the Goo Goo Dolls says:  “We all, We all, We ought to start something New….. Keep The Car Running!”                   

(Scroll to bottom of this page to view the video and hear this great song, that inspired the theme of this months post! Also to view stunning project photos!)

If you are Tired of your Dated Colors, Old Faux Finishes and are ready to Explode some… New Ideas for Color, Texture & Effect in your Home or Business, then give us a call!

“Keep the Car Running… Let’s Meet, Share some Ideas and introduce New Layers of Color, Texture & Effect in your Home!

Most Homeowners, don’t realize that they have so many opportunities in their home or business to create… “The Wow Effect!”

Schedule an Hour out of your day, put the Coffee on, and Lets meet! We would love to hear your story, share ideas for Color, Texture and Effect, helping you Discover where those unique areas of opportunity are in your Home or Business.

Since 2005, Master Artisans – Mark Nordgren & David Nordgren of Bella Faux Finishes, have specialized in the historic application of imported Italian Venetian Plaster, the Italian Finishes, Decorative Finishes, New Faux Finishes and imported Art from Italy.

To learn more about the Bella Effect, you can read Testimonials from past projects or view our Before & After Gallery. You can reach David and I at Contact Us or Request a Quote.

Important – If your project is down the road, it is never too early to meet. Our Schedule can fill up fast, preventing us from coming to yours. So contact us way early, before you have even dug the hole, lets start the conversation…

Also Like Us on Facebook.  Here is where you will have the opportunity to view most of our projects first!

So if you are interested in our Art, Like us on Facebook and you will be the First One to see our New Decorative Finishes on projects.

I think you will love what you see…

Bella Faux Finishes was featured on “Home Ideas TV” a few years ago. (I was also 40 lbs heavier back then, ugh)  You will learn a little bit about imported Italian Venetian Plaster from Verona, Italy and the stunning Italian Finishes.

In this segment, David, Michael and I shared our Art in the home of “World Famous, Judy Shaw”. Her Passion, Love and Ministry has touched the lives of so many people around the world…

What an Incredible Lady and Great Friend!

 

“Bella….?!?!”

It’s funny on projects today, David and I are known and referred to as “Bella”.  We hear various questions and comments from Contractors, Owners, Interior Designers, Painters and Sub-Contractors ranging from:

“See if Bella can do this”,  “Ask Bella, what do they think”, “You better talk to Bella about that one”, “Bella will have a finish, talk to them”,  “Check with Bella”, to my favorite comment of all… “Where the Hell is… Bella??”

 

“Keep the Car Running…”

David and I are always listening to our iPods on projects. I have been pounding this song in my head all Summer & Fall.

Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls says:  “We all, We all, We ought to start something New….. Keep The Car Running!”

Never knew this band before, but I know them now, phenomenal band that Kathy & I saw in concert this Summer!

“Keep The Car Running” means don’t be afraid to move on when you Need to make a…. New Change! Whether the change it is in your Personal Life, your Friends, your Health, your Weight or… the Interior Design or your Home!

I used the lyrics from this great Johnny Rzeznik song to inspire the theme of this months… “Bella Faux Finishes Blog – “Think Bella!”.

 

 

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With great sadness, we found out this month, that Doyle L Self II, founder of “The School of Italian Plaster’ has passed away at age 57 from cancer.

On projects, David & I, always have our iPods on, listening to music, podcasts or an audio book.

While applying imported Italian Venetian Plaster on a large wall, “The Prayer” with Josh Groban & Charlotte Church came on… and truly moved me. I was reflecting back on Doyle Self and how much I love the Italian Art!

Doyle’s passion for imported Italian Venetian Plaster and the historic Italian Finishes, inspired me to share, my experience, with the Talented & Charismatic Doyle Self. He changed my Life!

In August of 2005, I took my family to Atlanta, so I could meet Doyle & Linda Self, and attend their “School of Italian Plaster”.  I fell in love with Italian Venetian Plaster, the Italian Finishes and their dramatic history. Doyle knew so much about this Art. He would become my mentor and teacher with these remarkable plasters. His knowledge of these finishes was well known around the world. Everyone knew Doyle, he was always available to share his knowledge.

At their peak, Doyle & Linda Self, had schools in Atlanta, San Diego and Dallas. As exclusive distributers in the states, for Safra Plasters from Verona, Italy, they were riding… a wave of Italian Magic!

But, years later as the economy turned bad in Italy and here in the states too. Downsizing began and the eventual closing of the Safra Plasters in Italy and the School of Italian Plasters in the states.

But the impact Doyle Self had on this Art and fellow Artisans, was huge! His Inspiration and Passion for the breathtaking Italian Finishes, that are still blessing the walls and ceilings throughout Europe for hundreds of years, will never be forgotten…

Thankfully, Doyle had many DVD’s from the School of Italian Plasters, that share his knowledge of the Italian Art.

His style of teaching was fun. He loved to laugh and was joking all the time in class.  He would go… “Children, Children, time to get back to Class!“

Doyle lived life hard though, always looking for a new opportunity. He was a man of faith, former painter, former railroader, that lived his life out in front. Taking chances and unafraid to try something new.

Doyle, peace be with you!  Thanks for sharing your passion with the world…

Below, are pictures from this trip. It is still one of our favorite family adventures. Little did David know, that this would change his life forever too…

 

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There is only one Tony Bennett in music and there is only one Barth White among Decorative Theme Artisan’s. Both are the Best in their Craft!

This month, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend two days with one of our most talented Artisans in the states. His name is Barth White, known around the world for his Theme Artistry on many of the most famous Hotels and Casinos in Las Vegas. Also for his Artistry on some of the most famous celebrities and billionaires homes.

I have known of Barth for many years, but never had the opportunity to meet him. He has been on my short list of Artisan’s to meet and learn from. I finally decided to call Barth up and asked if I could spend 2 or 3 days sharing some ideas on projects David & I have, and also to learn some of his techniques in marbling and other finishes. To my surprise he said yes!

Barth has not taught for a few years and has been working specialty projects around the country on some of the most famous homes.

It was by far the best two days I have ever spent with another Artisan. He is very intense when he is teaching his methods, presenting each step and technique in a logical fashion. I was a little nervous in the beginning, because he is giving so much valuable information, I didn’t want to forget anything.  The pace of the day is swift, leaving little time to get distracted. Truthfully, I love his style of teaching. Sometimes he is… barking at me and other times he is… encouraging me, I loved it! I learned so much more from his style of teaching, than someone holding my hand and coddling me along. His intensity forces you to learn these methods quickly. Great Teacher! He loved my sample board of marble!

By the second day we were sharing stories and experiences and became good friends. I said Barth, you need to get back into teaching. There is nobody around that has the background and experience that you have. Nobody else has created and taught breathtaking art and also managed large 90 person Artisan Crews for some of the fabulous hotels in Las Vegas. From the Bellagio, Venetian, Caesars to Paris. Your experience, depth of methodology and understanding of the Artisan Industry is above everyone. You truly need to share this with the world again. Plus… you Love to teach!

Barth said that he really enjoyed these past two days and would be open to teaching this Art again. I told him I would help get the word out…

So everyone, here is your “Opportunity to Meet Barth White”. There is nobody else around that can share the experiences, methods and techniques that he has used on so many famous projects.

If you would like to meet Barth White and learn from one of the best Artisans ever, here is your opportunity.  Barth said that he is open to teaching one on one or in a group in his home town Las Vegas or possibly traveling to your city,  depending upon the number of students.

So here is your chance to share ideas and learn from one of the best. Like I said before, there is only One “Tony Bennett” and there is only One “Barth White”. When they are gone, there is no second chance to meet them, learn from them or hear their magic…

If you would like to meet Barth White, here is his contact information. You can reach hime by email or just give him a call.

I suspect his schedule will fills up fast. I promise, you will not regret learning from the Master. Phenomenal Artisan! Great Personality that loves to share his insight to world of Theme Artistry. Plus, a great reason to plan a trip to… Las Vegas!

Barth White  –  Office: (702) 234-3333

Barth White  –  Email: [email protected]

Below, Artisan – Mark Nordgren  &  Artisan – Barth White

Below, Barth White, teaching me about marbling, the natural movements of veining and how it is formed in real marble. This is important to understand, if you wish to copy any marble in the world. You want your columns to look real and not have the “Barber Shop Pole Effect…”

Below, Barth White explaining how on Columns, you will have a variety of movements. Some areas will have alot of veining and others will be relatively quiet. You need to study and learn about the movements of marble…

Below, Barth White, teaching me a variety of methods in marbling. My sample is on the left, Barth’s is on the right.

Below, Caesars in Las Vegas, this is Real Gold Leafing, another Barth White Project…

Below, Bellagio Hotel, the Patina Green Verdigris, for the glass atrium were sprayed many layers of a Decorative Finish by Barth Whites Artisans. There was almost 42 miles of metal, incredible! Most of the Decorative Finishes inside and out of the Bellagio, were finished by Barth Whites Artisans.

Below, at the Bellagio, don’t miss the 10 Million Dollar, Blown Glass Chandelier next time you go… It is Something!

Below, Bella Faux Finishes, not sure if we are ready for the Bellagio, but David & I are confident, that we can bring some Unique Ideas, Textures, Colors and Drama to almost any size project. Click our Testimonials to learn more about The Bella Effect.

Also view our Before & After Gallery to see projects and what happens when you introduce and Italian Venetian Plaster, Italian Finishes, Faux Finishes or Decorative Finishes.

If you would like to meet and share some ideas about your project, you can reach us at Contact Us or Request a Quote.

Below, Artisan David Nordgren applying and burnishing a Bi-Color Italian Venetian Plaster.

Below, the Mirror Glass Like Shine comes from the Rich Marble Content in the Italian Venetian Plaster, understanding the Italian Plasters and burnishing at the correct time…

Below, Artisan – David Nordgren applying a Bi-Color Italian Venetian Plaster. Notice that the color is much darker when first applied. It usually takes 8-12 hours to dry  for the color to settle in and reveal the final effect.

Below, Scaffolded Entryway – 21 ft walls, David and I applied an burnished the Italian Venetian Plaster with just us two. Our hands and pace are the same making this possible for just two Artisans.

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The Interior Design process can be an intimidating process at times. If you go it alone, the many decisions can be overwhelming.

If you work with an Interior Designer, Interior Decorator or Artisan, they can make this process much smoother and uneventful.

But Interior Design is a negotiated process. Everyone has an opinion and it can become a test of wills, who’s idea will win out.

If you are someone whose Interior Design Colors and Ideas are outside the common colors used today, you will have a hard time gaining a majority opinion with your Bold Colors and Ideas.

My point is that there are a Rainbow of Ideas for Color and Texture to choose from. If you lean towards the Bold, then you need to make sure you are working with someone that understands your likes and passion for a more… “Livid and Vivid Color Scheme”.

If you are working with someone that smothers your ideas before they ever make the “Design Board” or “Mood Board”, then you need to consider finding a New Interior Design member that has the ability to reach and visualize color themes that are pushing the comfort zone fences down and presenting a whole new world of… Wow.

Katy Perry says in her song “Roar” –

“I use to bite my tongue and hold my breath, scared to rock the boat and make a mess. So I sit quietly, agree politely”

So all I am saying is….Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up for your Unique Ideas! This is your project too, This is your Time to …. Roar!

Be confident in your ideas. Let everyone know what you like and want.  If your goal is create a room that Roars in Color, Texture and Pace, then go for it.

If you would like to share your ideas, you will love our Interior Design Process. We are looking for Wow projects and Owners that are committed to this challenging goal of creating the “Wow Effect”.

David and I can be reached at Contact Us or Request a Quote. To learn more about the Bella Effect, read our Testimonials.

Also follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

“Kathy and I went to see Katy Perry in concert this month to celebrate our birthdays. The lyrics in her song “Roar” Gave me the idea for this post. Katy Perry’s Concert Roar with Vivid Colors, Lights and Sound. Photos of pre-concert party taught us how to Roar for the concert. (Not sure why I am sharing these pictures, I think… I’m just trying to get everyone excited about Interior Design)”

“Every Home Deserves a Room that ….. Roars!”

Kathy & I, caught up in the energy and fun of the Katy Perry pre-concert party.

Kathy and all the girls are getting some sparkles and bling for the concert.

Kathy & Mark Nordgren – Bella Faux Finishes

Katy Perry – “Roar” – Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln Nebraska

 

 

 

 

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So many…. Sad Walls and so little time to make them Happy!

Your Goal and our Goal is to make them … Happy!

Is your Interior Design theme begging for a Recharge with some New Ideas for Color, Texture and Effect?

How do you keep your home Fresh and New, without changing everything?

How do you differentiate your home from everyone else’s?

Sometimes… to separate yourself from the crowd, you have Kick, Push, Pull, Shove and Demand to be shown New Fresh Interior Design Ideas. Very Few people have the confidence to push the envelope too hard and test new Interior Design Ideas. Reason… its just too easy to work with a popular color palette that has been proven to be accepted by most people.

If you have been to a Parade of Homes, you may have noticed that many of the color themes are the same. They are popular, they are safe and the majority of people like them. But how many of those home created…. The Wow Effect?

If you are Hungry for New Interior Design Ideas and are determined to create something Unique in your Home or Business, you should schedule a meeting with Bella Faux Finishes.

“Since 2005, David and I have been invited to share our Art and Interior Design Ideas on some of the most unique homes in the Midwest. No matter what the size of your project is, we would love to meet with you.”

We specialize in the historic application of imported Italian Venetian Plaster, the Italian Finishes, New Decorative Finishes and Faux Finishes. We also have many ideas for introducing stunning Art from Italy in a unique area.

To learn more about the Bella Effect, you can read About Us and our Testimonials. Visit our Before and After Gallery for Ideas for your project. You can reach us at Contact us or Request a Quote.

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

Finally, Pharrell Williams huge hit “Happy” truly says it all. Its all about being Happy! You got to get Happy, Life is so Brief!   Give us a Call, David and I look forward to meeting you, hearing about your project and sharing ideas. Remember… Get Happy!!

 

 

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I will share one of the articles I wrote on Interior Design.  This has been published around the world and is on many websites today.

The article details “Seven Common Mistakes made in Interior Design”. Many you may already know of, but some may give you ideas on how to approach your next project.

Rarely are Interior Design Projects given sufficient time to nurture, collect and test ideas for a project. Many times,  critical decisions are rushed, preventing your project from…  “Revealing to You”,  the best Color, Texture and Effect.  Multiple samples must be tested to work the Interior Design Process. This way, you do not miss out on an opportunity to Wow!

So nothing too profound here, just a few thoughts on how to approach a really cool project.  Remember… your goal, our goal is always to create… “The Wow Effect”.

You can the full article on this link:   “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”.

Also, the video below will walk you through it, but you better grab a cup of coffee… sorry, it’s a a little slow moving…

If you would like to share some ideas about your project you can reach David & I at  Contact us or Request a Quote.  To learn more about the Bella Effect on a project, visit our Testimonials. Have a Great Week!

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

 

 

 

 

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What room in your Home or Business is begging for a make over? Interior Design trends and colors from 10 years ago, today may reflect a dated home. Now that doesn’t make it bad, it just may not be creating the drama and comments from friends and family that it use to.

If you would like to share some ideas about Interior Design and how Color, Texture and Effect are the keys to creating … The Wow Effect, we would love to meet with you. You can reach us on Contact link or Request a Quote.

Our project calander can fill up very fast, so start early on your project, bringing your Interior Design Team together.

At Bella Faux Finishes, David and I specialize in the application of Italian Venetian Plaster, Italian Finishes, Decorative Finishes and stunning New Faux Finishes. Our Decorative Finishes are heavier in texture than some of the common finishes you may have seen before. We seek the most unique finishes and textures from around the world. Testing and Sampling in the Studio. This is where the Work and Fun begins.

Our Design Goal is to make each project unique from everyone else’s. We have many new Colors and Texture to share. We will try to add them to the Gallery as they are created, to make it easier for you to gather Interior Design Ideas for your project.

Finally, when you meet us, I think you will be surprised with the variety of Interior Design Ideas we will bring to your project. Since 2005, we have been invited to share our Art on some of the most unique homes in midwest. It is always an honor to meet new clients, whether the project is large or small, and hear about a your project and share ideas and possibilities.

David and I, wish everyone the Best!  Remember… start with One Room to Wow! From there do your Homework and get your Interior Design Team together.

To learn more about the Bella Effect, visit the Testimonials we have received.

So, Think Bella…. for your Next Project! Lets have some Fun!

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

Below is a video from one of our Home Ideas TV segments. You do not get long to share your message, but it may give you some inspiration to create a higher level of drama in your home. Note – the colors when they film these always seem to tip a little heavy. So to see a better picture of the projects, visit our Gallery and Before and After.  (I was also about 40 lbs heavier back then, so I have been working on my own personal wow goals to get fit and stay healthy!)

 

 

 

 

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Accent Walls are one of the most popular and affordable ways to create Drama and Define a Unique Area in your home or business.

Choosing a “Thought Provoking”…  Color, Texture or Effect for an Accent Wall, will interrupt the visual senses of the room. If done successfully, it will also pull all of the other layers of Color, Texture & Effect together, creating … “The Wow Effect”.

It is important to test New Sample Colors and Samples of Decorative Finishes to see what is creating drama and what is not.

Determining which wall to use for an Accent wall is not always easy. It could be a common wall used such as a Fireplace or TV wall. But it could also be a wall that you never would have considered before. That is why it is important to bring Fresh Eyes to your project to help discover your Unique Areas of Opportunity.

If you would like to share some ideas on Interior Design and Accent Walls, we would love to meet with you. We will bring a variety of samples of Paint Colors, Faux Finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster & Italian Finishes.

Now think about where in your Home or Business, do you have a room that is sleeping in… Drama. Then push the envelope for new ideas,  sometimes the perfect color & effect will jump out at you. But many times, you will need to keep samples for a few days to test them in different lighting.

If you would like to schedule a meeting, you can reach David and I at Contact Us or Request a Quote.  Also to learn more about working with Bella Faux Finishes and the Bella Effect, click on About Us and the Testimonials we have received.

It is Critical that you set a Very High Interior Design Goal for your project. Don’t settle for just a common effect. Next, discover where your Accent Wall is in your Home or Business and then “Lets Wake it up with a Unique Color or Effect”.

For Interior Design ideas, you can also visit our Gallery and Before & After project photos. Best of Luck this year! We look forward to meeting with you…

“Wow Effect Tip” –  Accent Walls…. are Very Powerful and Very Affordable!

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Your Remodeling project is finally done and your New House is built.  How will your Friends and Family describe your New Home or Remodeling Project?

When they first see your project, will they pause and not want to leave the room or area, Pondering, Staring, Touching, asking Multiple Questions, with a Facial Expression of… Awe?

Your Goal….  Our Goal is to create this pause or… “Wow Effect” on each and every project!

The words you want to hear are:

Wow!

Beautiful!

What is it?

I love it!

Who was the Artisan?

Finally, the word we hear most often to describe our Decorative Finishes is:

INCREDIBLE!

David and I believe that:

“Every Home or Business, deserves a Room that quietly whispers… Wow!”

If you are just beginning a New Project, do your homework and assemble a team that can create that kind of drama. If you wish to break away from the common, you will need to interview various Interior Designers and Artisans in the industry that have a History and Portfolio of successfully creating this effect.

Since 2005, Bella Faux Finishes has specialized in the most unique Decorative Finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster, Italian Finishes and Faux Finishes in the world. Sharing our Art throughout the Midwest. To learn more about the Bella Effect, click our Gallery of Before & After Photos. Also testimonials we have received, share experiences of working with Bella Faux Finishes on a project.

Best of luck to you. If you would like to meet to discuss your project, David and I would love to hear your ideas and share some of ours. You can reach us at: Contact Us and Request a Quote.

Also, follow us on Facebook, where many of our projects are shared first.

Hey… This Year, Lets Do Something… Incredible Together!

Love this Song!            “Incredible” – Celine Dion with Ne-Yo

Finally, my Mom & Dad Celebrated their “66th Wedding Anniversary on Valentines Day”. Now thats… INCREDIBLE! We Love them So Much!

 

 

 

 

 

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