Homecoming

As an editor, styling shoots for magazines, I've had the opportunity to work with so many great companies making beautiful things, many of them even handmade, at affordable prices. Now, as a designer with a voice of my own, I've been able to collaborate with longtime partners who share my vision that quality needn't be expensive and that great design should be available to all. One such partner, going all the way back to my House Beautiful days doing Weekend Shopper, is Larson-Juhl.

As you know, Artaissance, together with Larson-Juhl, produced, printed and framed the piece by artist Campbell Laird especially for the window. For that, the editors of ELLE DECOR and I are truly thankful. 

But as public as this particular piece is at the moment, there are two, much more private works of art deserving of the same special treatment. Weeks ago, in anticipation of our framing event in Atlanta, we posted a giveaway of one free framing, courtesy of Larson-Juhl. To enter, readers were encouraged to submit a comment, describing the piece and why it's meaningful to them. Here's what caught our eye—and captured our hearts—from Marylee Deeter of Joilet, Illinois: 

My husband and I have a collection of artwork from Haiti. We are adopting
two 13 year old girls from Haiti to join our family of 5. Some of the artwork
is from the orphanage they live in, done by the children there. We have all canvases...nothing is framed. When our daughters finally get to come home,
we'd like to have a wall dedicated to their home country and culture. 

Along with these words came this work of art, one of two created by sisters Ismene and Ismarie at their orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, now left uninhabitable by the quake. 

Here's the back of Ismarie's canvas made from scrap wood and fabric. 

Thankfully, Marylee's daughter's are okay, having been granted humanitarian parole by the State Department for a speedy exit out of harm's way and their imminent arrival safely home. Soon, thanks to our generous friends at Larson-Juhl, their new rooms will be made just a bit more beautiful, their lives a little brighter, with the gift of their works of art, framed-—and celebrated!—just as they should be.     

To support the Red Cross in its emergency relief and recovery efforts for those most affected by the earthquake in Haiti, click here.  

Comments

[seleta]

This post put tears in my eyes and warmed my heart. Loved it. How amazing to see you, Jaithan and Larson-Juhl take part in such a generous project.

[Rebecca Rebouche]

what an amazing story. sure makes the daily life struggles seem so insignificant. I'm so thankful for people like Lee and her family in the world.

[Karena]

The most loving, poignant, touching story. So proud to be your friend!

[Lee]

Hi everyone....I'm Marylee, though I go by "Lee". As I told Jaithan, my heart is so full and my face salty with fresh tears! We are so humbled by the kind words about our family and couldn't be happier that just as the artwork will be framed, our girls will be here to enjoy it! My husband, his team of 9, the orphanage director and 67 children were evacuated from Haiti on Sunday night at midnight after some policy changes regarding deportation of orphans was announced. They were THE LAST orphans to get out of the country by military cargo plane for now. After 18 hours in Orlando going through customs, Vision Airlines offered to pick them up to fly them to Miami where some very anxious adoptive families waited! (A big shout out to Clay at Vision!!!) They arrived in Miami at 3am Monday and were transported to a compound coincidentally called "His HOUSE" where the children were showered, given clean clothes, and put in the first beds they'de slept in since the earthquake. Early this morning the immigration process started to expedite these kids to their new home cities. Half of the families are complete and on their way HOME. My husband is still there with Ismene and Ismarie waiting to be processed but we fully anticipate an awesome reunion tomorrow at Chicago O'Hare! The team my husband traveled with endured literal days with NO sleep, taking care of children with varying levels of illness, not showering, eating scarcely, seeing things we will never be able to comprehend, sleeping on the ground or in cramped box trucks, all to bring home 67 beautiful children who will now have a chance at a good life! A friend of mine travled with my husband as part of the team simply because she felt God's leading. She left behind her husband and 4 children and risked her life for not only our daughters but many many children. She is still with my husband as she wants to see this to fruition. She had the opportunity to skip out when they landed in Orlando but has endured so that she can be a part of our reunion! Liane is the BEST!
Now that I have written a novel, I just want to say a HUGE thank you to the folks at Larson-Juhl and to Eddie and Jaithan. What beautiful spirits YOU have!
Peace,
Marylee Deeter (Lee)

[EAS]

That is truly wonderful...it will be so special! xx

[Diva Style]

This is soooo AWESOME!! LOVE IT!

[LindsB]

I have tears in my eyes...I can't imagine a more perfect recipient of your giveaway! Please share pictures of the framed pieces when you get them, I'd love to see them!

[mb]

I thought you were cool before but now I think you're crazy cool! Thanks for sharing such great news. Best of luck to the girls and best of luck to you too!

[Nancy]

This is a beautiful post, Eddie! So glad the girls are safe and on their way to a wonderful family!
Thanks for stopping by! Of course, you have my support and I have been voting once a day...Now I'll make it twice!
I wish I could move right into that window!
~Nancy

[Melissa]

This could not possibly have gone to a more deserving family. Godspeed to their new daughters and peace and comfort to the entire family.

[suzanne spina @cestsuzanne]

I was hoping all along since my original post on this story that you would choose this wonderful family. So happy they received the framed work. And you two: Eddie and Jaithan, are princes for doing this.

[Cindy Loven]

OHHH my gosh...I am so excited!! Lee Deeter is one of my online budddies and has been for years...to see her and the girl's artwork win your prize is awesome!!

[kathysue]

Hi Guys, thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I know, isn't that floor to die for. I so thought of you when I saw that. Notice I plan on doing a post on Greek Key designs in the future I will have to borrow some of the picts of your pieces if that is alright, you have such wonderful taste and style. I posted a comment on how wonderful it is of you to give this amazing family the give away,Two hearts of Gold, that is You guys,xoxo kathysue

[Sara Jane]

How beautiful! I know they'll treasure that piece forever.

[Jillian]

What a wonderful way to honor such a special family.

I am so flattered you posted on my greatly neglected blog. It was so exciting! Anyway, you definitely have my vote for the decor contest and I actually texted in this morning. I will be rooting for you!

[kathysue]

What wonderful family to give this gift. You two are amazing and you could not have picked a more worthwhile family to give this too. You have hearts of Gold, Just another reason I love you guys,kathysue

[MMW]

Thanks Eddie for stopping by my blog Never Without.

YES YES YES I voted for you! Twice a day.

All the best.

And fantastic feature here.

[Elle]

yay! what a great story and what a fun giveaway...... it gave me goosebumps!

[Steve McKenzie]

Eddie,
We are always thrilled to work with you and inspired by your vision and what you can do with our products. What perfect winners for the framing. We are eager to work with you to frame Ismene and Ismarie's artwork and preserve this heritage. It is an honor to have this opportunity. Congratulations to Marylee and thanks for sharing their story.

Steve

[robyn]

Such a wonderful and heartwarming story. I WANT to purchase from companies that have a HEART and all about the bottom line. Thanks for sharing about this wonderful family and this wonderful company.

[black eyed susans kitchen]

Tears in my eyes...this is such a bittersweet story. To me, art is anything that conveys a strong feeling and the art that you are having framed for this wonderful family is something that you just cannot look at without feeling some very deep emotion. Thank God those girls are safe and also for the family who adopted them.
♥, Susan

[Heather]

what an amazing story. I'm so happy to hear both girls are ok. what a wonderful homecoming gift you've provided the family :)

[Acanthus & Acorn]

Eddie, what a heart warming and hopeful story. The absolute best pick for this amazing giveaway. Best wishes for a wonderful future to this family!!!

[Anne Statland]

Wow -- very moving. Everyone helping in the relief effort should be commended. The citizens of Haiti are going to need help for a very long time. The devestation of their country is the worst we've seen in a very very long time. Let's not forget them as time goes by -- it's easy to do when you aren't on the ground and it's not the leading story everywhere. Thank you Eddie and Jaithan for sharing this story. The two of you are two very generous and caring people. On a lighter note -- you're ahead in the voting!!!!! Let's keep them coming folks.

[Susie @ Maddie's Nest]

Almost makes me cry....what a great gift for such a big event in both these girls' and their parents' lives. Cannot wait to see the finished product. It is nice to hear something happy come out of such tragedy these days.

[Caren M]

So deserving! Best wishes to the Deeter family :)

[campbell laird]

Thats a nice story! They truly deserve Larson Juhl's generosity especially at this difficult time in Haiti.

[Tina]

Hi Eddie - What a wonderful and inspirational post. Could not think of more deserving winners for your giveaway - what beautiful art these girls have created. Fantastic news that these girls are safe and well. Wishing all of the Deeter family every happiness. Best wishes to you too- Tina xx

[jessica claire]

What a nice thing Larson Juhl is doing. I look forward to seeing the pieces framed in their new bedrooms

[Ms. Bright]

So cool. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Manvi@ mochatini]

What a touching story!

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

What a beautiful and perfect choice! This brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the excitement these little girls will have to come to their new home and see their own work framed!

xo,
Jennifer

[cj]

I can't think of a more perfect family to receive the framing gift! Hooray to Larson-Juhl and Eddie and Jaithan. And, of course, open those wallets folks, this could be you!

[Melissa Irvin]

What a beautiful thing to do. Bless you all!