More of Ele Ela's!

After a few long days (and nights!) Ele Ela's is open for business!

But before we show you the finished product, here's a few more snapshots of

our progress...

The "dreamer" & her hubby working on the dressing rooms.

Tadaaa!!!!!

Can you tell I like to climb?

This bed was a lot harder to put together then it looks =)

Everytime Shannon and I put one of the boards up, the other's would fall. So after 10 hrs. (no, just kidding...more like 1 hr.) we finally figured out the puzzle.

Ashley's excitement during the whole project motivated all of us. About every second she would walk around the room with a big smile on her face and say, "i think it's coming together guys, it's really coming together!" And might I add...she said this even when there was hardly anyting in the room.

At the end of each work night...she didn't want to leave. I dont know where she got the energy, it probably rubbed off from my mom. Wish I had some of that...you're welcome to pass it on anytime girls =)

Hmmmm...too many things to place, not sure where to put it...

Ash, I know you didnt want me to put this picture on the blog, butt...

We carried 4 of these heavy shelves through the snow and up the stairs. Our momma had us workin' =)

Ash and I pricing...

it's not our favorite job, but somebody's got to do it, right?

Hey Carm!

For about a week, we had to climb through the "hole" if we wanted to get upstairs...

And this is why.

~~~~~~

Stay tuned for the reveal!

It's getting there!

Our work in progress:

After finishing up the black ceiling, it was time to move forward with the next thing on the list...

MORE COLOR!

Needless to say, we were a little SHOCKED when we opened up the piant can...

PINK!?!?!!???

Oh my goodness, this stuff was bright!
Thankfully, after it was on the wall and dried, the pink started turning into
RED...just what we wanted ;)
Now we can relax.

This is my dad's most recent project...
our dressing rooms.
Our plans are to hang black, white and red fabric from each side.

And here's the finished product for our ~BOLD~ red. Do you like it?

My mom bought this sewing machine at an auction the other night. She absolutely loves it. Finally~~~a piece of equipment from the auction that acutally works (ha, I couldn't say the same thing for her vacuum purchases)

And here she is, busy stitching together the red drapes for the dressing rooms.

Like I said, "Ele Ela" is a work in progress, And we're getting there.

ALRIGHT, here we go...

What do you call...

A few clothes here, a little paint there, with some nude mannequins everywhere?

I think it would be safe to call it...

A CHAOTIC MESS!

But with this chaotic mess comes a name. That's right, at least we have a name!

The Cottonwood House is now presenting...

Ele Ela

His and Her Apparel

For the entire family

Not sure how to pronouce it? (A-Lee-El-ah). It's portuguese for His and Her. Some of our Brazilian friends gave us the idea. THANKS girls!

(imagine hanging all these clothes up one by one & after putting the last piece up...the entire rod FALLS...well, Ashley didn't have to imagine. this actually happended to her. poor thing. sorry ASH!)

(here's my faithful DAD. he's always here with a smile to offer his services. mom couldn't do it without HIM.)

(who else paints with nice clothes on? you look beautiful as always MOM.)

(my neck is still stiff from this job!)

I know, I know, it doesn't quite look like a clothing boutique yet, but hopefully in a few weeks, it will! You'll just have to wait & watch for the transformation.

Now for some more news...

As you know, Ele Ela will be contributing a percentage of our sales each month to a different mission's organization or local charity. Here's a little info. about our first recipients...

~HOME INTERNATIONAL~

While most Americans know of the desperate situations of poverty stricken countries of the world, few have actually been to those places. Those who have, often say they are changed forever. One such person is Debbie Hollinger. Now the director of HOME International, she cares for and totally supports 50 children, and provides food and education for many more.
It all started in 1999, when a trip to India changed the course of her life. She says, “I simply could not forget the children’s eyes – they begged for help”. After some considerable planning, she embarked on a mission of inviting orphaned girls into a home environment where a loving mother and father would care for them. They would have 14 sisters and would experience a family. What started with a few children in one home has now grown to three homes caring for 50 children.
These children are in India, where many are abandoned or orphaned for various reasons. Girls are most susceptible to abuse. There are no government programs to protect them. Orphanages are often very hostile environments that lack the warmth of family.
Debbie knows each of the children personally, and they call her ‘Mama Debbie’. She is committed to caring for them until they are married or otherwise independent. Until that time, all of their needs are met. Special attention is given to the children’s emotional development – to help heal the wounds of the past. Discipline, coupled with loving words and education help to balance out the care they receive. They are no longer orphans. They are part of a family. They have come HOME.
The vision of HOME International is to open additional homes for many more children. “As funds are received, we will open our doors to provide a family for the little ones who need love."

We're excited to be apart of Debbie's adventure and we look forward to blessing

HOME INTERNATIONAL

financially!

If you're interested in donating your clean and well kept clothes...drop your bags off during our store hours Wed.-Sat. 10-5pm

THANKS!!!