Every designers dream job is to have a client who provides a blank space on which we can create freely without constant supervision or oversight. It is an elusive dream that comes along rarely because, after all, we are designing a space that the client will have to live daily with for years to come. Recently just such a job presented itself. Home owners Bob and Janice have been busy adding on two new 10,000 foot additions to their current home. One of the spaces that they hired us to design was a guest bedroom in the new cabana. With two sons away to college, Bob and Janice are anticipating having many overnight house guests so I was asked to design the room to sleep more than one person. The first thing I do before designing any space is ask God’s direction. For this space He downloaded the story “Tale of the Three Trees” as the inspiration. Once upon a mountaintop, three trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. Each of their dreams comes true in the most unexpected of ways. (See www.inver.org/ceantar/Learning_Circle/folkflorida.htm for the full story.) I met with Janice to discuss the concept and after showing her the tree armoire we had designed for our Safari Collection (http://www.emmanueldesigngroup.com/story.aspx#January), she asked me to design the room with a safari theme incorporated in as well.

One of the first challenges was the need to create multiple seating and sleeping areas so that the space could be used for entertaining as well as housing overnight guests. To achieve this we built Murphy beds inside one of the large tree armoires. This allowed us to keep as much floor space in the room but also provide the opportunity for sleeping accommodations if required.

One of my favorite touches are the hand painted murals on the underside of the Murphy beds, each depicting the story of each of the trees dreams. “I thought it would be nice for the "dream" images to be represented in the clouds, with the "real thing" on the ground. In the first painting I've got a lion resting in the rocks. There are a group of Ibex on the left hand side--hidden between them in the cave-face is a lamb and a feed-box. In the second painting, I've got the merchant ship rising out of a Mirage with the sails becoming clouds/clouds becoming sails There is an African fishing boat with a net strewn on the ground in the fore-ground. Then, in the third painting, I painted a simple depiction of a monsoon--since the third tree wanted to point toward heaven. The colors and majesty of the rain clouds will showcase the cross in a subtle, but powerful way. I also put a hint of Noah's Covenantal Rainbow behind the cross in the clouds." - Artist attribution

We were also able to create three different seating areas in the room. The first seats guest while playing billiards. I created a raised bench seat with a lighted bar table and swivel bar stools covered with distressed leather. The pool table was custom designed and built with a crouching bronze lion underneath.

We also were able to create three different seating areas in the room. The first seats guest while playing billiards. I created a raised bench seat with a lighted bar table and swivel bar stools covered with distressed leather. The pool table was custom designed and built with a crouching bronze lion underneath.

Another area in the room brings in more of a living room feel with a seven foot sofa, accent chair covered in a giraffe stenciled hair on hide, a hand carved elephant head console under the flat screen, and a wood and iron coffee table.

Finally, in another part of the space we created a wrap-around seating area secluded from the rest of the room with a Serengeti-esque tent created with canvass drapes. A mounted peacock on the wall in the living room space with brilliant blue feathers was the inspiration for the color scheme.

Rich blue velvet hand tufted walls set the background for the jewel toned hand made decorative pillows, bench cushions and roman shades, all adorned with crystals and peacock feathers.

A cougar climbing across branches, and other mounted animals completed the space.

During the instillation our home owners were on vacation so they didn’t have a chance to peek at the space as it was being transformed. While Janice was fully aware of what we had planned, our team was able to work without constant supervision and allowed us to be as creative as we wanted. When we finally revealed the room to the owners, their reaction was even more than we could have hoped for. In fact, they were so excited they immediately gave us the green light to start designing six additional rooms. And so the dream continues…

One of the master bedrooms that we've been working on required us to only use the pieces that the home owner currently had to redesign the room. When we first toured the space we realized that he had purchased two identical five and a half foot tall bachelor chests and flanked them on either side of the bed as nightstands as well as a bed with a very low headboard. To make the best use of the chests we restyled them by cutting the inside moldings off and positioned them side by side. We built a new top to further connect them, turning these two pieces into one large chest of drawers which we then placed on one of the side walls to create balance in the room. Our original thought was to design and build a taller headboard for the homeowner but because of budget restrictions we reworked a large piece of art that the homeowner had made some years ago and hung it over the bed thus creating the large scale headboard that we wanted. By adding lighting behind the piece of art it modernized it giving it a soft ambient glow, which also works wonderfully as a night lighting. An added bonus to this was the joy that the client had when he saw his art taking center stage as the focal point of the room. In one of his storage units we also found two matching metal frames with nothing in them. By building and adding a secondary wood frame around the metal and adding mirrors, we were able to repurpose these pieces-- bulking them up and turned something that was going to be discarded into something useful. These looked perfect hung over two smaller chests that we found and now are using as nightstands. Finally we gave the room a cozy feel by painting the walls a deep soothing clay color and the ceiling in a rich burgundy with metallic silver moldings and doors. The client preferred carpet in the bedroom so we matched it with the ceiling color which grounded the room. A few more finds from around the house and James has the feel he wanted. However, we're not done yet, we still need bedding, window treatments, a new light fixture and to accessorize more, but all in good time as the finances permit. We wanted to share this work in progress with the intentions to get your creative juices flowing and to show what drastic changes can be done with pieces you already have, a little paint, and some imagination... So what would you do next in this room? I would love to hear your ideas? Blessings Nelson

Clean lines and a minimalist design define a Mid-Century Modern style. However our home owners Rob and Jolene have gone in a very different direction inside. They prefer the warmth of the Old World style and the charm it brings. After completing many of the other rooms, they’re ready to start working on the master bedroom. What they want is a grand bed with an oversized headboard. After seeing the space, the design obstacle became glaringly obvious. Let’s take a look.

There wasn’t anything memorable about the couple’s sparsely furnished bedroom: blah walls, white bedding, and white shutters made this space the definition of stark and sterile. We turned it into the epitome of drama and romance by adding interest to the walls, ceiling and moldings. By using half cut brick pavers on the walls it gave the room a heavier and weightier feel that was needed to set the stage for the oversized bed that we were creating. Since the ceiling is low, eight feet, we used a lighter color to keep from feeling like its coming down on you. We chose an ice blue Venetian Plaster to give it just a little shine which also helps in keeping the lighter feeling.

The classic ranch style windows were our trouble makers in this design project, but rather than think of them as our problem we chose to see them as the unique feature that gave us the opportunity to really be creative. Our goal: find a solution that will be beautiful as well as functional that will allow Rob and Jolene the ability to close the windows for privacy and blackout all light for a comfortable sleeping environment.

After the final decisions were made on design, finish colors, and artwork the team began.

A hand painted old world map was created for the headboard to be displayed when the window is closed. Hand forged iron insets were designed and made for the custom window box for the other window.

You would be amazed at how unlevel a ceiling in an older home can be. This ceiling sagged by as much as 3" in a 10 foot span. Here’s a tip. Save your installers a nightmare, and don't take the cabinetry or piece all the way to the ceiling. Your eye only reads this space as an attractive shadow line, and you gain some play for imperfections of the ceiling. After our first failed attempt at installing, we had to shave off three inches from the top.

So what is our solution for privacy and blackout? A remote controlled hydraulic lift that is smooth and quiet. It raises the artwork into place behind the window frame, and lowers it to be hidden behind the headboard. I have to stop and thank my team for their willingness to try some of my wacky ideas. This one they executed brilliantly!! And our homeowners, they told me that we exceeded their expectations, and have given them the bed of their dreams. Thanks Rob and Jolene.

The Musee Du Louvre—That is, the museum that inhabits the Louver Palace. This tremendous compound of buildings constructed in Paris over a span of three hundred years has been consistently enlarged and decorated by French kings. Initially it was a royal fortress and many years later turned into a palace for Philip II, King of France. The halls of the building were so big that the king and his son used to ride horseback, galloping in and out of its many hallways. During the long aristocratic centuries, the great collections of fine and decorative art housed in the Louvre were the property of its royal residents. The concept of the museum where the public might view treasures was not even dreamed of until 1848 when it was dubbed as the “museum of the people”. The Louvre today houses the most comprehensive collection of art and antiquities in the world in its seven departments. There are tomb paintings and sarcophagi from the Valley of the Kings, towering mythic sculptures from lost civilizations, devotional alter pieces and architectural embellishments expressing religious fervor of the Middle Ages. You will also find masterpieces by Giotto, Raphael, Leonardo, Rembrandt, Rubens, Delacroix and scores of others. Why am I writing about this? Well…a great honor has been bestowed upon us. Emmanuel has been commissioned by artiest and painter Audrey Traini to create a piece of our art-a custom frame-designed to complement the theme for her newest original oil painting. The painting will be shown in the Louvre this coming December. What an honor to be asked. Thank you again Audrey. What an honor it is to have one of our handcrafted pieces, in coordination with an original oil by Audrey Traini, on the walls with some of the greatest artists of the world.

"What do I do? You ask...I am a gatherer of erotic Fairy tales from the fifteenth to eighteenth century, or Wonder Tales as they were previously called. These tales were first told to Kings and Queens, and members of the higher courts for their amusements, and not intended for children. I travel far and wide to find places where the tails began. I gather them and do paintings of them in the way of the old masters, using a contemporary palette. So what do I do? I bring the Wonder Tales of the past into the present, so they may last in the future." -Audrey Traini We know what the Tale is…but we can’t tell. We will show you the sketch and post the progress of the frame. We’ll see if you can guess. Visit Audrey Traini at www.mozartsstudio.com where you may find more clues. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

The client for this project approached Emmanuel Design Group with a desire to create a billiard table to be placed in her husband’s trophy room that showcases his trophies from hunts around the world.

We would like to thank the Hernandez family for the opportunity to work with them in making the billiard table they dreamed of a reality. We hand carved a symbol called an Eban in four places in the table. It is the symbol of love, safety and security to the people of South Africa. Eban is a home which has a fence of stone, iron or wood around it. The fence symbolically separates and secures the family from the outside harm. The symbol is also associated with the security and safety one finds in love. A trophy room is a very personal place. It should not be merely four walls with mounted animal heads. It’s a visible expression of its owner, a picture book of his or her exploits and adventures but perhaps most of all, its that special place of refuge where one can spend time reflecting on the good things in life. It is a display of one’s passions and an artful presentation of an outdoor lifestyle. Thus began an exploration into a new area of design. And now a new line……

Size 35.5”H x 30” W 32” D Custom sizes available. Finished in dark walnut, finish options available. Featured in leopard stenciled hair on hide, black leather cording and a crystal button tufted back. Special features • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Hand stenciled hair on hide from South America • Hand woven webbing provides an even base and lasting support • Seat cushion with a dense foam core topped with a cotton down casing. • Thick foam padding and batting cushion the arms and backs of our upholstered pieces. The leopard is a symbol meaning a valiant and hardy warrior. Leopard skins were worn by priests of ancient Egypt to ward off evil spirits. Leopards, like cougars and jaguars, are also considered to be familiars for shamans. In African lore, the leopard is stealthy, shrewd, solitary and loyal.

Size 10’ Tall x 9’ wide x 24” deep 34” including the tree leaves Finished in glazed antique walnut. Finish options available. Custom sizes available with design changes. Special Features • Hand Crafted in America in Hard Maple • Individually designed and hand built tree • Hand finished Steel leaves • Hand distressed and finished Forests have always had deep-rooted symbolic meaning in virtually every culture on earth. Forests are the abode of the nature spirits. They are a refuge from danger as well as a source of dangerous wild animals; mysterious and constantly changing. Tree symbols and forests contain multiple mythic qualities. The deep-rooted symbolism of trees is apparent in common metaphors such as the tree of life and our ancestral heritage depicted in family trees. The symbolism of wood claims this element as the primal material of the universe. Christian art depicts Christ as the cosmic carpenter and His ultimate sacrifice is represented by a wooden cross.

Custom sizes available with design changes. Special Features • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Hand stenciled hair on hide from South America • Heavy gage steel springs provide an even base and lasting support. • Seat cushions have a foam core topped with cotton down casing. • Thick foam padding and batting cushion the arms and backs of our upholstered pieces. ZEBRA - teaches us the beauty in individuality. The zebra's distinctive stripes serves as a protective camouflage against predators who are often unable to pick an individual out from the herd. For herd members, the stripe pattern that are unique to each zebra, have the opposite effect of helping to identify individual zebras. This power animal thus helps us to both maintain our individuality in group settings and helps us to be supportive members of our communities.

Size 59” W x 33” D x 42” H 19.5” seat height Finished in dark walnut, finish options available. Featured with a tufted apple green velvet giving a soft texture and rich appearance. Zebra stenciled hair on hide, Savoy chocolate leather seating, and hand hammered antiqued bronze nail head trim. Custom sizes, fabrics and leathers available

Code # acve Size 42.5” W x 40” D x 43.5” H Finished in dark walnut, finish options available. Featured with a zebra stenciled hair on hide incorporated with black leather cording. Custom sizes, fabrics and leathers available

Code # bbt Size 60” W x 22” D x 19.5” H Finished in distressed black. Finish options available. Featured in zebra stenciled hair on hide with hand hammered nail heads Custom sizes, fabrics and leathers available Special features • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Lathed turned legs and crossbars by hand • Hand stenciled hair on hide from South America • Heavy gauge steel springs provide an even base and lasting support.

Size 31” Round 29” H Custom sizes available with design changes. Finish options available. Special features • Hand crafted in America in hard maple • Hand carved horns • Hand distressed and textured multi layered finish • Inset ½ thick glass top with wood trimming • Hand forged and hammered nail heads The rhinoceros is a symbol meaning great ferocity.

code # SCTBV Size 25” W x 27” D x 54” H Custom sizes available Finished in dark walnut, custom finishes available Special feature • Hand carved legs • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Heavy gage steel springs provide an even base and lasting support. • Alligator embossed leather Seats • Iron Lion Head knocker • Hand hammered antiqued nail head trim If we really study the many forms of earth's creatures, we may find ourselves deeply appreciating nature's imagination. In the animal kingdom alone, when we think of the differences between dolphins, elephants, turtles, kangaroos, flamingos, we realize how many creative possibilities life holds. It is for me even more awesome to discover how each form is designed for particular purposes. The giraffe, the tallest of land animals, may extend eighteen feet into the air with a neck as long as seven feet. Ungainly as this animal may appear, its weight is well balanced and distributed. It's vulnerable only when it bends down to drink water. However, like the camel, this animal can go for long periods of time without drinking. Its long neck helps to protect it by enabling it to see over great distances. The powerful body also serves to protect it and it’s young. The giraffe can not only hold off but can actually kill a lion with a well-placed kick. Its strong body represents being grounded in physical existence while its ability to see symbolizes spiritual vision. Thus, it teaches us to view our lives in a way that's both grounded and expansive. Get a different perspective. Giraffe also makes sense of the expression; to stick one's neck out. When we take risks by stretching our definition of who we are, we see new worlds of possibility. The giraffe's vulnerability when it lowers its head to drink reminds us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness causing us to sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection. It’s a stretch per the design team but I see the long neck of the giraffe in this chair.

The creatures shall be restored to that state of innocence in which they were before the fall of man. Men of fierce, and cruel dispositions, shall be so transformed by the grace of Christ, that they shall become gentle, and tractable.

Size 40.5” W x 34.5” D x 43.5” H 21” seat height. Custom sizes available with possible design changes Special Features • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Hand woven webbing provides an even base and lasting support. • Seat cushions have a foam core topped with a cotton down casing. Ava vacations on an African safari. Her wardrobe includes lush fabrics, a surprise here and there, and of course jewelry with her crystal buttons.

Size 24” w x 23” D x 44” H can be ordered without arms or with a swivel seat Special Features • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Heavy gauge steel springs provide an even base and lasting support. • Seat cushions have a foam core topped with a cotton down casing. Finished in dark walnut. Finish options available. Featured in tufted embossed croc leather and hand hammered antiqued bronze nail head trim.

Size 77” W 29” D x 51” H Custom sizes available with design changes. Finish options available. Special features • Hand crafted in America in hard maple • Hand carved elephant heads • Hand planed distressing and finished in distressed black with Scripture pages • Wrought iron drawer and door pulls In Christian symbolism the elephant is an icon of strength, honor, Reliability and patience.

Custom sizes available with design changes. • Made in the U.S.A. with kiln dried double-doweled hardwood framing • Hand stenciled hair on hide from South America • Heavy gauge steel springs provide an even base and lasting support. • Seat cushions have a foam core topped with cotton down casing. • Thick foam padding and batting cushion the arms and backs of our upholstered pieces.

Size 59” W x 33” D x 42” H 19.5” seat height Finished in dark walnut, finish options available. Featured in tufted Pembroke deep purple velvet, java tiger stamped hair on hide, Savoy chocolate leather seating, and hand hammered antiqued bronze nail head trim. Custom sizes, fabrics and leathers available.

Size 25” W x 27” D x 54” H Custom sizes available Finished in dark walnut, custom finishes available Featured with tiger stenciled hair on hide, chocolate leather seat and outside back with hand hammered antiqued bronze nail head trim. The tiger is almost always connected with heroism, warriors and victory in battle for its keen intelligence, stealthy mannerisms and undeniable power.

Size 56” W x 90” L x 30” T, custom sizes available with design changes. Special features • Hand crafted in America in hard maple • Hand planed distressing and Finished in Glazed Antique Walnut • Bronze lion in hand sculpted brush base • Carved Scripture in table top Isaiah 11:6 (New Living Translation) • “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.” Lions were thought of equally as destroyers and saviors. They are nocturnal hunters that are highly sociable. Ancient people hunted and killed lions to demonstrate strength and mastery over godlike creatures. Victory in these contests was supposed to assure continuous life; see Joel 3:16. Lions for this reason also signified military dominance and bravery in battle. Lastly, they were believed to be destroyers of evil and champions of light and life.

Our exclusive Safari collection (which means “long journey”) will continue to grow. It has great meaning and I hope you’ve had a chance to read the definitions about each animal currently represented. The collection is designed and constructed with a reverence for spirituality, tradition and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their fortitude combined with their timeless style ensures you and your family will be enjoying them for many years to come. Blessings……. Nelson J Nelson and the Emmanuel design team.

Hi friends, High Point furniture Market in North Carolina has ended. One of the great things about being at market is being able to see and hear the reaction to our new designs by friends who know us and are familiar with our work as well as to meet new designers and retailers who have never seen us before. It's always refreshing to share the ways the Lord has influenced our work and to have the privilege to be present in moments with people when they are discovering who we really are and who is at the core of our work. Sometimes tears actually fall when the connection is made and we have given, as well as received, prayer right in our booth. With the visual overload we create, its fun to see which piece of furniture emerges as the star of the show. This show, as with all shows, there wasn’t one piece that was the attention grabber there were many. So hmm.... which one was it??? Which piece received the most notable comments? One piece may have a story of how God sent us an instant message concerning how to solve a problem; another has a story of how the inspiration came from an alter in a cathedral. Honestly, almost every piece has a God story surrounding it so it's hard to choose. What we do know is that as artists, in what is termed as the ‘secular world,’ there is a place for us who openly choose to put our faith in God in our designs. So, is it art, furniture or both? Of all the over the top pieces the we presented, I have to say the most talked about piece in this show goes to........The Scripture Dining Table. People seemed to have a moment when they realized what the table is literally saying. Keep in mind that it's a regular dining table but it's what we did to it that causes people to stop and think. Now, here comes the symbolism. I feel like this is technical jargon but this is what takes it from ordinary to extraordinary. First, the ordinary table itself has meaning being equated with the human heart. The basis of this meaning comes from what scripture teaches us. It says the Holy Spirit inscribes the word of the Lord upon it, our heart tablet. In this case the table is functioning as the heart tablet. The bible also calls the heart the alter where matters are resolved. Figuratively speaking, the table functions as the heart in the owner's life. The finish on the table is our espresso finish; black plaint that is sanded down in various places. Black is the color you get when you mix all the colors together. This represents all the people of the world. God delights in diversity. The sanding down and distressing process of the wood represents God’s use of trial in our lives to show us amazing things that we wouldn’t see without them. As Christians we are simply called to follow Christ and love the people in this world. But how we do that in real life completely depends on our individuality. The circle inlay on the table is 4” wide. Four is the number for world impact by way of the four corners of the earth. Prophetically, the number represents something with world impact primarily signifying the four compass points: north, south, east, and west. In its intent or effect, Divine intervention acts spiritually involving the four winds of creation running the course of the four quarters of the earth; a Divine command that encompasses humanity and its planet. While seven is the number of global impact focusing on continents of the earth, the number four emphasizes the planet within the orb. The circle is representative of the cycle of life that we start and end in the same place, with God. We carved the words from one of the ‘Be Attitudes’ Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled,” in the center of the circle inlay. Incidentally, the inlay represents us being grafted into the family of God through Christ. Finally, the design is complete with a five inch border around the table that is overlaid with pages of distressed scripture. This finish says many different things. In some ways I'm reluctant to give a specific meaning because, as with the bible itself, God talks individually to the person. Suffice it to say that the very idea of the scraping aspect speaks volumes concerning how biblical truths sometimes have a scraping effect on us. If you could design your table to express anything you wanted about your life, or your family’s life, what would you incorporate in it? What would it look like? If you had the opportunity to create a table that would be passed down through your family what would you choose to be your legacy design? Think about it and when you’re ready, we’ll be here to help bring your creation to life. The great part is, with Emmanuel you can really make that happen. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

Once upon a time in 1979, a quaint farmhouse was built in the northern reaches outside of the Dallas metropolitan area in Frisco Texas. It was in a pastoral, semi-rural community known as Stonebriar Creek Estates. Houses and farms dotted the wide open fields along with a few majestic Live Oak trees. Many of Dallas's movers and shakers settled there, away from the bustle of the city. Residents were likely to keep horses, chickens and to plant huge gardens on their substantial plots of land. Now, 31 years later, Stonebriar Creek Estates is a close-in community filled with trees, the plots are smaller, though still at least 2 acre each, and newer “mini mansions” neighbor the small farmhouses. Many of those old houses have been remolded into larger, more modern suburban homes sometimes with the original character intact and sometimes not. The house in our story is one of the latter. Even with the most extensive remodels, there is usually some inherited, recognizable element; a facade, shape, window or some such detail that reminds one of what was there before. But we dare anyone, except perhaps a bird that might notice a similar footprint from high above, to spot any similarities between the original Stonebriar Creek Estates house and it's remodeled successor. The ugly duckling from the 1970's has become a swan. A structure that could have easily been dismissed as a shack years ago, has become a sprawling contemporary Old world Tuscan home of stone where the sight of it often stops passing traffic. We were hired on just after the wrecking ball took out part of the original house and new framework towered over the partial existing structure. The house went from 3000 square feet to just over 12,000 square feet. Our clients favored an “Old World” relaxed Tuscan style so the plans began. Passion and desire is what comes to mind when I think of the Tuscan style home while creating a wonderful environment for celebrations with family and friends. Isn't that what the Italians are well known for family, feasts and celebrations? The key to Tuscan style decorating is remembering that Italian decor is inspired by the unique elements of nature. Wrought iron, the appearance of crumbling stone walls, rustic farmhouse decor, stone flooring, heavy distressed wood beams and furniture all come together giving a taste of Italy. Tuscan design provides a space with a warm, peaceful feeling. This is achieved by using warm colors such as reds, yellows, golds, browns and greens; earth tones. In today's homes, Tuscan decor is desirable because it is simple, yet gives off a comfortable and inviting feeling. It also provides the ability to show off pieces that have been loved in your family for many years. Our participation in design for this project included assisting our clients in stone selections, tile design, texture, paint colors and iron design. Our work in manufacturing included designing and building doors, hand wrought iron chandeliers, designing and making cabinetry hardware as well as scrolled iron window screens. In the main family gathering area we built and installed a custom cabinetry piece out of our Strong Tower Collection as a fireplace surround that houses a flat screen above. The front entry doors are another creation that came from the doors off a grand armoire that we manufacture. Our work in custom finishing can be seen on the kitchen island and the built in vanities in the bathrooms. Our clients also had us build, distress and finish several counter tops for the kitchen island and for the curved bar top in the game room kitchen. After 12 months, the finished home was featured as the 2010 TLC Home of Distinction. However, the greater honor is that our clients are very happy in their new home. It has been a wonderful experience working with Chip and Nikki. I want to thank them for the opportunity and new friendship. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

Think about this, Jesus chose 12 disciples. He hand-picked these men and none of them were perfect people. Each had their faults, short comings and weaknesses. Peter was hot tempered, loud and he liked to fight. Thomas was a doubter which means he was skeptical, cynical and negative. Mathew was a tax collector. They were known for being dishonest, crooked and manipulative. Yet Jesus looked these men in the eyes and said, “You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth.” He spoke the blessing. He was saying in effect, ‘I'm proud of you men. You are something special. You are going to do great things. You’re even going to impact the whole world.’ He was speaking it by faith. He was calling forth their potential. The fact is in the natural they weren’t anything special. They were fisherman, carpenters, tax people and just ordinary folks. But here’s what happens when you speak the blessing. Those 12 men rose to the level of what Jesus prophesied. They became what he declared. They not only impacted their generation, but what they did is even impacting us today. When you speak the blessing, when you call forth the potential,when you look at somebody and say I don't see just what you are but what you can become, you speak words of life, faith and victory and those words can help shape their destiny. That person will rise to the level of what you are prophesying. Your faith filled words release God’s favor, ability, confidence, and creativity. You can help set them down a whole new course. Don’t ever use the excuse that you’re not going to say it until you see it. No! You’ve got to say it and then you will see it. You've got to call it forth and your words have created a power. This soap box sermon comes from life experience. My former boss Mary Ann spoke blessing words over me. I in turn speak them over my staff. As I have said before, I am blessed most of all watching and helping my staff grow. This week I’d like to introduce you to Daniel Cruz . This young man is one that God is calling forth. He is named after the famous Daniel of the Bible. You know the guy with all that integrity and wisdom, who was thrown in with the hungry lions and lived to tell about it. Our Daniel is like him in many ways. His name literally means, “God is my judge” and he strives to live a life in his relationship with God as lovingly, seriously and respectfully as he can; a man after God’s heart. Daniel has come a long way from his beginning days here. He too started off with no experience in this industry like the rest of us. Daniel was hired as a sander in the finishing department in the beginning, and later, he advanced as the assistant to the department manager. One day, after months of conversations I was having with the Lord about a person to oversee the manufacturing and production, I was talking to Daniel and all of a sudden I saw him. Meaning, I saw him, an illumination that God gives you. I blurted out “It’s you! You’re the one! You’re supposed be the one overseeing manufacturing! Do you want to do it?” He looked me in the eyes and said, “Yes.” During this season many things changed for the better under Daniel’s direction. A year later, Daniel had to take a leave of absence due to a knee injury which required a surgery that took him several months to heal from. I wish he would let me tell you the miracle God blessed him with, but I understand that it was such an intensely personal moment with just him and God that I too would cherish it so much that I would want to keep that between me and God. During that time, one of the carpenters took the lead in Daniel’s absence and brought yet more positive changes to the production process. Another one of God's moves. Another thing that was happening at this time was the collapse of the economy that affected us all. Due to this, I had to ask Daniel to wait until January to come back to work. It wasn't a good time for him coming through a difficult, painful surgery and recovery. The position he was in before his surgery now looked as though it was filled by someone else. However it was a “looked like” situation. I had the download from God to let the man standing in Daniel’s position finish what He, God, had going. Honestly friends that was so hard for me to do, but I trusted that God had a plan and I too would have to wait until he revealed it. When Daniel came back, he humbly went back to being a sander. Now, I want to state that he didn’t perform any less than 100% and when asked to hang tight until God showed us what to do next, he didn’t have any problem with that. As his journey continued on, about half a year later, he again assumed the role of production manager until this past April. He now has accepted the new position of what I’m calling The Banker. He is overseeing the daily finances, purchasing and payroll. All of which he’s doing a great job at. I would really like to express my gratitude to God for blessing me with a very unique and dedicated staff. I am so proud of Daniel and I truly believe in and trust him. He adds so much to our organization with his hard work and humor. I am honored to have him as my co-worker and friend. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

This is the “Ava” Accent Chair. The name Ava is a variant of Eve, and by now, if you've been reading these blogs, you can understand the spiritual correlation. The Ava chair is kind of like the traveling gnome: you see her in some various and exotic places. The only difference between Ava and the traveling gnome is dress and style. Ava has many looks, the gnome only has one. From her beginning days, Ava has been seen in many places. Currently, she is dripping in crystals with her Hollywood look. One of my favorite stories about Ava is the time when Jewels, our fabric coordinator, chose her new “look.” At the time one of our favorite shows on television was “Project Runway”. In that season there was a designer who used human hair in his runway collection. As a joke I told Jewels that I wanted hair. What she came back with was these beautiful feathers that were rich in color and iridescence. Her statement to me was, “This is as close to hair as I'm choosing to get, if you want hair, you’re on your own.” Jewels put together a combination of fabrics with textures and colors. Then she designed a pleated fold that layered across the entire back of the chair using an iridescence fabric that gave the viewer a vision of multiple colors from various angles. This selection of fabrics, feathers, and design launched Ava internationally. She was chosen to be used in a million dollar add campaign for the World Market Las Vegas. This was all because of our beautiful Jewels. I can’t tell you how proud I was of Jewels for her accomplishment and how incredibly honoring it is to see one of the pieces Emmanuel designed plastered almost life sized on promotional columns in Las Vegas, at the World Market, and to know that that same ad was being used as one of the Market’s international marketing pieces As a side note Jewels name is actually Julie Stearman, however the day she interviewed and hired it was decided that she was officially Jules. Later when she gave her heart and life to the Lord the spelling was changed to Jewels, as in the “Jewel” of the Lord. Ava has been designed by many designers and placed in homes, night clubs, and offices, since her birth in 2004. She has the ability, like a seasoned muse or model, to be transformed into whatever is desired for the project. She has been dressed in silk and leather, pink pleats and white feathers for a little girls room, to deep richly saturated velvets and dangling crystals. She can be “a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.” She has one of those classic shapes that allows one to curl up in and read a good book, or just quietly stand on her own and create “Red Carpet” attention. Currently we’re deciding on her new fall look, it hasn’t been decided yet so you will have to keep an eye out. What we and designers have discovered is that the Ave Chair is a perfect accent piece for almost any interior. She only has to be dressed for the occasion. So think about it, how can she be dressed for your project? And if you have an idea for her fall 2010 look let us know. She has classic beauty that only needs your touch. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

I love to brag on the amazing talent that is here in our furniture manufacturing shop. My greatest delight over the past seven years has been to witness the growth of everyone here and watch them take on more and more responsibilities. Being teachable, they have developed departments and then taught others their job and moved on to developing another department. Along the way, each person has taken an ownership mentality of their department, which is exactly what I hoped for. It began with our now Production Manager and resident Color and Finish Artist, Eddie Hernandez. Eddie’s starting position was that of a sander in the finishing department seven years ago. Unfortunately, the lead finishers at the time saw no promise in him so they purposely withheld information and teaching. When I asked why, they laughed and told me that he wouldn’t ever amount to anything significant. At the time they were all that I had in the finishing department, but that laugh and that statement rubbed me the wrong way. So, I fired them. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The talent that has emerged out of Eddie since then is amazing. I placed Eddie in charge of the finishing department, which has had more than 10 workers at times and he was so successful that he has moved on to Production Manager over all manufacturing. That includes the carpentry build shop, finishing shop, all the way to delivery. While Eddie has a creative talent in all arts, creating finishes is still his first love. His trademark techniques include hand-mixed paints and stains, custom made textures and distresses, which bring out a 3D effect. He works with a collection of tools, some mundane, and some quite unexpected, which results in varying levels of “erosion,” and an air of timeless beauty. Eddie experiments constantly and it was one of these experiments that resulted in an entirely new collection. Eddie created this weathered naturally aged finish, and when we saw it we immediately knew we needed to create a piece of furniture for this finish he named Harvest. We began designing a piece that would depict one of the great old castles of Europe. What developed is the Strong Tower collection. The first piece that was designed was a console after the Caldecott Castle in England. The piece features a flat screen rising up out of a 3” heavy distressed top. Since then it has taken on many functional designs from a Billiard table and cue rack to entertainment centers with special iron grated openings for sub woofers, to the current project as a massive fireplace surround and mantel that will house a flat screen behind a pair of Old World pocket doors with hand forged wrought iron strap hinges. One of the designs on the piece is the cross cut outs on the towers. It appears as a decorative design, but actually was a military defense. The arrow slits allowed archers to shoot out easy but it was difficult for arrows to come back through. Suggestive in symbolism, those behind the Cross of Christ are safe. The name of the collection comes from Proverbs 18:10. “The name of the LORD is strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” It’s a reminder that we have a place of safety and refuge in our Lord. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and your family. As the heart of your home, your kitchen is where late-night talks, homework sessions and casual celebrations (the best kind!) happen naturally. It’s where memories are made. Your kitchen is where you nurture your loved ones’ souls as well as their bodies. So you want it to be efficient, comfortable and just plain beautiful. Other kitchens may have an exotic flair but few can be said to transport homeowners and guests to a time of legend, romance and fantasy. This one does. It started off as an entertainment armoire. After it was created, the idea came to me to take the design farther and create an entire kitchen. Back to the sketch pad we went. I have to say there was some resistance by the carpentry team to have to deconstruct a piece that they already finished. After it was completed the second time, as the French Chateaux kitchen, everyone was happy with the final outcome and seemingly had forgotten about all the hard work. For someone who can’t forget a visit to France’s lovely cathedral towns or for anyone who just wants to recreate the ambiance, this kitchen is captivating. The range hood, ornately carved and shingled, is the perfect frame for the beautiful medieval inspired stained glass artwork backsplash. Furthering the theme, we incorporated four additional shingled roof tops to give it a French countryside feel. To further echo centuries past, we used paint and stain finishes that are ragged and distressed, seeded glass, wrought iron drawer and door pulls as well as natural stone for counter tops and tiles. The oversized strap hinges on the refrigerator and cabinet doors actually came from a pair of antique doors off a church in New Orleans that we had recast. Combined, these materials evoke the feeling of traveling thru a small hillside town in France and approaching the doors of an abbey. What’s your dream Kitchen? With courage and clever planning, your kitchen can be as individualistic as you are. That’s where Emmanuel Design Group comes in. Love the sleek sophistication of contemporary style? Admire the look of updated country, with distressed finishes and unexpected colors? Maybe it’s the simplicity of old world decorating that sooths you with the echoes of centuries past. Whether you live in a New York condo, a Colorado lodge or a Florida ‘50s ranch, Emmanuel Design Group can help you translate the looks you love into ideas for your kitchen. So, start planning. Dream big. And, when you’re ready to start the journey, either by building an ambitious new design from the ground up or you just want refresh and update your existing space, we would love to be a part of creating the new or improved kitchen you’ve always wanted. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

Family and friendship is most celebrated at the dining table, but that’s not the only table that can be gathered around for friendship and conversation. This pool table, for more traditional clients’ billiard table, is another table that we can create exclusively for you and your family. We have been commissioned to custom design and manufacture several pool or billiard tables for some very wonderful clients. Each wanted a table that celebrated a specific time in their lives. One of our clients told us a story about how her husband who is a Big Game hunter was on safari in Africa and was charged by a Cape buffalo bringing him close to death. Apparently it was a big adrenaline rush and made for a thrilling adventure. She asked us to design and create a pool table that celebrated his successful “take downs” in the wild, if you get what I mean, by incorporating the animals that he overtook as the theme for the table. This billiard table featured alligator leather insets, hand carved Cape buffalo horns and Cheetah pockets. These, along with other details, commemorated his “big game” hunting trips to Africa. Another was commissioned by a client who after years of success in ranching wanted a billiard table fitting for a Cattle Barron’s game room. This one featured inset panels of brindle hide and close to 2000 individually hand hammered nail heads adorning the table. The billiard table featured here is of Gothic design that we created with Old World homes in mind. To its credit this table was recently chosen as the cover for the game section in the upcoming publication, for Coldwell Banker called Portfolio, which features spectacular homes across the country. The table features traditional European iron designs taken from abbey gates and cathedral fences inspired by renowned English architect Augustus Welby Pugin. Augustus was a leader in the mid-19th century Gothic Revival movement. Constructed here in America from solid North American maple, it is built to the exact standards that combine dramatic creativity while using only superior materials. This billiard table, just like the custom ones that were commissioned, has symbolic meaning. The pointed arch points towards heaven lifting our eyes to the Father. The quatrefoil seen in the ironwork unites four different entities; one in each of its leaves. The top leaf symbolizes God as creator, and the two side leaves represent Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The bottom leaf is believed to symbolize the church of Christian followers. We chose the finish to be Espresso (black paint that is sanded down in various places). The reason is that black is the color you get when you mix all colors together which represents all the people of the world. God delights in diversity. Sanding down represents Gods use of trial in our lives to show us amazing things that we wouldn’t see without them. The color gold, hand painted on the iron work, represents Divinity, majesty, righteousness, Divine Light, and mercy. So whether you’ve fallen in love with this one, fallen for the idea that you can make a personal statement with your own design or coordinate it with the décor and style of your game room, our design team would love to be a part of creating it. By having a billiard table in your home you will discover something. It is simply enjoying a true family activity that will bring you and your friends closer together in a game that grows with you while providing laughter, entertainment and great memories. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

Hi Friends, We have so many wonderful stories about clients and projects that we’ve been privileged to work with and on. The story about this fireplace is one of those stories. We were commissioned to create and build this beautiful fireplace mantel for a lovely family in Texas for their new home being built. We originally met with them to talk about building a custom dining room table. After the meeting, it turned into two tables, a custom iron chandelier for the dining room, dining chairs, stone flooring for the entire house inside and out and a custom hand carved fireplace to be the focal point of the home. Now all of this was in the range of what we were already accustom to building with the exception of the fireplace, that we hadn’t done before, but I truly believe that with God all things are possible. The problem was finding a talented carver. The solution, pray. Have you noticed that in the bible there’s a verse (Philippians 4:19) that says, “My God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus” So, with that, I just believed that the carver would come. Several months went by before the builder needed the fireplace and during that time I stood on that verse that God would bring the right person. I really wasn’t too worried about it, now I don’t want this to come across as arrogant, but I didn’t write that verse He did and He made the promise. I just have to believe it. Well the time came for the project to begin. I still had not yet seen the carver materialize and the plan was to start on the project the following day. So what do you think happened??? The following morning a man walked into the office that had just moved here from California. He was looking for a job and of course he was a carver. After reviewing his application and looking through his photos of work, I hired him and he began working. The entire piece was crafted from premium North American maple hardwood. The Old World fireplace stands at an impressive height of 10’ with a firebox that is large enough to sit in. Designed by the family, the carving depicts the family’s present history. Family name, first born son, the church they belong to, hope, security, strength, and the year the home was built. After completing it, we were asked to carve the panels for the massive iron entry gates in front of the home. After that, a carved bench to match the beautiful antique piano that sits in the foyer. It was a really great experience. I love it when the words of the Bible are lifted right off the pages and you can see and live them. Not to mention that I now have met a very gifted carver who does incredible work and clients who let us be a part of preserving their family history while creating a family heirloom. Blessings, Nelson J Nelson

Okay, here’s what happened. We were in Las Vegas showing at the World Market and a fellow Texas Designer and dear friend Debbie Diershaw of Ambiance introduced me to her client and proposed a challenge. The client wanted a fabulous furniture piece to showcase her many family photos. Over the years Debbie and I have collaborated on many projects. Debbie is a highly creative designer herself but always gives me the freedom to create. It’s such a joy to be able to design without limitations. After drafting up several ideas for her client she chose “The Tree of Life” concept. As you all are probably discovering I enjoy looking deeply into each project and putting in as much spiritual symbolism as possible, to give each piece individuality and deep meaning. Here’s what the “Tree of Life” means to me. The “Tree of Life” concept came from the family tree. The tree of life is a universal symbol found in many spiritual traditions. It symbolizes many things, including wisdom, protection, strength, bounty, beauty, and redemption. The tree is symbolic of the creator as He sustains creation with its abundant fruit, protection and regeneration. The tree also represents humans as we too develop roots, strengthen our trunk and branch out to a wider vision of life as we grow. (I love that) The tree provides shelter. Tall and strong, it has deep roots, and reaches skyward. It loses its leaves and grows new ones…bears fruit… and gives shelter. Construction began. It took about 3 months to complete the piece. Hand made from solid hard maple, it stands over seven feet tall with roots, a thick trunk and over 300 individually hand carved leafs. The client also had a special statement that she wanted carved into the piece “Other things change, but we start and end with family” which we strategically carved in between the branches and leafs. Her response was what we all hoped for; she appeared overwhelmed seeing it for the first time and expressed her love for it. Now it is at home, featuring many generations of family and memories. So lastly whatever your design inspiration is we can help you create the exact piece you’ve always wanted for your home. We are wholly focused on building furniture that gets passed joyously from generation to generation. This is Furniture for life. Blessings.

This article is about one of our prized pieces the “Cathedral Bed” The inspiration for this majestic bed originated after a trip to the National Cathedral in our nation’s capitol, Washington DC. If you haven’t been, I recommend it, as it is one of the “must sees” in our glorious country. It has a fascinating history as well as it is one of our countries true cathedrals. As I was wandering though the many chapels that are underneath the main sanctuary I wandered into one where I felt a very peaceful feeling. As I sat and rested in that feeling I was visually moved by the massive vaulted arches and columns. When I returned home, I brought my idea to the design team and we began to make plans and drawings for the piece of art that was to function as a bed. In the design of this piece there are specific details I would like to share with you, because it’s these things that make this bed so special. • The Pointed Arch: (canopy) The Shape points towards heaven. To the faithful, the pointed arch thrusts the soul of man closer to his creator. • Four pointed star: (found on the base of the columns) each point of this star represents a point of the cross. We chose that place because it’s the foundation of the piece. What we put our trust in to hold us. • Quatrefoil: (molding detail) the quatrefoil in Christianity unites four different entities, one in each of its leaves. The top leaf symbolizes God as creator, and the two side leaves represent Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The bottom leaf is believed to symbolize the church of Christian followers. • Color Espresso (black paint that is sanded down in various places): Black is the color you get when you mix all colors together which represents all the people of the world. God delights in diversity. Sanding down represents Gods use of trial in our lives to show us amazing things that we wouldn’t see without them. “As Christians we are simply called to follow Christ and love the people in this world. But how we do that in real life completely depends on our individuality.”. [editor’s note: who is this quote attributed to? If you use quotes, state who said this as in, Nelson said. Since this entire piece is you speaking, there is really no need for quotation marks. I would delete them. • Color Crimson (found in the hand painted artwork on the inside of the canopy) is used to remind us of sin, and that it is completely forgiven through Christ. • Color: Gold (found in the hand painted artwork on the inside of the canopy) Deity, wealth, Kingliness, Refining Fire, the Godhead, glory, purification, Divinity, majesty, righteousness, Divine Light, mercy. • Sword: (found in the hand painted artwork on the inside of the canopy) the sword with the maple leaf symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. • Maple tree leaves: (found in the hand painted artwork on the inside of the canopy) Symbolizes promise, longevity, balance, love and longevity. • Number 8: (found in the 8 sides of each column and also the number of points on the top of the canopy) Eight- The number of new beginnings. It is 7 plus 1. Hence it is the number specially associated with Resurrection and Regeneration, and the beginning of a new era or order. When the whole earth was covered with the flood, it was Noah "the eighth person" who stepped out on to a new earth to commence a new order of things. "Eight souls" passed through it with him to the new or regenerated world. • Gold: (the chandelier body that the crystals hang from) Deity, wealth, Kingliness Refining Fire, the Godhead, glory, purification, Divinity, majesty, righteousness, Divine Light, mercy. (you get it) • Clear Crystal: (the chandelier) A gem stone that symbolizes wisdom, making it representative of spiritual revelation. Crystal speaks of clarity of thought and purity that is difficult to corrupt due to its transparency. • Amber Crystal: (the chandelier) represents God’s Glory and the brightness of His presence, fiery passion, and the Fathers heavenly care for us down here. As you can see there is a lot of intentional detailing in this piece; detail that has great meaning and depth. It is always such a pleasure to be part of a process in creating a piece of art that will last for generations. In just a few months this magnificent bed will be featured in a coffee table book from Posh Publishing. We will keep you posted when it comes out. I guess the last thing to say is this, you no longer need to be part of a monarchy to sleep in a regal setting. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson

A statement that is made quite often by the designers and clients that meet me is, “Your home must really be decked out and large, based on the size of the furniture that you design.” A smile always spreads across my face as I get to explain to them that I live in the same condo that I purchased ten years ago for $110,000. At that time I worked in a gift store at a mall. You can well imagine my choices in real estate were somewhat limited. However, this small condo served as my blank canvass on which I was able to express myself. It reflects soul, personality and attitude. What started out as a pretty plane Jane three bedroom, two and a half bath condo was transformed into a cozy retreat that feels as though one has stepped back into time. It’s a marvelous mix of 16th century Gothic and English Castle, with a touch of the theater. A gorgeous place that I get to go to everyday that feels completely cut off from the outside world. Being both the designer and the client was a sobering experience. When you’re designing for clients you’re creating something so they’ll be comfortable. When you’re designing for yourself, you’re isolated. You’re really answering to yourself. You start with a blank canvass, and you could have a hundred ideas. Then you have to commit. You’re also paying the bills, so you’re very aware of what things are costing. This intimate condo showed me where I was as a designer, where I’ve come from and how I’m building my carrier and business. Now before you take a peek, keep in mind that it was built in the 1970’s and there have been no changes. So let’s begin.

Seventeen Dollars and the American Dream Opportunities sometimes present themselves at our lowest points. It happened to me. With $17.00 left to my name in the winter of 2004, I was faced with the fact of losing my job and a stack of bills that left me as cold and desolate as the winter outside. A prayer led me a “friend” who was closing his business. He offered to sell it to me. Seriously. I convinced him to let me pay it out over time. What I didn’t know was that my friend was selling me a lemon. The inventory was, let’s say difficult to get rid of. The client list had gotten used to “Bargains,” and the small warehouse/shop had no electricity. But still, this was my opportunity. I had faith that I could turn it around and make it mine. Designing had always been a dream of mine and now my chance to make it happen was before me. God guided my steps. He brought creative people into my life whose talents helped shape the company. He also showed me abilities that I hadn’t realized I possessed which helped me form the company, Emmanuel. Today my joy comes from working with the exceptionally gifted and talented people. Emmanuel is a company where not only are the customers pleased with their purchase, but our artisans and craftsmen have the pleasure and satisfaction of succeeding in creating one of a kind exquisite works of art. And I get to be a part of it. As creative director I am blessed to oversee every aspect of our products creation—from the first glimmer of a design concept through the handcrafting, to the glorious completion and delivery. I watch ideas become a reality. A stack of wood becomes a beautiful furniture piece. Blocks of metal is shaped into forms that symbolize strength reflecting the very material it is made of, all of which is imbued with quality and meaning that will be passed down through many family generations. I AM LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM! Let me design a dream for you. Next week see what it looks like where Nelson lives……………………….