I mean, why “Do It Yourself” when you can get your family and friends to do it for you, right? That’s exactly what I set out to do, and I must tell you the result is a nursery unlike any other, a true one-of-a-kind. It's, well, unique!
The idea came to me in a dream—I saw letters of the alphabet in an art gallery; each letter designed by a different artist. So I ordered 8” x 8” square canvases and mailed one to each of my 26 dearest (and willing) family members and friends. Along with the canvas, I sent a set of directions and a list of colors that would give me the bright, colorful results I was hoping for. Some of the artists were a little reluctant, but each canvas is a work of art and a labor of love. I can't tell you how often I've pointed to a letter and told my daughter about the person who painted it for her, how we know that person, and what I love about that person. Here's what it looks like:
What do I love most about my nursery design? Each of the 26 letters was created by someone who loved my daughter before she was even born.
I have since painted a letter for three of my friends who loved the idea so much, they just had to create their own unique nursery. In one case, the letters were created to redecorate the room of a two-year-old—what a unique birthday gift!
Dana Verhoff is a teacher at heart but no longer by profession. She is fortunate enough to stay home with her two daughters, while publishing Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley-Issaquah in Washington state. Merely mediocre at cooking, cleaning, and crafting, Dana still manages to do all three on a fairly regular basis. And when her daughter asks, "Mommy, what are we doing today?"—as she does every morning—Dana always has more than a few ideas . . . and a little Macaroni on her mind!
