Lesley Swanson Thomas

This is my second time doing an “It’s a Small World” room. We recently moved and I was sad to tell her old room goodbye! This time I was inspired by the ride’s queue at Walt Disney World. I’m a HUGE Disney nerd, I love Mary Blair and I couldn’t be more excited to have another room in our home that pays her so much honor! You cannot help but smile every time you peak inside and see it. Small World was always my favorite ride growing up. I loved all the textures, the kids outfits, the color, the boats, and of course the message the song brings to people. I have many happy memories riding it so this room fills me with happiness and nostalgia of days gone by. One trip in particular that comes to my mind was one that my grandparent took us on the ride was closed for refurbishment. My Papaw was an extremely frugal man who had grown up during the Great Depression and rarely did any thing extravagant. He paid for us to stay longer than trip just so I could ride It’s a Small World. I only hope I pass on so many great memories to my kids!

I pinned some Small World canvases someone had painted for their daughter’s nursery a little over a year ago when I was looking at ideas for a Disney style clothing contest. It certainly sparked the idea and I immediately fell in love with that theme for a nursery since I used to sing the song to my oldest daughter as a lullaby, and it was my most favorite ride growing up.
My husband patiently measured, and drew out all the geometric parts around the bottom of the nursery. It took us almost 2 weeks just to completely draw and paint that portion. Most of the art, canvas, & hot air balloons was hand drawn, cut, or painted by myself with the exception of a canvas my oldest daughter painted and a 3D clock face that was so lovingly done by my brother and his wife.
We have so many cherished Disney memories in there as well! Her first set of Mickey ears we picked up for her gender reveal, a snow globe family members picked out for her in honor of the birth announcement, and some plush Small World Animals a Disney friend gifted us. There are a few pages out of a Small World book I used to read to my 1st daughter that I framed. Also, my vintage Small World jewelry box I picked out in the early 90’s box sits on a shelf next to some pretties a cast member friend gifted to me on my 30th birthday while at the parks. Lastly, if you search hard enough, you will find a total of 4 hidden Mickeys in her room as well.