Home Things to Do Joy to the World By JacquiBFebruary 26, 2008 Search more like this dress upkindergartenpersonalizationpolka dotscapewearpersonalizepersonalityoutfitnurserymatchteacherimaginationsurprise Read next Things to Do Recall Alert: Trader Joe’s Chicken Patties May Be Contaminated Things to Do 12 French Recipes for Little Foodies Things to Do No Leftovers Can Ruin the Holiday, According to New Thanksgiving Study Things to Do The Ultimate List of Push Presents for New Moms Things to Do Blippi Is Getting His Own Amazon Kids Show & Here’s a Sneak Peek We’ve found a fab new cure for sad walls: whimsical paintings by Seattleite Caroline Rivera. Caroline will personalize the art to include Little One’s name. You can even request a painting in colors to match the nursery (or Big Kid room), and specify hair and eye color preference. Influenced by the imagination and play of her three young children, Caroline creates fantastic worlds. The paintings ($75 – $150) feature children playing dress up; most are fairies or strong men. The girls wear ultra-puffy dresses, polka dots are a mainstay, and crowns go with every outfit. The boys, who also wear crowns, wouldn’t feel dressed without their capes. Everyone smiles. It’s no surprise that Caroline’s work is full of smiles. She was inspired to paint by the story of her mother-in-law at age five. As a girl, she had a personality so effervescent that her kindergarten teacher encouraged her to share her joy. That’s what it’s all about for Caroline, too. Original paintings by Caroline are on display and available for purchase and personalization at Le Petit Shoppe (Montlake, 3432 NE 45th St.; 206.525.0619). Original Paintings by Caroline, $75 – $150 925.457.3425 mcriverafamily@q.com