One-of-a-Kind Quote Door
At a charitable event we attended years ago, a “quote door” was being auctioned to the audience. I thought it was so unique and unusual but we were outbid. After the event, we found out who designed and produced it. We quickly connected with Deb McAnder and started the process of designing our own door. My apologies for the quality of the pictures-this is an interior hallway and the only part of the house that doesn’t have access to natural light. I am learning photography as I go and discovering that artificial light is a challenge and there is no substitute for the real thing.
In parenting, there are certain situations where it’s hard to say the right thing. During those times, we often use quotes instead of lectures (for example, “a quitter never wins and a winner never quits”). Growing up, I recall my mother always saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels” and my one of my Dad’s favorites was “Measure twice, cut once”. My husband and I thought it would be fun to put our favorite family quotes in one place and use it as art. We had the perfect spot to hang the door- on a curved wall at the entrance of our master bedroom.
Deb, the owner of No Ordinary Door, walked us through a rather complicated process. First we developed a list of our favorite quotes, trying to keep them short in length but poignant so they could easily fit on glass which measured 27″ wide x 81″tall. Then, we collaborated on the font selections. Deb was brilliant at alternating and spacing all the different fonts and sayings. She separated the quotes with a fleur-de-lis, which is an important element in our family crest. This was truly a whole family project as the children added their favorite sayings as well. The overall dimension of the door is approximately 7 1/2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
I love the simple detail on the edge of the door frame-a slight contemporary look for our historical home. After the door was completed, now the challenge was affixing it to the curved plaster wall. Deb was able to find someone to make custom iron brackets to safely secure the weight of the door. With rope lighting connected to a dimmer switch, the door illuminates at night and serves as the most unique night light in our home. I would love to give credit to Deb and her company, No Ordinary Door but we have been unable to find her current contact information.
Here are some of our favorite sayings:
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Listening is inexpensive; not listening can be very costly.
Be polite
Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.
Don’t cry over things that can’t cry over you.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service.
Promises made. Promises kept.
When you hug your child, be the last to let go.
God never gives you more than you can handle.
Congratulate in public, criticize in private.