The Story Behind the Secret Garden Alphabet Blocks

Ornate letters, intricate designs, and a sense of wonder—that’s what I set out to create with my Secret Garden Alphabet Blocks. This project has been years in the making, sparked by a blend of curiosity and a real desire to bring something meaningful to life for my daughter. It’s turned into one of the most rewarding creative journeys I’ve taken on, deeply rooted in what matters most to me—family, nature, and that special magic that comes with learning.

I wanted these blocks to be more than just another set of alphabet toys. My vision was for them to feel like tiny treasures, each one holding a piece of nature’s beauty, inviting small hands to explore and little minds to get curious. Each letter, each detail was thought through with the hope that they’d inspire a quiet sense of wonder and discovery. I imagined my daughter—and hopefully others—stacking them, naming the flowers, and learning as they went, surrounded by that sense of calm that comes from simple, beautiful things.

Where It All Began

The idea for these blocks came to me over six years ago, when I was pregnant with my daughter, Leona. I was excitedly diving into nursery décor, dreaming up a space that felt warm and beautiful, with pieces that would have a lasting, meaningful presence as she grew. As I hunted for just the right items, I realized there were pieces I wanted that didn’t quite exist—at least not in the way I envisioned them.

I had extra time on my hands, so I started creating some of these pieces myself. I designed and sewed her nursery curtains with patterns I crafted, and that hands-on process led me to think, “What else could I bring to life?” One of those things was a set of alphabet blocks, but not just any blocks. I imagined something beautiful and thoughtful, something that could help Leona learn but also carry a story and a sense of artistry.

As I started sketching out ideas, the concept came together: I could merge my love for lettering with floral elements to create something unique and personal. I’ve always been a bit protective over cursive, knowing it’s fading out of schools, so adding script and cursive elements felt especially meaningful. This blend of flowers and letter forms became the heart of what would later be called the Secret Garden blocks. It wasn’t just a learning tool—it was a little piece of wonder that I wanted to pass down, connecting my love for art, nature, and the magic of childhood discovery.

From Sketches to Finished Letters

Bringing these blocks to life took more than a few sketches and a lot of creative trial and error—it was an evolution that started simply with Leona’s name. Just designing those first few blocks was a puzzle in itself, balancing the different sides of each block with the mix of flowers and letter styles I wanted to include. Each letter had its own flower, so I played around with different ways to make each one feel unique while still belonging to the same cohesive set.

I went through the full process for each letter: sketching, inking, and refining them as vector art—a slow, meticulous journey creating 130 mini-illustrations. Every block needed to look intentional, with just the right balance between the delicate details of each flower and the playful nature of a child’s learning tool. My art style leans toward the representational, so it was important to me that each flower was both recognizable and visually striking, even on the small scale of the blocks. It took time to refine each design, but I wanted every little detail to feel like it truly belonged—a balance of nature’s beauty and a child’s sense of wonder.

Why Secret Garden?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by The Secret Garden—the book, the movie, and the very idea of finding magic in hidden places. As a child, I spent hours exploring the nature around my parents’ home, always on the lookout for little worlds within the larger landscape. There was this one spot in particular, a quiet deer bed nestled at the top of a field, that felt like a hidden world just for me, like my own secret garden.

When it came to these alphabet blocks, the theme of a “Secret Garden” felt like a perfect fit. My daughters, still so young, are in this amazing phase where learning is like discovering hidden treasures—the letters and words are like little secrets they’re just beginning to unlock. Watching their eyes light up as they figure out a new sound or recognize a letter reminds me of those magical moments of discovery I had as a child.

This theme also speaks to something deeper: the beauty of small, simple things, the quiet joy in life’s details, and the magic that lives in the everyday. With these blocks, my hope is to spark that same sense of discovery in other children, inviting them to find wonder in both language and nature, and to carry that curiosity forward as they grow.

Bringing the Blocks to Life

One of the biggest challenges in bringing these blocks to life was figuring out how to make the designs both practical and durable while staying true to the artistic vision. My original idea involved etching each design into the wood, but as I dove into production details, it became clear that this approach wasn’t practical—it would be too costly and time-intensive. Plus, kids are naturally hands-on, and an etched design would be harder to keep clean with little fingers constantly exploring each block.

After researching and building relationships in the industry, I discovered that printing the designs would be the best way to balance quality, cost, and durability. I chose a two-tone color scheme to keep the blocks neutral, allowing them to look beautiful in any setting. I wanted these to be timeless heirlooms—blocks that could be passed down from one generation to the next. I even focused on using high-quality materials sourced from the U.S. so that I could feel confident in the ethics and craftsmanship behind each set.

Imagining How They’ll Be Used

When I think about all the ways people might use these blocks, I get deeply excited. I picture children carefully spelling out their names, stacking the blocks high, or even arranging letters to leave little messages. I’ve already seen my kids interact with the blocks in ways I hadn’t even imagined—from picking out and naming each flower to mixing the different letter styles just for fun. Watching them explore feels like watching that little light of curiosity grow, whether they’re learning letters or discovering a bit of nature right there on each block.

And my hope is that these blocks aren’t just for children—they’re designed to have a place in anyone’s home who appreciates art and nature. I wanted them to feel timeless and special, something that could be a playful part of a child’s space but also a beautiful piece for adults who see the charm in thoughtful details. My hope is that they become little reminders of simplicity, sparking those warm, quiet moments of connection and creativity for everyone who encounters them.

A Creative Journey & What’s Next

Looking back on this project, I realize it has taught me so much about my creative process and my role as an artist. While I’ve created larger, more colorful pieces before, these blocks have become one of my favorite projects because they’re about more than just me. This project has been a way to give back, to create something that can make a parent’s life a little easier or bring a child confidence in learning. It’s about creating something that serves others, which has always been close to my heart.

This journey has also inspired future projects. I’m already imagining new ways to use these letterforms—perhaps in logos, book designs, or other creative projects that merge typography with nature-inspired themes. I see many more alphabets in my future, and I’m excited to keep exploring the possibilities that come with creating art that has both personal and universal meaning.

Order Your Own Secret Garden Alphabet Blocks

These blocks are now available for pre-order, and I can’t wait for them to make their way into your homes, where they can be enjoyed and passed down. If you’re interested in ordering a set, now is the perfect time to get in on this special first release. Each block is crafted with care, and I hope they bring as much joy to you and your family as they have to mine.