We have a new friend hanging out in our kitchen. I found this guy at Hobby Lobby during one of their all-the-time 50% off sales for $12. You know me and faux animals. Faux sho they’re mine.
Then he sat in our playroom for a while (a while = 6+ months) and I recently walked in there and had this moment where I said to myself “Self: you have got to stop hoarding things in this room. Use them or lose them.” Which led to an initiative I like to call “Dude, Get On That Already.” The dude being me. Naturally. So I’ll probably revisit this initiative over the next few weeks and months (at least I hope I will) as I systematically pare down the hoarded playroom clutter and decide whether I’m going to keep things and actually use/hang/enjoy them or craigslist/donate/yard sale ’em. A lot of things end up in there for one of two reasons:
- I’m not quite sure where to hang them (so I stick them there and say “I’ll get to it later” and later turns into never)
- I plan to somehow alter things by painting or staining them (so I stick them there and say “I’ll get to it later” and later turns into never)
Well not anymore, folks. I dug in and grabbed my horny little friend and marched his antlers all around the house, trying to find a spot to hang him up and actually enjoy him instead of hiding him away in The Room Of Chaos (yes, that’s its formal name these days, so it gets capital letters and everything). Anyway, after walking around for a while I decided it’d be fun in the kitchen next to the fridge, but the original black color (although very cool in its own right) wasn’t working there. So I dragged my buns outside with a piece of cardboard and some leftover white primer + spray paint.
You know my “thin thin thin and even coats” catchphrase when it comes to spray paint, so I snapped these three in-progress spraying shots to show you how each coat is a nice thin mist. You definitely don’t get full coverage with one thin coat of spray paint – which is a good thing. You’re doing it right if it takes about three of them to slowly accumulate. And always keep your hand moving and hold it 8-10″ away. No thank you drippies. Not on my watch.
Speaking of spray painting tips, this guy’s antlers were still looking dark on the underside, which I knew would be seen when we hung him up, so I waited a full day for his front to cure and then flipped him over to give him a nice deep tissue massage with spray paint on the back.
John and I actually considered a few crazier colors (plum, navy, yellow) but thought that the white would look nice on our grellow walls- especially with the gold mirror in the laundry room so close by (it’s on the other side of the doorway, so we didn’t want it to have to fight for attention). But I have big plans for some of the other things lurking in the playroom. Oh yes, plum, navy, and beyond…
Don’t mind the paint touch ups we have been meaning to do for over a month. I’ll get to it sometime. Unless I’m too busy spray painting various faux animals.
Work it, antlers. Work it.
As for how I hung it on our paneled walls, anchors are a gal’s best friend.
Here’s the box we’ve had… oh… maybe a year?
They seem to last, which is nice because it’s so annoying to run to the store for little hanging stuff. Boo to that. Anyway, for those who might not know how they work, this might sound like “health class” in 5th grade, but the anchor is the white thing and the screw is the silver thing you know what a screw looks like. So you drill a tiny pilot hole into the wall, hammer (or push) the anchor into the hole, and then screw the screw into the anchor.
A into B, baby. Oh but just leave a little bit of the screw sticking out for hanging whatever it is you’re hanging on it (the anchor should be flush with the wall, but the screw might stick out half an inch). Das it.
I gotta tell ya, it took less than an hour of actual time (drying time doesn’t count because you don’t have to stand there and watch it). And that not only includes my little spraying trips in and out for those thin coats but also the whole hanging shebang after he was fully dry. So I have high hopes for my little “Dude, Get On That Already” project. I might just keep this up! And if I ever want to pop it off the wall for a fabulous royal wedding, it makes for a great fascinator.
So are you guys with me on this weird little self-imposed challenge? Any items (or an entire room full of stuff) that you’ve been putting off? Wanna tackle it with me as I go? I’d love to get to at least one thing a week but with kitchen/kid/book stuff I’m not sure if I can stick to that, but it’s definitely the goal! Oh and what should I name this guy? Or is naming white faux animals weird when they don’t have faces? Malcolm? I keep getting Malcolm.
And speaking of projects… surprise!
My apologies for the crazy lighting (oh yeah and the ladders and the dropcloths) but we’re in the midst of getting new lighting! Hah. So there’s just one floor lamp illuminating the back corner of our windowless interior room. Which explains why it looks like a glowing Katy Perry alien is hiding back there or something. But as crazy as it looks… wahoo, it’s progress! More details about the whole process as soon as it’s a wrap (and it’s all cleaned up, photographed, and written out) on Monday!
Cool purchase fo sho. If that were in my house, I’d get in trouble for hanging keys and assorted items on its antlers that I should probably put away.
Haha, role reversal! I tried to hang Burger’s leash on it and John was like “get out of here with that.” Haha.
xo,
s
I was totally thinking I need one of these to hang in our laundry room to hang keys/coats/leashes on as we walk in!
I had that exact same thought – looks like an awesome key and or jacket holder! lol
I inherited my husband’s actual deer mount when we got married last fall. I use it to hang my long necklaces. Compromise!
awesome! i like it a lot.
“Faux sho they’re mine.” Too funny! Thanks for making me laugh so early in the morning LOL.
I love the Dude, Get On That Already challenge. I definitely need to do this myself – I have way too many things laying around waiting to be fixed & painted & rebuilt & hung. :)
Me too! I bought some really cute little cardboard reindeer afte Christmas ($1 each as opposed to $8 each before Christmas). If I get around to painting them before next Christmas I’ll be happy!
I can assure you you’re not the only one who buys something to “get to it later.” I do that, especially if it’s a thrift store or sale somewhere. I’m trying to be better about that though and only buying something if I can figure out a place for it before leaving the store. My “decorating” closet is getting a little too full!
I’m totally on board with the “Dude Get on with it already” initiative. We’re moving on Monday – and with a full time job and a full time life I know it’s going to be a hassle finding homes for all our stuff, especially because we will only be in that house for six months. But I’m down with keeping the guest room under control!
that’s too cool…I did one too…it will on my blog towards the end of the month…I can’t believe we both have one :) not the same but kinda alike!
So funny!
xo,
s
Our guest bedroom closet is filled with supplies I buy for a project and say, “I’ll do that later” but never do. Right now, we have a few lingering dishes from our kitchen reno in the closet, but I’ve put it on my list of stuff to do. Taming the mess and organizing is what I need to do. :) Glad you’ve been inspired to clean up your act. Haha.
Oh, and I like the antlers. My FIL brought over the antlers Ben’s first deer (from when he was 12 or 13). They’re cute and tiny and I’ve considered painting and hanging them.
What a nice little addition to the kitchen (and your white animal collection)! And the new lighting…ooooh! Total cliffhanger!
Our 2nd bedroom is a drop zone for everything we’re not sure what to do with. No matter how often we clean it out, it some how gets filled up again. It’s one of the world’s great mysteries.
I actually have a lot of things to donate but I have to sort through them first. Maybe this weekend? Or next weekend…
Wow, that definitely was a surprise!
Good luck with the whole pile thing!
I have a quite a pile myself, which has been taking up a corner of our bedroom: http://mailboxjourney.com/2012/01/18/everything-but-the-living-room/
Is it yard sale season yet?
I don’t think I can live with it until spring!
Haha, I hope spring comes soon for ya! And us. Haha.
xo,
s
Unfortunately (or fortunately however you look at it) we had a basement and huge attic in our last house that held all kinds of random things, not all of them were even ours! When we finally moved and had a yard sale I was so excited to get rid of everything that I probably hauled a little too much stuff to the street. It was like a cleanse. I loved it!
http://thejenksfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/moving-on.html
Ooh that sounds awesome.
xo,
s
I have a whole closet (and not a small closet either)full of crap that I’m “getting to later.” Maybe I’ll take a page out of your book and start getting to that.
Btw, that picture of you with the antler fascinator? Hilarious. It made me do that thing where I laugh really obnoxiously and causes my boyfriend to look at me and say “YHL?” Yeah. I’m that girl.
Haha. Nice. High fives.
Now you can tell him we just virtually high fived. He won’t roll his eyes at all.
xo,
s
Love the antlers but, WHOA, your kitchen looks so much different without the old light and fan! Nice progress!
Are the floors next? I’m excited for you!
We just started tearing apart our kitchen and I’m already anxious for the final result. But like your playroom, there will probably be oodles of unfinished projects in our kitchen months from now!
Next is range hood and floating shelves and then floors and install dishwasher. And then deal with the back of the peninsula and add some missing trim/shoe molding. Oh man, we’re getting there!
xo,
s
I’m in. My challenge is to de-clutter. We’re putting our house on the market (again) & I want things put away or donated. Just so long as the people who come see our house don’t see our mess/junk.
OH MY WORD. I was reading through this, totally on board with it just being about antlers/Malcolm/Dude Get On That… and then BAM LIGHTING. It’s amazing how much better the space looks just with the old lights/fan down and the holes for the new lights in (even with all the dropcloths and ladders!). Can’t wait to see it all cleaned up! Keep up the incredible work.
Our whole apartment is filled with “we’ll get to those later” sort of items (like most frames and our 4’x6′ world map). They’re sitting on shelves/tables right below their intended spots. And when we had friends over for New Year’s… they were all put in a pile on our bedroom floor!
Saaaweet! I have enough antlers around my house to sink a battleship. I guess it comes with the territory of marrying a hunter. The only downfall is that I can’t spray paint them – bummer :-( lolz
Love how that looks in your kitchen! Animal stuff is so not my personal style, but you guys totally rock it, which is great. Excited to see how the new lighting turns out. (Also, I think “glowing Katie Perry alien” should actually be “Katy”)
You’re right! Fixed.
xo,
s
Ooh, fun! I’m in a similar situation with my “exercise room,” where we put everything as we moved in. Now, 1.5 years later, I’ve started that same process — and am even putting the finishing touches on my own blog post about the first project right now. (This after I asked a question about your “decor store”/23 things just last week….) Thanks for keeping it timely!
Love it! Somehow, I’m not sure I could carry out a collection of faux animals in my house, but you carry it off with aplomb. Love the progress on the kitchen. I’m the geek totally following every post, even checking at work. :)
Aw that’s so nice of you to say. 10 points for the use of aplomb. I can never get that in there. Haha.
xo,
s
Yay for getting things done!! I bought some IKEA curtains a couple weeks ago when my parents were driving me back to school (we stopped for breakfast on the way haha), and since I’ve been at school I haven’t had the chance to hang them in my room at home. I got home just over an hour ago and the curtains are already up! haha I’m not normally this good at getting things done, but it feels kinda good :) And yay for new lighting too! Can’t wait to see it on Monday!! xo
$her-dog ~
I just have to tell you how much I enjoy your writing and style. Of course, I love the projects you guys do… but your writing makes me laugh out loud on the bus while reading and keeps me coming back to your site day after day. You are too funny.
Aw thanks Isabelle. You’re so sweet. And now I want to hug you.
xo,
s
Can’t wait to see the new kitchen lighting. Does Burger ever bother your set ups while you’re painting/renovating etc, or he is an dog angel?
He’s usually a little skittish around new people and loud noises so he keeps to himself for the most part during this stuff. He barks for five minutes when the electrician shows up though. Always a joy. Thanks for the warning buddy. I noticed them when I opened the door and let them in. Haha.
xo,
s
So funny! My parents’ dog is OB.SESSED. with handymen/workers/repairmen. He follows them everywhere, watching their every move in awe. He must think he’s “one of the guys” when he’s hanging out with them. We’ve even talked about getting him his own toolbelt so he can carry their tools/assist them, instead of laying in front of where they are working :)
Random question, I know you guys removed some fans in the family room back when you moved in – are the electricians removing the boxes you mudded over in there too? Or are they good as is?
Oh yes they terminated those when they came out a while back for earlier kitchen stuff (when they added a plug for the moved refrigerator and killed some other kitchen stuff, etc). Thank goodness it’s so easy to access the back of everything from the attic!
xo,
s
Awesome Beatrice reference. 100 Brit points, right there.
And woo to the hoo! with the lighting surprise – so exciting!
Wahooooo! 100 Brit points? From an actual Brit? I’d like to thank my mom and dad and the academy and Burger and Clara and John and Malcolm… ugh, they’re playing the music already? Ok, I’ll gracefully walk off stage with my Brit points held high.
xo,
s
Hahahaha Sherry what a funny Mummie you are ;)
LOL your horny friend. Sorry, 13 year old moment thee! :)
HAHA! It wasn’t just you April…I had a Beavis and Butthead “Huh, huh, huh…you said horny…” moment when I read it. ;)
Oh THANK GOODNESS it wasn’t just me! I’m thinking what’s going on with this post, ‘horny friend’, ‘a goes into b’…. is something realllly wrong with me? Anyone else see a Freudian thing going on…
Oooooh now I’m all excited! My boyfriend is a lighting designer and his interest in lighting has rubbed off on me. I can’t wait to see what you do!
Hahaha…your “horny little friend”, thanks for the good laugh this morning. It looks great! I have a million and one things on my “I’ll get to it…someday” list. We have a spare bedroom that is slowly turning into a huge pile of said “stuff”. Need to get on that!
can’t wait for lighting for you! No ideas on Pinterest?
We’ve had our heart set on a few things from pretty much the beginning! Will spill all the beans as we go!
xo,
s
I know this is probably the most immature comment of the day but I had a total “that’s what she said moment” reading “I dug in and grabbed my horny little friend” and I snorted at work.
Malcolm looks great and can’t wait to see the lights!!
Haha, don’t we all have those moments? You guys all don’t? Just me and Aly? Ok then.
xo,
s
this dude (not really) needs to get on painting our bathroom. i’ve had the ikea curtains i hacked into an extra long shower curtain hanging in the hall closet FOR. EV. ER. at least they are keeping company w/ the new bath rug and hand towels i got from target. oh, and the paint chip has been taped to the wall for almost a year now. so embarrassing!
of course, once i get on that, it will make it impossible for us to ignore the fact that the shower needs to be completely re-grouted/caulked and that’s a beast of a project!
I really like the antlers! It’s the first detail you’ve added to the kitchen where I can actually imagine it as a finished room instead of a construction site!
Gahh! I always get so jealous when you find these cute things at Hobby Lobby because we don’t have one of those up here in these parts (Arlington). I may have to google it and do a weekend drive — craft stores are my heaven.
Ok you may have gotten the veto on Burger’s leash but PLLEEEEASE put an apron on it????
A bright fabric pattern hanging on the fridge side :)
Go with me hehehe
Love it!
xo
s
Yes, great idea!
Love Malcolm! And he leaves me very much wanting one myself! Excited to see the new lighting! It’s amazing how far the kitchen has come since a year ago!
Harry Potter and the Room of Chaos, coming soon.
Seriously love that! Etsy has some great antlers. Thinking of getting some for our bathroom. Maybe in turquoise!
Malcolm looks very capable of eating the garbage. And the gaudy ceiling fan is gone! Yay!
Lighting!!!! After all the work we did in our basement, it was when we installed new lighting that it REALLY look polished. ( http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2011/12/guest-roomoffice-reveal-its-here.html ) I’m so excited for you!
Those antlers–rock ’em sister.
Such a makeover in there! Love it.
xo,
s
My son refers to our room as, “the dangerous room”. Haha! I think that is a sign we should start tackling that room. Mission accepted! I’m with you on this one!
Best. Name. Ever.
xo,
s
I’m planning a “dude, get rid of that” challenge for myself this weekend. Do I seriously need my boombox from freshman year of college 12 years ago? No. No I do not.
I giggled through most of this post… you were borderline inappropriate through most of it. Weird/hyper/peppy Sherry is the reason I love your blog so much :)
Fab goal – dual purpose in that you use your stuff and you get your room cleaned out. I am working on a similar goal with our attic which is a nightmare right now. We only use it for storage but it is a wreck.
I totally appreciate your spray-painting technique advice. It was very useful when updating my childhood dollhouse for my daughter. I carted it outside and applied “three thin and even coats” and it looks great. I probably would have done one thick and drippy coat if I hadn’t read your blog! Thanks!
Yay! So glad. You have no idea how giddy that makes me. If I can save one person from the perils of drippy spray paint, well, I’m a happy girl.
xo,
s
Ha! “Faux sho they’re mine.” Best line ever. :)
Haha! @ “The Room of Chaos”
We definitely have one and ours is called “The Room Where Everything Goes to Die”.
Haha. I like it.
xo,
s
Where did you find that sleek garbage can?
That was from HomeGoods a while back!
xo,
s
I was wondering the same thing — is it a specific brand?
It’s by OXO. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Count me in! I finally tackled the Bonus Room and changed it from “The Crap Room” to “The Craft Room”. Now I have no excuse not to get down to crafting business. I have a lot of clothes in their right now that need mending and/or refashioning. I also bought a wreath form and a red boa to make a wreath for….Halloween….oops. Maybe Valentines day now?!
I really love the antlers! They were neat in black but look much better as white in the kitchen – and what a cool spot for them! I would never have thought to hang a faux animal in the kitchen but you guys totally can pull it off!
And can i say I was weirdly over excited to see the lighting progress in your kitchen? Yeah, I’m definitely living vicariously thru you because we can’t do our kitchen over yet. But getting to look at your pretty kitchen helps :)
Antlers must be the IN thing this week – I hung my antique antlers in our living room. My dad was a deer hunter!! SO excited to see you’ve got antlers in your kitchen!!
I think that the guest room is kind of reminiscent of the Room of Hidden Things (The Room of Requirement) in Harry Potter. It is always there when a person needs it most and it is used to hide many, many, many things. Of course, this could just be me… I’m sure most people aren’t as Harry Potter crazed as I am!
Haha, I like it. A nice positive spin on the messiest room in my house. I’ll take it.
xo,
s
Oh I am Kerrie! I have what my husband calls Horcruxes in a giant closet in my garage which has made me want to paint that cabinet to look like the Vanishing Cabinet. LOL
Haha- funny!
xo,
s
I am so on board with this challenge. Our office is quickly becoming a similar type of dumping ground for projects I say I will get to but never do. Other things just always seem to come up. I think trying to get to one thing every two weeks is manageable.