This week’s first project for my little self-imposed Dude Get On That Already challenge is small – but it’s not animal related (so that’s something, right?!). It actually involves a fifty cent wood box that I found at Goodwill about three months ago and then… you guessed it… stuffed it into our playroom, never to be seen again. Until now. Here’s the only before picture that I shot with blue spray paint in it before deciding not to go blue…
Nope, I didn’t go gray either- that’s just primer.
Yup… I went yellow!
I still had some leftover from this horse head bookend makeover of yore, and I thought it would look like a little burst of sunshine.
I actually bought this box with function in mind. Every night I flop onto the sofa and immediately have to take off my watch and earrings and any other jewelry I’m wearing so I can truly relax/write posts/watch The Walking Dead/etc. And I thought if I had a pretty little box to put those things, I wouldn’t keep forgetting where I left them (on the stack of books, on the arm of the sofa, on the ottoman, etc). You know, they’d have a little zone for me to check back for them (before Clara gets to them and throws them under the sofa or into the couch cushions, both of which have happened).
So now I have a happy little jewelry drop box that lives on the ottoman (or the console table – he gets around).
It’s not where I store things for the long-haul (I have a jewelry tray in the bedroom) but it’s great for the stuff I have on for the day (and if I want to wear it the next day I know where to find it).
But my other little Dude Get On That Already project is animal related. Of course it is. Who is surprised at this point. Anyway, this isn’t a proper before pic because this guy was orange with brown spots when I found him at Goodwill last fall for ten cents (he’s small and wooden and I thought he might be fun for Clara – heck, he’s fun for me too). Then when I had the white primer out for another project about five months ago I gave him a little spray-spray (that’s how I imagine Tom Haverford from Parks & Rec would say it). Then I forgot all about him and he ended up in my giant animal pile-up in the playroom. Imagine that.
But since my odd little Dude Get On That Already challenge is apparently some sort of intervention from the universe (ok, ok, so I could probably stand to “adopt” fewer faux animal figurines) I decided to embrace the crazy (that’s pretty much our MO over here in general) and paint him gold. That’s right, I gilded the guy with $2 craft paint from Michael’s in Antique Gold.
Momma likes. And Clara likes too. Right now he’s hanging out on the desk in our living room, which is nice because I can gaze at him from the sofa. Sometimes he comes down to play with Clara, but he’s too dapper to get squashed into her toy bin when she goes to bed, so back up on the desk he goes. Until he becomes alive and hangs out with his animal friends when we all go to bed a-la Toy Story.
What? You guys don’t think that really happens? Whatevs. It totally does.
So animal by animal (and other random object by other random object) we’re clearing things out of our playroom so we can actually enjoy them (and we’re inching closer to another empty room for us to tackle). What little projects have you guys been up to? Sometimes it’s those easy little upgrades that make things like the entire desk area in the corner of the living room look sweeter. Which isn’t helping my animal problem (now I want one on every surface).
It could be worse. I could be addicted to buying cars or expensive shoes, so little cheap-o thrift store animals probably aren’t even my biggest vice. Spray paint could be. No wait, puns. It’s puns. Biggest vice for sure. What’s yours? Did you gild anything lately? Do you play with your kid’s toys? Let’s chat.
Melanie @ Mailbox Journey says
That wood box is awesome! How do you guys always manage to find awesome things at goodwill!? Everytime I go there, there is nothing interesting or worth buying. And my goodwill seems WAY WAY WAY overpriced.
YoungHouseLove says
I try to be very choosy! Sometimes I leave with nothing, sometimes I only buy one ten cent or fifty cent thing although there are ten cheap things to choose from. I try not to collect too much clutter, so keeping an eye out for things with a purpose (ex: a box = good jewelry storage) or a wooden giraffe (Clara can play with it and it can sit around looking cute). But I definitely leave empty handed a lot!
xo,
s
Cair says
I’m pretty sure their goodwill has the same stuff mine does, just that when I see junk Sherry sees potential. I’m working on developing that vision….
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes- I always look for super ugly ducklings that I can save! Haha.
xo,
s
Monika says
That’s good to hear Sherry. I’m also with Melanie, that it’s often that I leave with nothing but a pouty face ;) I have snagged a couple of good finds, not many though!
Barb says
I agree. No matter when I go…I have yet to buy anything but books. My GOODWILL makes me afraid…very afraid!
Wish I could visit Sherry’s Goodwill.
Maybe I have the wrong technique???
Bethbirk says
Sherry has definitely helped me see potential, and I’m pretty sure that the wooden animal addiction is catching. I bought some elephant bookends at my goodwill, spray painted them white, and they are so happy on my new open shelves in my kitchen! Spray paint is the best. I love the gold!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo!
xo
s
Lindsey @ arkadian belle woods says
CUTE CUTE CUTE! Loving the yellow! Hope you guys had an amazing trip….I’m sure you did! <3
Amara says
Love the way you are tackling all this stuff! Cute little gold animal. I have a spray paint question. In a fit of impatience, I spray painted a small metal table and did not use primer. As a result, the paint comes off when you touch it. Any idea how to fix this? Do I try to wipe it down, prime than paint it again? Can this be fixed. I hope you have messed up like this before and have some insight. Thanks!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
I would sand it all off so it’s not flaky anymore and then prime and paint it (with very thin and even coats). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
I love the jewelry box (and the giraffe for that matter). Did you have to tape the inside or were you able to spray paint it as it (I’m imagining paint getting inside and it being tacky & not being able to open anymore)?
YoungHouseLove says
I just left it closed and it came out with a pretty clean line and no tackiness.
xo,
s
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
OMG! Totally adore that giraffe. That yellow against the blue looks great. I know you’ve mentioned this before but I forget. Where did you get those books from; the decorate and undecorate? Can totally relate to finally finishing a project.
I just finished my dining room, after almost a yr and a half. It was truly special to see it finally done! Thanks again for the stencil idea.
http://whatsurhomestory.com/the-dining-room-is-done/
Vidya
YoungHouseLove says
Both were from Amazon! Love them!
xo,
s
Heather W. says
fyi, I just happened to stumble across the undecorate book at my local TJ Maxx about 2 weeks ago on clearance. They actually had two. So, you may even check there or Marshalls.
John and Sherry so glad your back and that you got to take a most deserved vaca. My husband and I are wanting to go to Maui for our 15th anniversary so, I can’t wait to hear all your tips and deets! Welcome Home!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo,
s
Jill R says
Love your challenge of “Dude get on that.” I have my own, at least 3 home fixes a month. You have your playroom, I aspire to have my car in the garage. Goals are important. Love the giraffe! Too cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- yay Jill! You can do it!
xo,
s
Karla says
I love love love the little horse.
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
Before reading your blog I would have never thought of spray painting random ceramic animals. But I did it…I spray painted a squirrel! So I must give my thanks to y’all cause I heart him. Now if I could just find a giraffe…just like that one!! Cause he is awesome!! I even find myself stalking the goodwill aisle with the ceramic figurines. Perhaps y’all should start a support group?? :) Thanks for the inspiration! :) My squirrel in case you are curious: http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2012/03/vintage-cookie-tin-thrifty-finds.html
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love it!
xo,
s
Alisha says
These look so good! I am a fan of the yellow!
Ali Miller says
*Whew* There for a minute I thought this wasn’t going to have an animal in it, and I truly was a little sad. :( Not ceramic, but I still like it–and love that it is Clara-play friendly!
jennifer says
LOVE that mirror! Antique gold is what I used in our nursery for all the frames and mongram painted on the wall. It’s such a great gold color!!
Molly@TheNestingGame says
I just had fun re-arranging my step-sons’ room. They are only with us part-time, but I still want it to be a fun place for them. We took out the “office” part of the room that we never used anyway. No animals in here (yet!) but there is a tin robot, which makes me way too happy…
http://thenestinggame.com/2012/02/27/all-boy/
Love the gold giraffe! And what shade of yellow did you paint that box?
YoungHouseLove says
Cute! As for the yellow shade, I think it was Rustoelum Sunrise Yellow.
xo,
s
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
I think it’s Sun Yellow – I just bought it this past weekend for a project :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, that sounds right!
xo,
s
taetae says
I love the box so much. You have the best eye for what will look good with a coat of spray paint! Do you put a protective coat on top of the spray paint at all?
I was in hawaii last year and the jet lag took me days to get over – hope you and baby clara are adjusting well!
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, since most spray paint is super strong if applied in thin and even coats on top of primer (which we did here) it’s all good! As for jet lag- argh- still going strong for us! But it means when we finally drag ourselves out of bed Clara sleeps in a bit more so we can hit the ground running!
xo,
s
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
Apparently our vice is DIY because we’re selling our finished house for another fixer upper: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/this-little-house-went-to-market/ Quick question, I saw you linked to an MLS listing service when you sold your house. Did this service work well for you? I’m assuming it’s legit because you linked to it, but curious what your thoughts were.
YoungHouseLove says
Crazy!! That’s so exciting! Good luck girl! Oh and as for that MLS service, it worked really well for us (it’s the sole reason we sold our house) but have heard from folks lately that they’re slow to get back to them. Still, getting on MLS I think is super important, so hopefully it’s just a day or two wait and then you’re up there!
xo,
s
Wendy - Old Town Home says
I love the new yellow color of the wood box. It’s so happy!
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I have to start thirftstoring more. I haven’t been to Goodwill since… Halloween? Maybe? That’s just sad. I’ve got to get on that!
I love the box idea. I do the exact same thing with my jewelry. I currently have no idea what I’ve done with my watch…
Danielle says
Spray Paint Technical question – if painting outside (my only option) how warm does the weather actually need to be? My can says temperature of 65F and warmer, so the weather is holding me up on my “get on it already” plans! What do you suggest? Can I fudge it a little and spray at 60? 55?
Glad y’all got a nice vaycay away.
YoungHouseLove says
The spray I tend to use usually says over 50 degrees and I actually follow it to the letter (we have had an awesomely mild winter). I would hold out for at least very close to the right temperature so it doesn’t get gummed up and come out clumpy!
xo,
s
Bree says
Holy cow you had a ZOO in that playroom!!!! lol
The giraffe is tooooo cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, seriously. I need to start charging admission.
xo,
s
Robin @ our semi organic life says
Yes how do you find such good things at goodwill? I am envious at people who did treasures at thrift stores. I go to the love of Jesus thrift but often I just find overpriced junk. Guess I’ll have to look harder!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, it definitely takes a few trips where I come home empty handed, but there can be a diamond in the rough (especially if you look for something that needs some work as opposed to something that’s already gorgeous for cheap – which is kind of impossible to find!). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says
So cute! What a great idea to have a cute little catch all like that. And, the giraffe is adorable. Would anything be much cuter than a real life miniature giraffe? Not likely.
Also, my heart warms when I read that you watch The Walking Dead. Love.
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says
I haven’t taken to spray painting anything lately but I did paint an old picture frame and place our room key from our honeymoon in it. It is now one of my favorite pictures in the house.
http://www.colortransformedfamily.com/2012/02/17/the-key-to-my-heart/ ?
YoungHouseLove says
So charming!
xo,
s
Katie says
Uhm, did you watch The Walking Dead on Sunday?! I won’t give anything away if you haven’t watched it yet, but I will say that it was totally nuts and I didn’t see it coming at all!! LOVE THAT SHOW!! But I think it might give me an ulcer because it can be so stressful!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! No spoilers! Yes, but it’s so good!
xo,
s
Marianne says
Last episode was sooo crazy! Can’t get enough of that show. We love zombies. :)
Christie says
i know, right – so intense! we were debating the whole moral dilemma before going to bed last night. there’s some pillow talk for you, sheesh. :)
adriane Wacker says
I agree…how do you find such fun things at goodwill. Our goodwill is also soooo picked over!
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s just a bunch of trips (many times I leave empty handed and try to have high standards) and looking past bad colors/finishes to try to see the lines/potential!
xo,
s
Michelle says
Can I please please please beg you to do an animal inventory/round-up for us? I can already picture rows and rows of little pictures of all of the Petersik animals. Or maybe even a quiz for us to match the animal name to the animal picture, LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that sounds like my idea of a good time.
xo
s
Katrina @ 'Sota is Sexy says
Loving the bright pops of yellow for spring! You’ve inspired me to do some thrift store digging of my own now.
Also? I think you should do some budget blooms with daffodils sometime soon!
YoungHouseLove says
We have some springing up outside! Love that idea.
xo,
s
seriously sassy mama says
I love your little finds, and I love the burst of yellow on that box.
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
I love the pops of yellow! It looks great against your bright blue book and the blue/gray chair. I recently just redid out family room and accented with yellow and I love it :)
Brandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says
They both look great!
How do you still spray paint when it’s cold outside? Do you strictly stick to the directions on the can and now spray paint when it’s below 50 degrees?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I do it when it’s over 50 (but we have had a hugely mild winter so some days it’s even 60-70! so crazy).
xo,
s
Christina says
Maybe you’ve done this before on here and I missed it… But have you ever counted up all of your painted animals? Just curious as to what the count is currently at for your collection. You always find the cutest stuff too! I love seeing your Goodwill finds… I never find anything when I go, but I have to keep thinking of what it COULD be if I painted it.
YoungHouseLove says
It might scare me if I did, but actually I might have to do it now, just to see how many I have. Haha.
xo,
s
julie (etsy stalkers) says
i totally agree – it could be worse. whenever i need my shopping fix (like daily) i hit up goodwill because i know i will get out of there without spending too much. at least that’s what i tell myself.
rebekah says
Spray spray. That is great!
While you may have a small faux animal problem, I don’t see why it’s bad to “treat yo’self!”
And neither would Tom :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha. Love him.
xo,
s
Mandy says
They totally do come to life at night!!! And I totally watched the second Night at the Museum last night, as well :0)
Sheela says
Welcome back! Very cute projects – sometimes those little things really add so much fun to a house. They look great, and definitely look far more pricey than their price tags!
Rachel @ The Peach & The Pit says
Oh my, this is adorable! Both of them! My latest ‘Dude get on that already’ includes finally {finally!} getting my shoes organized. I can’t believe how long they sat in a big pile…and all I had to do was order 2 racks and now they are pretty and organized. I even go into the closet just so I can see how nice it looks :)
Linda says
Fan-freaking-tastic idea with the wood box!! I wear a pretty obscene amount of jewelry daily (13 pieces right this second – no joke), and the first thing I do when I get home is take them ALL off and leave them wherever. I too have had to dig through couch cushions to find missing earrings.
I might have to steal inspiration from your idea. :)
Christine says
I love you guys even more now that I know you watch The Walking Dead! The last five minutes freaked me out! And do you think they are turning Carl into a psycho boy?(Don’t want to give too much detail if someone hasn’t seen it yet.) I thought the first season was a lot better but I am still hooked. I’d love to get a stagger-on part.
(Uhm… back to home decor… Love the color on the giraffe!)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes I totally want to be an extra on that show! Not sure about Carl but so excited to see what happens!
xo,
s
Jill says
They are making me hate Carl!! I’m so angry at that show after this last episode.
Love the wooden box!
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
The wooden box is great, because it’s supposedly indestructible and will be somewhat toddler proof.
And the grey nailhead chair?
Veddy nize.
Katy
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, thanks Katy!
xo,
s
Ginny @ Goofy Monkeys says
I love the box! I tend to take my earrings off in the evening while I watch tv and I usually just stick them on the TV table, but a little box would be so nice.
I really need to make a trip down to goodwill to scout for projects!
I have some spray painting I need to do, but it’s been super windy here lately. Hopefully later this week!
mercedes says
Love it! So simple yet it looks like you spent a fortune on those items at a high end store. Such inspiration – I’m on my way to Goodwill!
Carol N. says
My favorite book when I was a kid (Bunny Blue) was about toys that came to life in the toy box and were out and about at night. That is how Bunny Blue lost his ribbon! I looked for years and finally found that book on ebay so now have it safe at home and ready for a shadow box.
Laura says
I have a March project: Manage the Mayhem month! One little pile at a time as my sort of spring cleaning.
Love the yellow box! It is a little burst of sunshine (which after 6 inches of snow in C’ville yesterday is welcome!)
Laura
YoungHouseLove says
I love it! Good luck!
xo,
s
Malissa says
So glad I’m not the only one who thinks toys come alive when we go to sleep! (Kidding…a little) When I was a little girl I always tried to pretend I was sleeping so I could catch my toys while they were awake, Haha! Thanks for the funny childhood reminder :)
Ellen says
I’m in the midst of spraying a curly-framed mirror blue for the nursery, so I have a question about spray-primer. What kind do you use? I’ve been using a Killz brand spray primer and kind of hate it – it’s all gloppy when it sprays out. I suppose it could be that particular can of it, but I don’t want to risk it again when I need to buy another can of primer. So I’ll take recommendations for another brand if you have a favorite…
YoungHouseLove says
I usually get the Rustoleum kind if it’s available. As a rule that seems to be my favorite brand since it tends to come out well and stick for good!
xo,
s
Emily Rae says
I like that you had a real-world purpose for that box, and that you know your living habits (taking off jewelry on the couch) to find something to fit that need. So many design/DIY sources I read don’t emphasize this point strongly enough — that we need to design our spaces around the way we live!
Giulia says
Well, at least your puns are free, right?
I love the little horse, he is too cute – well done. I wonder what anthropologists would say if they found all your animals hundreds of years from now.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, they’d liken me to the Crazy
CatAnimal Lady I think!xo,
s
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
Haha I love your animal addiction! =) I have a thing for birds — I have a glossy white owl and a few fire engine red canaries around the house that always make me think of my husband. Plus they’re so fun!
Don’t stop collecting girl! <3 I bet Clara will follow suit someday =)
Kathryn says
Every time I see your Dude Get On That Already posts, I am reminded that I don’t have enough animals in my flat. My boyfriend may not thank you when they take over ;)
Allyn says
I’m right there with you on the animal thing. Oh well.
We seriously are addicted to that Rustoleum spray paint. We got a few cans in Lagoon the other day and painted our (formerly dingy white) patio furniture and it’s GORGEOUS. Looks like a lot of the fun stuff Target has right now. Hooray for being cheap!
Carly says
Gah. I love your animal obsession, Sherry. I totally “pulled a Sherry” with a pair of hideous squirrels purchased from the dollar store this past summer. We ended up spraypainting them white (and doing squirrel surgery after I broke one — which reminds me of your attempt to fix the broken — what was it, a dog? — from your hallway).
WHICH REMINDS ME: Maybe your continued animal obsession is just your way of grieving that poor dog! Oh, the drama :)
-Carly
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so true! I’m trying to fill the hole that he left in my heart. I’m self medicating with ceramic animals.
xo,
s
Lisa says
I am the same way about having to take off my jewelry to relax! It’s so weird because I feel naked without it during the day but as soon as I get home, I have to take it off because it feels constricting for some reason. Glad I’m not alone!