Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Finally! Some Book Project Sneak Peeks…

One of the things our publisher does is have each of their authors create a short video about their book. A movie trailer of sorts – but for a book.

Book Cover Only

Artisan suggested we hire a little film/editing crew to do it, but like true DIYers we took it as a fun challenge to see how much we could do ourselves. So we came up with an outline, wrote a little script, hired a local video genius to shoot it for us (who also happens to be our brother in law) and edited it ourselves in Final Cut Pro back in March. And now that we’re two months away from the official book release date (Nov 6th, aka Election Day) we’re finally allowed to share it! Wahoo.

We had to finish the video so early because our publisher needed it for a spring sales conference in March, so as soon as we got back from Hawaii the pressure was on (see how bare the trees are in this pic?). Thankfully all of the projects were already finished for when we shot all of the book photography over three weeks at our house in February, so one day of shooting video and setting up little impromptu vignettes wasn’t too tricky. It was actually really fun.

Superlatives Video Shoot

The funniest thing is that we handed in our outline for all of the projects in the book about a year before this video was shot, so finally seeing the projects in real life in a polished format like this (since it was well before we saw any final book proofs) was kind of surreal. I guess it’s akin to baking a cake for a year or two and finally getting to taste it.

The weirdest part by far was recording our nerdy little voice over (while sitting in a closet using our iPhones) and layering that in there. Allow us to share this reenactment so you can picture it (Burger was playing the role of “Supervisor”):

Voice Over Record

And for those of you at work who can’t watch videos, here are a few still shots (there are a lot more sneak peeks of various projects in the video though):

Video Screen Shot1

Video Screen Shot5

Video Screen Shot7

Video Screen Shot8

Video Screen Shot9

Video Screen Shot10

Video Screen Shot11

Video Screen Shot13

Video Screen Shot14

We’re so relieved to finally be able to reveal some of the projects in the book – even if it’s only a small portion for now. Thankfully in less than two months the book will be out (you can pre order it here) so all those kitties will be out of the bag. Can’t wait! Free the kitties!

Have you guys ever written a video script and attempted to make a somewhat polished little YouTube ditty? It’s kinda fun, right? The clothesline concept was all John’s – and we love how it allowed us to squeeze in a few bonus project peeks. I’d say previewing 15 projects in a little over a minute is pretty speedy, indeed. You know we like to cram stuff in there (slash are terrible secret keepers). Woot!

Comments

  2. Tanja says

    That was an awesome video, you guys did a great job. I especially liked the part with the frames where you were both jockeying for front position.

    I can’t wait to get my copy.

    Yippee!

    Reply

  3. Emily D. says

    Love it! You guys are the cutest and I can NOT wait for the book to come out. I have hinted, not even subtly, that Santa should bring me a copy. Loved the state art, NJ represent $herdog!

    Reply

  5. rcwillman says

    your blog, and undoubtedly your book!, is the best! I visit every day for inspiration as well as an opportunity to smile!

    Reply

  9. Valerie says

    YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE!!! (exhibit A: battle of state art) Congrats on this tremendous achievement! Can’t wait to flip through the pages myself!

    Reply

  14. Heather W says

    Loved the video guys!!! So cute… I pre-ordered my book awhile back and can not wait for it to get here…. I am almost scared to do anymore projects before I get the book because I might see something you did I like better!!! I am already all over that dresser idea for my son or in a hallway…. I also bought some clearance white frames today from Target because I know I am going to do that state art idea… I will be kicking everyone out of the house the day I get the book so I can read it cover to cover… =)

    Reply

  15. Melody G. says

    I am a daily visitor here, but rarely a commenter. I want to commend you two! I love that your blog is drama free!! I love that even though you keep it real and admit it isn’t perfect, you are happy together and show it. I get so tired of the drama on tv between spouses and to “see” you two interact respectfully is a welcome sight! Bless you guys and congrats on your book!

    Reply

  17. Norelle says

    That short little video was wonderful – watching it over and over because I’ve already spotted several projects I must try. I just hope your publisher is prepared for the number of books that will be purchased!!

    Reply

  20. Nati Gomez says

    Amazing!!! In my native language…Felicitaciones!!! (congratulations). Your book is the result of years of work. I hope that I could by the book by amazon and received the book in my country (Colombia). But, it’s not possible I’m going to planning my next trip to USA and buy it.
    Sorry for my english…I have a lot of time without practice. I wish you the best!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Nati! I think it’s available internationally through amazon! Hope it helps! There is also talk about translating it to other languages, so that would be awesome! Will keep you posted!

      xo
      s

  22. Elyse says

    Sherry & John–

    I am a 22 y/o photographer and I am irrationally in love with your blog. I live in an apartment with roommates and rarely have occasion to build decks or do fun kid-friendly toy makeovers, but I look forward to reading your blog almost every day.

    Just wanted to say that you guys rule, and I just pre-ordered your book for my sister and brother-in-law. Stay classy.

    Elyse

    Reply

  23. Maggie Rose says

    Aww this got me a little choked up (ahem, and jealous of how photogenic Sherry is). I recently popped back into your archives to figure out that I first started reading when YHL had a different acronym and was only about 6 months old!! In so many ways it’s been amazing to see your business grow, yet it’s always felt distinctively YOU, so I feel like these awesome changes are happening to my friends! Sending you big hugs!

    Reply

  26. Mary Ellen says

    So proud of you guys! You have come so far and inspired tons of us along the way. I am actually painting my house, have never done this before, but you inspired me to at least try something. You have turned me into a DIY wannabe! I pre-0ordered my copy and can’t wait to get it!

    Reply

  27. Lauren says

    Love it! Sending the pre-order link to my husband right now as a hint for Christmas. We’re starting to revamp our whole house(very slowly, on a teeny budget). We’ve lived here for 5 years and have never really made it “our own”.

    Reply

  28. Sarah S. says

    That’s pretty adorable. I’m such a sap–I teared up a little when you two kissed! Congrats to you both on the project!

    Reply

  29. Anastasia says

    You two are so YOU all the time, in this video including! I love that about this blog! How can you write about building a deck, or making wall art or whatever else and still make it sound so uniquely in your own dorky-funny-cute way!? So awesome!

    Reply

  30. Kristina says

    I totally clapped at the end, even though I’m sitting here alone. I can’t wait guys! I already told my mom she’s getting me Ana White’s book, but I can’t wait till Christmas to have yours :)

    Reply

  32. Kim says

    You guys are the cutest!! And cannot wait for my book!! I ordered it when you first mentioned the ore-order. And if you stop at the book revue on long island during your tour, please come crash my house!!

    Reply

  34. MissusPatriciaAnn says

    Congrats! on starting to see the end results of all your hard work.

    We all can learn alot from you guys, not just your decorating and DIY skills, but your persistance, your ambition, your dreams.

    Not a criticism, just an observation – as a former stage performer myself, Sherry, I know you probably already know that your natural high-pitch, fast, almost mumbling talking is far harder to hear than Johns slower/lower.

    Your substance, organization, language is all Wonderful! Please don’t take this wrong!

    But if you could teach yourself to take a deep breath, lower your voice, and speak slower, your delivery would dramatically improve. Don’t lose the enthusiasm!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks for the tips! I’m a Jersey girl, so I have a hard time slowing down and lowering my voice (Katie Bower says I get so excited that sometimes I talk in hyperdrive) but I’ll definitely give it a try :)

      xo
      s

  35. Amy @ Croquet & Cocktails says

    Awesome!!! Looks great and makes me want the book even more. (Mission accomplished, right?) We are in the process of buying a house in the mountains that will need TONS of TLC. (Like it has packing tape sealing doors and the entire second floor is subfloor! Aak.) Your blog (and book) will help me a ton.

    Reply

  36. Leah K. says

    I’m such a nerd, but I almost cried when I watched the video, because I’m sooo excited for you guys! And proud of you! Yay YHL :)

    Leah

    Reply

  38. Stacy says

    You guys are the definition of Adorkable. Congrats on the book, and I for one am TOTALLY impressed you’ve managed to keep projects secret for this long. Seriously your brain parts dedicated to chronic oversharerness must be about to explode.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Tell me about it! At least three nights a month I lie in bed wondering if my brain will actually explode from all the craziness that I can’t wait to share. Haha. Over-sharing has its downsides…

      xo
      s

  40. Tirsa says

    Your sweet video is such a tease! Makes me more desperate to get that book now!!! I can foresee redoing a good number of things in my house thanks to your book. Oooh, I’m so excited, I can’t wait.

    You must come to neighboring MD on your book tour. If your readers here have to go to VA we’re gonna clog that beltway too much. :-)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think thanks to us doing lots of videos in the past they had pretty decent faith in us, but they probably all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the finished product. Haha. They seemed to really like it, so we had just one small round of revisions (re-recording our voice overs to speak more slowly and clearly, etc) and it was in the can. Whew!

      xo
      s

  42. Sasha says

    Hi you two,
    You have grown to become two of my all time favourite people. You are my everyday inspiration. I love how you make things seem so effortless. Thank you for so much great inspiration.
    Have been following you know for about a year, and love how that film is so true to the spirit of your blog. Keep doing what you do, love checking in to hear a little something about the ever fantastic Clara or the lovely burger but most of all your awesome home improvements.
    Can’t wait for the book to arrive for me at my new room at Uni. Best ever, moving to England (from Denmark)to study and living in a hall residence with nine other people, gift.
    Best wishes Sasha

    Reply

  45. Jessica Marsh says

    LOVE! Can’t wait for the book release! The video is great, but I was thrown at the beginning not hearing the signature opening “chimes”! :-) All the best to you guys!

    Reply

  46. Patti says

    Eeeeeeek! So exciting! And I’m not surprised you guys chose to DIY your own video script and shoot … there’s none better! I Love you YHLovers!

    Reply

  47. Captain Micah says

    The book has been on my wishlist on Amazon, but I just pulled the plug and pre-ordered! Do you realize how terrible it would be for everyone else to have their book and me having to wait a few more weeks?! I would be like the kid at recess who forgot to wear sneakers.

    I am really excited about the book ideas! Great work!

    Reply

  48. Hope Arroyo says

    So cute! It really gives a glimpse of the couple we have come to love and can’t wait to get my hands on that book!!! Pre-ordered for a while now!!

    Reply

  49. Amy says

    Oh man… I thought I was excited to read the book before the video now I simply can’t wait! Ps… Loved the NJ vs VA part. You two are so cute! Ha!

    Reply

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