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Young House Love » Our Second House » Octo-momma

| By Sherry Petersik | November 11, 2011 | 140 Comments

Octo-momma

Work continues on our big opening between the kitchen and the dining room which I still forget exists until I stumble into the room in the morning only to feel the sun shining in and break out in song and dance. No really, I do. It’s like a Disney movie around here. So while we deal with door jambs (and trim and a wooden ledge for the half-wall) we thought we’d introduce you to the latest member of our family. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve added to my brood of white ceramic animals, so imagine my delight when John surprised me with this fine tentacled specimen:

Octopus Angle

Apparently I mentioned that I was in love with it a while back, but it was out of stock at the time. So sweet John recently received an alert that it was available again and secretly ordered it for me. Right around the time I was secretly working on his surprise 7 for the office. Cue the collective aww.

We’re thinking of calling it my belated “congratulations on finishing the office stencil and not having permanent claw-hands” gift. Though it does make me a smidge jealous that I don’t also possess eight arms to help me finish projects faster.

Octopus Straight Down

Important things to know about my new ceramic pal: she hails from Plasticland (but is made of porcelain) and I haven’t picked a spot for her yet (she’ll most likely end up on the dining room built-ins with a ton of our other ceramic family members so she’s out of Clara’s reach). She was $19, but with shipping she came to about $27. Not my cheapest creature (boils down to about $3.37 per tentacle), nor my largest (she’s about the length of a dollar bill at the widest point), but she is my first octopod! And she was a surprise gift from the hubby, so I couldn’t be my cheap self and talk myself out of it. Haha. Score. Oh, and her name is Henrietta. Not sure why. It just felt right.

Happy Friday to octopods, bipeds, and quadrupeds alike! Anyone doing anything fun? I’ll be found dancing in a certain doorway with a toddler and a dog. And no I won’t video tape it for you. I’m only ok with being this annoyingly chipper slash awkward in private. But it kind of looks like this.

Psst- As if John wasn’t cute enough for surprising me with my tentacled friend, this video of him introducing Burger to Clara for the first time (well, her scent) is pretty darn cute.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Katie of Cabbage RanchKatie of Cabbage Ranch says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    I’d pay good money to see the Disney-esque dance… (insert peer pressure here) Love the Octo!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Ohhh man. This combines my love for white ceramic with the octopus necklace I wear almost every day. I love it!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for SoulmazSoulmaz says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    well, today is a very special day 11.11.11 so happy Bday to Henrietta ;)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for RhiannonRhiannon says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    I’m so jealous! I love love love Henrietta!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for GinaGina says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Um, FREAKIN’ LOVE THAT OCTOPUS!!!!! MUST-GET-ONE-NOW!! I never really had an afinity for porcelain animals until I started reading your blog. I do now and will be keeping my out for them.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for VeronikaVeronika says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I love you $herdog! But I don’t get the ceramic animal thing at all! Oh well! But I do get your love for shiny sparkly things so that’s nice!

    I enjoy how you love those weird creatures so much! It’s interesting that both your and John’s secret gifts have something to do with numbers, you know 7 and 8! Or maybe it’s just me!

    Congrats on your new toy!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 12:36 pm

      Haha- too funny! Henrietta is all about the letter 8 isn’t she? So it’s natural that she came after the 7 sign!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for VeronikaVeronika says

      November 11, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      yup all about the letter 8 if that letter exists! hehe!
      Maybe in Henrietta’s alphabet!

  7. Avatar for AshleighAshleigh says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I wondered if the octopus looks like your hands did when you were stenciling. It’s kind of how I envisioned them. :-) Yeah for sweet spouses. Mine came home with flowers last week out of the blue. I love it when that happens!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      Haha- yup. My hands were all curled up and gnarled.

      xo,
      s

  8. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Love her! Welcome, Henrietta. I was going to say, we need a video (not of the door way dancing) but, a new house tour. I can’t believe how much has changed since the last. Hope you guys have a happy weekend!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      Yes- we do need a new house tour now that there’s a completely new doorway! It makes such a difference. It’s amazing.

      xo,
      s

  9. Avatar for BriaBria says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Oh dear…I quite love Henrietta…a lot. :) You certainly deserve a treat for all that stenciling!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for WendyWendy says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I have a thing with cephalopods lately. Seriously, I even have a board on Pinterest dedicated to this topic: http://pinterest.com/asouthernaccent/cephalopods/

    Love this little guy. I may just have to have one myself.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      Amazing!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for HesperHesper says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I totally have this guy, too! We just picked him up a few weeks ago at a local shop. It’s funny because my guy gravitates towards oceany creatures and I’m all about the birds! We have some shelves in the living room with a bunch of things like this — always either fishy or flighty!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      Haha- fishy or flighty = awesome.

      xo,
      s

  12. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Are you sure you won’t be shimmying like Ursula? Because that would kind tie this whole thing together. Hahaha.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      Darn. How could I miss that full circle reference. Next time!

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    Awesome addition to the collection!

    I’m pretty much risking my paycheck by checking out this post (got an email from the boss-woman this morning about web surfing) but you guys are soooo worth it!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Out of curiosity I used the search bar on the your sidebar to look up “ceramic animal” (in quotes). And….there were 75 results! Yep, I would call that an obsession :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Haha, yes. It’s a problem.

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for sarah @ handbagsnpigtailssarah @ handbagsnpigtails says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    You crack me up. My 3rd graders just learned about the octopus in Science class this past week:)

    Reply
  16. Avatar for tinatina says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I envision this is what one looks like when then stencil also, lol.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Haha. Completely.

      xo,
      s

  17. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I shall get one for myself and named her Octavia. Oh, yes.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Haha, love it. With those fancy names they could be high-class friends.

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for Karen @ Aurelia InteriorsKaren @ Aurelia Interiors says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    I love how clearly the octopus is a “she.” I have been considering purchasing the concrete animal I posted about here: http://aureliainteriors.com/2011/11/11/sleek-modern-crusty-old-and-a-new-friend/ yesterday and totally thought of you and your ceramic animal obsession while I was pondering the purchase.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:12 pm

      So deliciously crusty. Love it.

      xo,
      s

  19. Avatar for Seriously Sassy MamaSeriously Sassy Mama says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I feel that same giddy excitement when I buy a new mixing bowl. I have been informed that my vintage pyrex buying needs to be put on hold.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:12 pm

      Haha, I love it. Same thing… kinda. I guess your collection is more functional. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  20. Avatar for LorenLoren says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    So cool! I think this is my favorite of your ceramic animals. Now he just needs a name. Something that starts with an O? Like Oliver or Oscar?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:12 pm

      Check the bottom of the post for her name (it’s a girl!).

      xo,
      s

  21. Avatar for Robyn @ Our Backyard 2 YoursRobyn @ Our Backyard 2 Yours says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    I love it! The wall is progressing nicely.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JustineJustine says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    That’s a good man right there who would surprise his wife with an octopod. Well done, John!

    ~Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One

    Reply
  23. Avatar for NikkiNikki says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Hi Sherry,

    Thanks for cracking me up day after day. Love the under the sea reference.

    Nikki

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Skye @ Neathering Our FestSkye @ Neathering Our Fest says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    I love it! What a cool surprise :)

    Reply
  25. Avatar for partyofsixpartyofsix says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Oh I that so feeds my octopus fetish!

    Stumbled across this cool piece of art this morning and thought of you for some reason…it can come in any color: http://pinterest.com/pin/224898575111409713/, though it would be easy to DIY too.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:17 pm

      So cute! Love the little friend riding along!

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for KateKate says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    It’s adorable and I hope it lives a long shatter-free life! :)

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Emily FEmily F says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    I love all of your ceramic animals! I think the octopus is my new favorite. If I’m remembering correctly, there was rhino and he was my old favorite.

    Yay for weird/awesome collectibles and husbands that assist in the collecting (I am married to an enabler as well <3)!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for KimKim says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Our son has loved cephalopods for awhile now. I love that we are seeing them everywhere now!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for candace @ thecandace.comcandace @ thecandace.com says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    What a cute addition to your ceramic family! Enjoyed seeing the video of Burger and John too – so sweet.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Ginny PGinny P says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    I must say that the octopus is great addition, do you have any other nautical elements?

    Oh and I love the video with Burger & the Clara hat! We’re going to be adding a 4-legged family member to our family tomorrow and I am so excited for the kids to meet a puppy face to face!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm

      Hmm, we have a giant faux clam shell that we use as a fruit bowl. Haha. And a few giant shells along with an old framed sea fan (haven’t seen that since the move- it’s probably sitting in the playroom waiting to be hung).

      xo,
      s

  31. Avatar for partyofsixpartyofsix says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Hmmm, I think my first message disappeared. Sorry if this is a repeat…

    Love the octopus.

    Saw this piece of art this morning and thought of you: http://pinterest.com/pin/224898575111409713/

    It can come in any color.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Bryan W.Bryan W. says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Henrietta huh? It just felt right? Sherry, taking a wild guess here, but maybe your subconscious was speaking to you because of your (possible?) time spent watching The Tudors or The Other Boleyn Girl, both of which involved Henry VIII (the 8TH)…. Haha, sorry for the random post, I just had to throw in a weird guess here.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:44 pm

      Haha- nope. Just a completely random name. I thought she looked fancy and vintage. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  33. Avatar for partyofsixpartyofsix says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Where are all the comments going?? Usually when I hit “send” I get a very reassuring quick post showing what I wrote and that it is awaiting moderation. But nothing this morning. No reassurance. Am I not in the circle of trust anymore?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:43 pm

      This is the third comment we got so I think they’re coming through. They do wait in moderation for a moment, but they’re all here on our end. Hope you can see them!

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I happened upon not one, but TWO of the giant white ceramic dogs that you had and broke! If you’re feeling nostalgic and need one back in your life, I could arrange to ship it for you. Just let me know and I’ll send you an email :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:42 pm

      You’re so cute! We have a no-swag policy but we love that you thought of us. Enjoy your little pack of dogs in good health!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for EmilyEmily says

      November 11, 2011 at 11:19 pm

      Oh I meant if you wanted it I could front the money and you could pay me back, but unfortunately I was in HomeGoods today and it looks like they have BOTH been adopted. Hope they went to a good home :)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 12, 2011 at 8:09 am

      Haha- no worries! We figure if it’s meant to be we’ll bump into a another dog someday! We still have our ceramic grayhound (which might be more durable for babies than a ceramic one) so we’re probably ok for now. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  35. Avatar for AlexsonAlexson says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    What a fun surprise! And that stencil was totally worth celebrating – holy cow, you are a patient gal.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Sarah BSarah B says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Does your whole collection have names? If so, I think a post dedicated entirely to introducing everyone properly is in order!

    Example:
    Here is Henrietta. She currently lives in square 3 of of the dining room cabinet. Her favorite movie is The Little Mermaid. In her spare time she doubles as a paperweight.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 1:47 pm

      Haha- I love it. Seriously, I might just do it.

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for TeresaTeresa says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    LOL… this cracks me up. Kudos John, much better than my idea of you picking out bras for Sherry… and I agree with Sarah B.. introductions are in order! :)

    Reply
  38. Avatar for Whitney DupuisWhitney Dupuis says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    Man, you guys find the best ceramic animals! I have such a hard time finding any. Send some of your luck my way!!!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Raina@ Mamacita Spins The Globe[email protected] Mamacita Spins The Globe says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I love it! Apparently I have been into Octopi lately as well. I didn’t realize it until a recent visit from my brother. I was showing him something I had pinned and he said, “Geesh you like octopi huh?” When I looked at how many pins I had that somehow were an octopus, I responded with, “Hmmm. I guess I do.”
    Henrietta is lovely.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    1) The image that comes to mind when people say octomom makes me despair for the human race
    2) How totally awesome is the Plasticland site?! Holy crap, new favorite! Christmas!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for KatyKaty says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Love it. And fun no, cleaning yes. Sadly. http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/11/handy-house-tip-fall-cleaning-checklist.html So much to do!

    ~Katy

    Reply
  42. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Your permanent claw hands line had me laughing out loud. This is going to sound extremely weird, but after reading your blog for several years I feel like I know you. Your goofiness reminds me of my sister and I and our crazy humor that we find hilarious…not sure about everyone else.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      Aw you’re sweet. I feel like I know you too now that you describe you and your sister’s goofiness. Wish I had a sister (grew up in a house of boys instead). Be my virtual sister, would ya?

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for mike @ the lil house that couldmike @ the lil house that could says

      November 11, 2011 at 4:04 pm

      I want in the virtual sister love too!

      Jersey! Holla!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 4:41 pm

      Haha- it’s the sisterhood of the traveling octopus.

      xo,
      s

  43. Avatar for KaitlinKaitlin says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Ahh the octo is a great addition to the ceramic animal family! I have my own little ceramic animal family, started with the West Elm white owl lamp and I’ve been adding to it since. Apparently mine are neglected without names, so I’ll have to resolve that issue this weekend :)

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Wom-mom EthneWom-mom Ethne says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    When did your love of white ceramic animals come about?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Hmm, I got my first one (the giant $29 ceramic dog that later died a very sad death) in 2006 I think. So I’m 5 years into my collection. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for MelenieMelenie says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Is it weird that I had a dream about your kitchen last night?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      Ooh did it look good? Or was it a nightmare?

      xo,
      s

  46. Avatar for karenkaren says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I have a thing for owls, but for some reason I failed to buy a beautiful ceramic one at TK Maxx a while back (it is tk and not tj in England). I regretted it as soon as we got home, so set off trying to track down Hootie (yes, I named him) the next day. But he’s flown the nest forever and even extensive web searches couldn’t track him down. Guess it was not meant to be. So my birthday rolled round a few months later and my sweet hubby continued the search to no avail. But refusing to be defeated, he tracked down another pair of owls, in copper, via my pinterest boards. How genius?! I still hope that one day Hootie will join Neil and Suzie.

    PS Sherry I totally blame/thank you for both nr pinterest and ceramic animal obsessions! X

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2011 at 2:56 pm

      That’s so cute! I hope you find Hootie someday. I once found the coolest wooden hedgehog at HomeGoods and I forever rue the day that I didn’t get him. He was completely Clara-proof (wood not ceramic) and would have looked so good on any of the lower shelves that I can’t put glass on. So sad.

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Loving the name “Henriette”; it reminds me of my younger sister who used to use our cat’s scratching post as an imaginary horse of the same name.

    Reply
    • Avatar for JessicaJessica says

      November 11, 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Henrietta, sorry :-)

  48. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    November 11, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    You are a girl after my own heart. The first gift my husband ever bought me was a white ceramic rhino to pay homage to our white dog named Rhino! I love your Octopus!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for NellNell says

    November 11, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    It’s the perfect name. I’m the girl who pinned this on Pinterest with your name on it, and I am so geeked out that y’all bought it!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Jennifer Flint DesignsJennifer Flint Designs says

    November 11, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    That is just adorable! I so totally want one! :)

    Reply
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