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Young House Love » Crafting & Art » Seven Up

| By John Petersik | November 8, 2011 | 177 Comments

Seven Up

Remember how we stopped at this place in Maryland on our way to our Labor Day beach weekend?

LaborDay Ole Sale Barn

And remember how we spotted these cool sign letters there that were made even cooler when we learned that they were meant for a Dollar Tree store and were selling for $20 each? I was obsessed with them and almost took home an E, R, or A, just because (sadly there’s no P, J, S, C or B in Dollar Tree).

LaborDay Dollar Tree Lttrs

Well, I finally got me one. Let’s give a lukewarm welcome to letter L.

Number Seven1

Why L? Well… give that L a little 180 degree spin and whaddya get? Our favorite number AND a happy John (our first kiss: 7/7/05, our wedding date: 7/7/07 – even Clara was born on the 14th, which we affectionately call 7+7).

Number Seven2

Maybe it makes me a little too happy, actually. Avert your eyes Sherry.

Number Seven3

What? Nothing weird going on here. Just a man snuggling a giant number 7. It’s completely platonic, I swear.

Number Seven4

So here’s the deal. Since I kept talking about how much I regretted not getting that L, Sherry had been brainstorming a way to surprise me with it (we didn’t realize its 7-like appearance ’til we were back home looking at road trip pictures). Her maniacal planning came to an abrupt conclusion when Lesley read the initial post about it where Sherry mentioned that we regretted not getting one and contacted Sherry to act as a secret courier to help with the surprise. Apparently she lives right near the Ole Sale Barn in Denton, Maryland and her mom lives in Richmond so she frequently makes trips between the two spots. Perfect!

Sherry had planned to surprise me for my birthday next week, but Lesley made a trip earlier than expected so after a quick meet-up-in-a-parking-lot and a cash-for-giant-letter swap, the 7 was mine ours. I was actually really surprised. And more than a little in love (both with the wife for her sweet surprise and with my giant number seven itself). It’s already keeping me us company in the office (still need to figure out what to hang next to it, get a real side table and lamp for that corner, etc).

Seven After Full

We thought about hanging it on the other wall behind the chair but we both decided we liked walking into the room and seeing it “smiling” back at us, face first (instead of seeing the side of it most of the time, which would be the view if it was hung on the other wall behind the chair).

Seven After Close

Oh, if you’re wondering how it’s hung – it was pretty easy. The letter was still wired with lighting, but we’re not planning to get all Novogratz up in here by actually using it as a light (at least not anytime soon due to the cost of wiring the wall). So I carefully disconnected the two giant nubs on the back that would’ve required it sit out from the wall about an inch and stuffed the wires into the 7 for possible future use (we can fish them out with a coat hanger if need be).

Number Seven5

Once those big metal things were removed, I was left with two holes – plus some others at the top – that were perfect for hanging it. I just put a couple of anchors and screws into the wall where I wanted ’em, and hung the 7 in place.

Seven After Corner Only

A big thanks again to Lesley and taking the time to deliver it us (and for temporarily forking over the $25 to pay for it). Yup, the guy raised the price by $5 since Labor Day. Oh well, still totally worth it.

Psst-We’re over on BabyCenter sharing one of the most creative kids’ birthday parties we’ve ever seen. Seriously, it’s so imaginative and fun.

Psssst- We’ll be back with a kitchen update this afternoon. No dust flying yet, but very very soon… 

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:04 am

    What a sweet gift! I love the look of it in the office. I can’t wait to see what else you do. :)

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Lindsey @ arkadian belle woodsLindsey @ arkadian belle woods says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:05 am

    AHH! I love it! My love for typography/lettering is equal to Sherry’s obsession with ceremic animals!

    I can’t even tell you how perfect that is! The office has really come a long way! Great job S&J!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for AmberAmber says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:05 am

    hee hee!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for SusieSusie says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Very cool to have a number that symbolizes so much! Glad you finally have your 7.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Robin @ Our Semi Organic LifeRobin @ Our Semi Organic Life says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Too bad you didn’t have a seven up t-shirt! Love the seven – it looks right at home in the office!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:21 am

      I need to get on that.

      -John

  6. Avatar for Erin @ One Project at a TimeErin @ One Project at a Time says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:06 am

    You guys are likely to blame for the raise in price. Once you posted about them, everyone wanted one! :) I’m glad you got your hands on one!

    Reply
    • Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

      November 8, 2011 at 12:41 pm

      Totally agree, haha!

  7. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:08 am

    John kissing the 7 is too funny!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:09 am

    So happy you got your 7 on! *hugs*

    Reply
  9. Avatar for JenJen says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Love it! It looks like it was made as a 7 and not an L. Wonder if the guy raised his price because he was selling more since you guys posted about it? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:14 am

      Haha- could be! Although I wonder if he quoted John $20 because he’s a dude (sometimes I think shopkeepers raise prices for ladies- no proof of that, just a theory).

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for JillianJillian says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:10 am

    So cool! Color me jealous…
    Sherry, do you die a little inside when you guys nail or screw something into the wall? I think I’d cringe thinking about all the work that went into the stenciling…don’t get me wrong, I totally think it’s worth it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:13 am

      Nah- I freaked out for a moment before hanging all the art above the desk but then I realized that puttying a hole and touching up the stencil over it with a small brush would actually be pretty easy (it’s a really forgiving pattern)!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for KatyKaty says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:10 am

    What a great surprise! Now all you need is a S J and an and!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:10 am

    GREAT addition! I love that the number represents such sweetness in your lives and you incorporate it into your decor! And, what an awesome surprise! =)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:12 am

    Awesome fun gift and so cool that one of your readers could hook you up with it—great memories for y’all! Guess it’s “seven up” time. :)

    Reply
  14. Avatar for liz @ bon temps beignetliz @ bon temps beignet says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I am totally and completely in love with your 7. And a bit jealous, because in Southern California, all the good stuff like that disappears from the trift/second hand/ antique stores in a nanosecond.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for my honest answermy honest answer says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:12 am

    He probably raised the price because you were inadvertantly advertising it for him! It looks great there.

    Also, when I read the title I thought you’d bought a new soda themed t-shirt. Is it wrong that I was slightly disappointed?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Haha, sorry about that. I’m definitely overdue for a new one.

      -John

  16. Avatar for toni fromtoni from says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I am so glad you got your 7. Ironically, that is the hubsters and our favorite number too and we were married on the 7th. lol. I love where you hung it, looks great!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for BeverleyBeverley says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Yay – you got your giant L, er, 7! :) It looks great in the office & adds to the relaxed atmosphere you’ve started with the fun stencil, colors, and artwork.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:13 am

    pretty cool to see a guy that doesn’t mind being sentimental. i love that you still remember the date of you and Sherry’s first kiss! :)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for BriannaBrianna says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Awesome! I’m in love too and have been pining after the “D” since you posted about it.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Maureen @This (Kinda) Old HouseMaureen @This (Kinda) Old House says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I love it, and it’s great that the outside color matches the yellow on the walls! What a nice little surprise. :)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for JanieJanie says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:15 am

    I’m in love with the L slash 7! I scored this letter E off craigslist when our local West Elm closed. I absolutely love it :)
    http://janieeisenhart.blogspot.com/2011/09/random-summer-moments.html#more

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:16 am

      Love it!

      xo,
      s

  22. Avatar for CherylM.CherylM. says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Sweet of Sherry to surprise you! But please don’t compare yourselves to the Novogratz’…. can’t stand them or their idea of decorating. You two are soooooo much better. I would watch your show

    Reply
  23. Avatar for BethBeth says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:18 am

    My family’s sign company here in Virginia Beach made all the Dollar Tree signs up until a couple years ago. It may very well be theirs! Although I’m not sure why they wouldn’t have made it to their destination!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:20 am

      That was our question too! How did they ever end up with all the letters to a Dollar Tree store? Unless they’re old ones that were replaced with a new font or something…

      xo,
      s

  24. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I have a letter A that’s like that, only bigger, and we wired it with light bulbs! Now it hangs on our wall in our office and glows happily.
    She should have brought you Beyonce.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:20 am

      Bwahahah. Not sure she would fit in the car. Bird Beyonce that is! This isn’t a prego Beyonce joke.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JennJenn says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:41 am

      exactly what I thought… What about Beyonce? HA.

  25. Avatar for MargaretMargaret says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:19 am

    Hah, love the Novogratz reference….I love their house, but then I really don’t think I could live there? But it would be so cool if I did? Maybe I’ll just try to assimilate with their 7 children, they might not even notice another one, and I’m bitty like you, Sherry.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:23 am

      Haha, I vote you just sneak in and play the drums and act right at home.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for MargaretMargaret says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:32 am

      Excellent, I’d just have to change my name to Mayfair or Sixteen or something equally wacky and I’d be set.

    • Avatar for Kasey MarchKasey March says

      November 8, 2011 at 3:50 pm

      I just spent what I thought would be 5 minutes hunting down this Novogratz reference only to get sucked into HGTV.com. Now I’ve got a reminder in my phone to check for episodes on hulu.com and to set the DVR to record new episodes.

      I already feel like this is going to be a problem!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 5:41 pm

      Hahah- you’ve officially been sucked in.

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for CosmosCosmos says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:20 am

    Um — am I the only one that thinks it looks like an upside down “L”?

    Reply
    • Avatar for brunsbruns says

      November 8, 2011 at 4:42 pm

      Yep.

    • Avatar for CrissCriss says

      November 11, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      I think the L looks more like an upside down 7.

  27. Avatar for AngAng says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Haha! The pix were too funny!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for JennJenn says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Well that’s just perfect that the holes were already there for ya! =) and kudos on the fabulous find that holds mondo sentimental warm fuzzies for you guys! =)

    I actually need an L!!!!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas and Crayons

    Reply
  29. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:24 am

    1. I totally thought you guys were crazy when you said the L would look like a 7 back in that old post, but I was totally wrong. That is one awesome 7! And I’m very jealous, I would have loved an A for my boyfriend, Alex.

    2. On a completely unrelated note, in the “we’re digging” sidebar there’s a typo. It says stiped dishtowels instead of striped. I normally wouldn’t point something silly like that out, but since it stays on your homepage for so long, I thought you might want to know!

    p.s. I’m so excited to see the progress in your kitchen!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:32 am

      Thanks so much for the tip! Off to fix it.

      xo,
      s

  30. Avatar for Jenn @ Peas and CrayonsJenn @ Peas and Crayons says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:24 am

    annnnd I’m totally in your spam folder. if you have one? haha my comment just vanished off the face of the earth!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:25 am

      I found you! You’re back!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Rebecca @ the lil house that couldRebecca @ the lil house that could says

      November 8, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      Poor Jenn is always lurking in spam, I once found about a month’s worth of her comments in my folder… what on earth did you do to be permanently spammed! ;)

  31. Avatar for Rachel TatemRachel Tatem says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:24 am

    What a unique wall hanging!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I LOVE IT!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for {plum}{plum} says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:26 am

    I adore this room and look forward to every little addition and tweak you post. The ‘7’ looks perfect there.

    Have you ever used any “vintage” grate covers? Once of these might look really nice in your office.
    http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat900002#cat1537159

    best – d.
    post script: don’t forget, today’s the day.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:59 am

      Oh yes, those would be gorgeous!

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for Karen FKaren F says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:27 am

    aww, love it!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Wow the L must have been tilted or something because that looks like it was made to be a ‘7’

    Random question but whatever happened to those mirrors you had with your “to do” lists?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:58 am

      We moved our to-do list onto our computers (having to spin around to look at the boards all day was more annoying than we imagined) and just have the one mirror hanging over the file cabinet now (since two mirrors not being used as white-boards seemed a bit much).

      xo,
      s

  36. Avatar for Emily DrakeEmily Drake says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Adorable! Love it! What a cute addition to the space!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for Rebecca @ the lil house that couldRebecca @ the lil house that could says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:32 am

    That is awesome. It honestly looks more 7 than L! And the gold around the edges goes so well with the stenciled walls!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:57 am

      That’s what I think too! When John’s holding it as an L it just looks like an upside down 7 to me. It was meant to be! Haha.

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:38 am

    It looks awesome. This room is really shaping up! Can’t wait for demo details you guys keep my day moving haha.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Ashley LAshley L says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Lucky number 7! Looks really good in that space and I love how that number has such a personal meaning to you guys. Great find!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Love it! You know what might look very cool around the “7”, a large white frame. Or even a frame that is one of the colors from your room. Frames are so the “two of you”. ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:56 am

      That would be really fun!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for Natalie MuuriseppNatalie Muurisepp says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:43 am

    On a family renunion vacation. My husband was welcomed by a bobble head barbara bush that i slipped under his covers. He’s a fan of the strong old ladies :)

    What a contrast to his young and useful wife:)

    You will have to light up the 7 for clara’s 7th bday heheh

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:58 am

      That sounds like a fun plan!

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for Sandra TSandra T says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Funniest pics ever = John loving on some 7. Nice surprise, $herdog!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:46 am

    i love this post. i love how excited you are about a big #7, and i love how it looks. a good reminder to look for beauty in the unexpected. i looks great in your office!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for GinaGina says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Love this post! but I need a kitchen update!! Hubby left this am and I am wandering around with a hammer and a glazed look in my eye (might have to read my post on the kitchen one to get that)

    PS 7is very special to me as well I was born 7-7 at 7 o’clock, weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces, on a Sunday (7th day of the week) and was the 7th member of my family.

    Lucky number???

    you guessed it…

    4!! ;-) lol

    Reply
    • Avatar for GinaGina says

      November 8, 2011 at 10:50 am

      I meant my post on the wall knocking out one…see how crazed I am?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:00 am

      Haha- no worries! I’m that crazy too. Rest assured we’ll stop in with details whenever we can. And we should have wall-down pics to share within the next day or two!

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for Erin C.Erin C. says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Sweet! I love how the little details are really making the office come together.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Pam the GoatherdPam the Goatherd says

    November 8, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Lovin’ the 7! I don’t think you should add anything else to that wall except for maybe the frame idea. Anything more would just take away from the awesomeness of the 7.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:08 am

      Oh yes, not to that wall, the one next to it (also above the chair) needs something for balance we think. That’s what we meant!

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    November 8, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Today’s post is brought to us by the number “7.”

    I recently purchased a huge “C” from ACE hardware signage at a flea market/large yardsalish event. I had to carry it around for about an hour. One man yelled out “Today’s yardsale is brought to us by the letter “C”. Great Sesame Street reference.

    http://sothecooksaid.blogspot.com/2011/08/treasuring-hunting.html

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Haha- so much fun! Love that C.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for CindyCindy says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:10 am

      It finally got hung…

      http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhe70Z_NaOM/Tq_xAirMHMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/qWMNfQk63xI/s1600/100_1192.JPG

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:34 am

      Looks awesome!

      xo,
      s

  48. Avatar for TrudeTrude says

    November 8, 2011 at 11:06 am

    It looks so awesome! What a sweet thing to do. You could always shove a string of white Christmas lights in there for holiday decorating and extra light…. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 8, 2011 at 11:08 am

      That could be cute!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for RyanRyan says

    November 8, 2011 at 11:08 am

    LOL the John / seven make-out session! How perfect is the seven’s side color to the yellow in your room stenciling? Awesome.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Angel Y.Angel Y. says

    November 8, 2011 at 11:08 am

    That’s awesome. The 7 would look awesome in my office, I should be on the lookout for sevens.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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