Remember when we mentioned snagging these old iron keys for $8 in an antique store in West Virginia while visiting John’s grandma? Well I finally got around to painting them and hanging them in our hallway frame gallery (see how we made that here). Where did we squeeze them in? Well, see that card stock placeholder key? That was, well, just a placeholder.
I could have easily spray painted them for a quick makeover but since I love to use no-VOC paint whenever I can (especially since I have a huge gallon of white paint around at all times), I opted just to brush on a few coats by hand. It’s the same semi-gloss Olympic Premium No-VOC paint that I always use for trim and doors in off-the-shelf white if you’re wondering.
Then I decided that the spot on the wall with my card stock placeholder key might not accommodate that big ring of keys as well as three separate keys hung in a row, so I used some lady power and a hack saw to cut the iron ring and free each key to hang on its own.
After touching up some of the white paint for a pristine finish I waited for them to dry and used twine from our junk drawer to string up each one at varying heights for a balanced but not perfectly symmetrical result.
In the words of my imaginary BFF Bethenny Frankel (I know she’s not for everyone, but I love her), thar she blows:
I love glancing over at them through the wide doorway in the kitchen…
… and gazing at them as I walk from the front of the house to the back (or vice versa)…
So that’s the newest addition to the big hallway frame gallery. If only we could get our act together and start on the other side of the wall. You can see that in it’s planning stage – all covered in newspaper – here. And in this video, still covered with newspaper. Maybe tomorrow…
Wow, is this post really only 354 words? That might be a record for a chatty kathy like me. I kind of feel like a slacker. But what more can I say about the keys? Painted them, sawed them, twined them, hung them, took a bunch of photos, professed my love for said keys. The end. Wait, I know what this post needs. An on-the-subject haiku:
Little iron keys
I painted you white (surprise)
Wait, no one’s surprised.
Ok, now we’re over 400 words and there’s some poetry going on. Sherry out.
Beth says
I love this blog even more now that I know there is a connection with my reality-TV BFF, Bethenny. She’s freaking hysterical and really very normal, despite her lavish and crazy life. Have you tried the Skinny Girl margarita yet? If not, please run, don’t walk and get yourself a bottle or 2 or 12.
YoungHouseLove says
Haven’t tried it yet. It’s good? I’ve heard mixed reviews. I did love a peek into the bottling plant this week though. I heard she sold SkinnyGirl recently for “an undisclosed amount.” Wahoo Bethenny!
xo,
s
Kath says
You?? Adorable! As are your keys :-)
Thanks for being so inspiring, Sherry!!
Kath :-)
diana says
Love the keys, love the haiku. Love you a lot! (no, don’t be afraid, it’s just that I realized, once more, through a strange email from another celebrity blogger, how sweet and friendly and respectful with your readers and friendly you two/four are!)
Rosa @ flutterflutter says
Loving the whole wall! Great vintage keys!!
Margreet says
Very stylish. Like it.
Just one thing comes to mind, how much time to dust all those frames?
YoungHouseLove says
Good question- haven’t done it yet. Haha. But we owned all these frames already in our old house (they just hung in different places) so I’m thinking it might be faster to run the feather duster over them when they’re all in one place. Ten minutes or less would be my guess!
xo,
s
Richard says
Love the keys; love them white.
I must admit, I am sceptical about the jute cord. Did you play with other materials? I wonder how a white grosgrain or satin ribbon would tie in with the frames?
I guess my brain sees sleeker support systems with those amazing keys. Random thoughts…..All Best!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I played with turquoise ribbon but among all the white frames it felt too “hey everyone, look right here!” – I like how they’re more subtle and layered in there with the rustic twine, so your eye travels over the whole wall and rests on different places and “finds” the keys over time. But ribbon could totally work for someone looking for more of a focal point effect for sure!
xo,
s
Gina Lee says
Hi Sherry…
I LOVE the keys. There’s just something about keys, isn’t there? I don’t know whether you’ll see this message, but I was have a quick question for ya… on your photo wall, is every piece of art you place there of some significance to you? Or do you mix things of significance with things that just look good? Just wondering…
YoungHouseLove says
Almost everything on that wall is sentimental. A photo taken of Clara when she was a week old, an old milk cap we found in the ground outside our old house, the lot sketch of our old house, etc. Of course some things are just pretty so they get stuck in there, but for the most part they’re still associated with someone or something we love. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Hayley says
Love this post! Short and sweet are the best. And poetry was an added bonus.
Stephanie says
OMG…I am Bethenny’s BFF too…it’s amazing how many of us are out here…she is one loved lady!!! Glad to see so many Skinnygirl Friends :)!
Sherry and John…love the blog and love that we’re now BFFs through association :)!
KatelynMiller says
Bethany Frankel is my imaginary BFF too! I feel like we should all have a little more Bethany in our lives :)
Ronda says
I love your blog, and don’t worry…blog posts of less than 400 words are a welcome sight. Honestly sometimes I just scroll and read one sentence per paragraph, I am a busy gal!
I always feel bad when I skim over the words, I have thought of unsubscribing to avoid the guilt, but I love you guys too much!
400 words? Priceless!
Christina says
I love this! I’m a little key obsessed in general…I have tons of key necklaces (I had them even BEFORE they got all trendy and Tiffany started selling them!!). I can’t believe I never thought of this. Plus I love that whole picture wall in general. I wish I had a hallway with wall space to do something like that!
samantha owens says
bethenny is my imaginary BFF too!!! i think it’s definitely time for you, me and her to have our imaginary bff lunch. it’s way overdue.
Kristi-Lee says
I linked to this post on my website here. :) Thank you for the inspiration!
Kristi-Lee, A Blank Page
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link love! And good luck with the finished product!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
I know you guys have a thing for keys – so I instantly thought of yall when I was working on this little project.. Just thought I’d share :)
http://projectjarrett.blogspot.com/2011/06/love-is-master-key.html
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! Love it.
xo,
s
Laura Laiche says
Those exact keys are at Hobby Lobby here… bought them and painted them a lovely beachy shade of turquoise and hung them exactly like you, but in a built in shelf!
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo,
s
JennieD says
Thanks for sharing the different views of ‘gallery walls’ for showing off photos & other miscellaneous items. I’ve been decorating “eclectically” for years and am always on the lookout for something “different” to use, but in good taste. I guess I’ll have to be on the lookout for these type of ‘old skeleton keys’ now too. I actually like the burlap twine you used, it’s more neutral & will work anywhere! In case someone can’t find an actual ‘old’ key ~ “Home Depot” does sell these skeleton keys, only in a brass finish ~ under $2. I’ve actually thought of getting some for decoration in my kitchen. Most of my house is or will be decorated with the “Southwestern” flair with some Native American artifacts. My kitchen is taking on the “country” flair; my hallway bathroom has ‘cat’ decor and the back bathroom is getting the ‘duck,bunny,bird’ decor treatment. Yes, I also frequent the thrift stores in my area too! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s