Every home tells a story, and sometimes, the most charming chapters begin with an unexpected find and a dash of DIY spirit. Our latest kitchen tale features a fantastic faux deer head, a recent acquisition that has found its perfect, pristine white home amidst our culinary adventures. I stumbled upon this gem at a Hobby Lobby sale – you know, one of those magical “all-the-time 50% off” events – and snatched it up for a mere $12. My affinity for faux animals is no secret; it’s a faux-sure thing that if I see one, it’s coming home with me.
From Playroom Purgatory to Kitchen Charm: The “Dude, Get On That Already” Initiative
However, like many great ideas or impulse buys, this majestic creature first embarked on an extended stay in what I affectionately call our “Room of Chaos,” more formally known as the playroom. For over six months, it patiently waited, gathering dust and serving as a silent reminder of my ever-growing DIY backlog. It was during a recent stroll through this room – a room that increasingly resembles a storage unit for half-baked projects and decorative orphans – that I had an epiphany. A firm internal monologue began: “Self,” I declared, “you simply must stop hoarding things in this room. It’s time to use them or lose them!”
This pivotal moment ignited what I’ve playfully dubbed the “Dude, Get On That Already” initiative. The “dude,” in this case, being me. Naturally. This personal challenge aims to systematically declutter and reassess every item languishing in the playroom. Over the next few weeks and months, I’m committed to going through each piece, making a firm decision: will it be used, hung, and genuinely enjoyed, or will it find a new purpose via Craigslist, donation, or a good old-fashioned yard sale? The playroom has become a repository for items for two primary, and highly relatable, reasons:
- **The Hanging Dilemma:** I’m often unsure of the perfect spot to display an item, so it gets relegated to the playroom with the hopeful, yet often unfulfilled, promise of “I’ll get to it later.” Later, regrettably, often turns into never.
- **The Alteration Aspiration:** Many pieces are acquired with grand plans for transformation – a fresh coat of paint, a new stain, or some other creative modification. Again, they end up in the playroom with the vow of “I’ll get to it later,” a vow that, more often than not, remains unbroken.
But no more, dear readers! The era of procrastination is over. I recently plunged into the Room of Chaos, rescued my faux deer head, and began a determined trek around the house, antlers in hand. My mission: to find a place where he could be celebrated and enjoyed, rather than hidden away. After careful consideration and a bit of mental redecorating, the kitchen, specifically the wall next to the refrigerator, emerged as the prime candidate. There was just one snag: the original black color, while undeniably chic, didn’t quite harmonize with the kitchen’s aesthetic. A transformation was clearly in order.
DIY Decor Magic: The Power of White Spray Paint
Armed with a piece of cardboard, some leftover white primer, and a can of spray paint, I ventured outdoors. The goal was to give our new kitchen resident a crisp, clean white finish that would brighten the space and complement its surroundings. Spray paint, for any DIY enthusiast, is a powerful tool for quick and dramatic transformations, breathing new life into forgotten treasures.
If you’ve followed my DIY adventures, you’re likely familiar with my unwavering mantra for spray painting: “thin, thin, thin, and even coats.” This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the golden rule for achieving a professional-looking, drip-free finish. To illustrate this crucial technique, I captured a few in-progress shots, showcasing how each application is merely a fine mist. The key is patience; you absolutely do not aim for full coverage with a single thin coat. In fact, if it takes about three light coats to slowly build up to opaque coverage, you’re doing it perfectly right. Always keep your hand in constant motion, maintaining a consistent distance of 8-10 inches from the surface. This technique prevents paint from accumulating in one spot, which is the primary cause of unsightly drips. No thank you, drippies! Not on my watch.
A pro tip when spray painting intricate items like this faux deer head: pay attention to all angles. After completing the initial coats on the front, I noticed the underside of the antlers still looked quite dark. Knowing this area would be visible once hung, I waited a full day for the front to thoroughly cure. This crucial drying time prevents smudging and ensures a smooth finish. Once cured, I carefully flipped the piece over to give the back and undersides the same “deep tissue massage” of spray paint, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage. This meticulous approach guarantees a flawless look from every perspective.
Choosing the Perfect Hue: White’s Timeless Appeal
Before settling on classic white, John and I briefly entertained a few bolder, crazier color ideas – plum, navy, even a vibrant yellow. While those hues have their own undeniable charm, we ultimately decided that white would offer the most elegant and seamless integration with our existing decor. Our kitchen walls are painted a delightful “grello” (a charming blend of grey and yellow), and the white faux deer head provides a beautiful contrast without competing for attention. Moreover, it perfectly complements the stunning gold mirror in the adjacent laundry room, which is just on the other side of the doorway. The goal was cohesion, not a visual battle, and white achieves this beautifully.
However, this doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my love for vibrant colors entirely! Quite the contrary. I have grand plans for some of the *other* intriguing items still lurking in the playroom. Oh yes, plum, navy, and even more daring shades are definitely on the horizon for future “Dude, Get On That Already” projects. The creative possibilities are endless when you embrace the power of paint and a clear vision.
Please, don’t mind the paint touch-ups that have been patiently awaiting my attention for well over a month. They are on the ever-growing to-do list, which I’ll get to… sometime. Unless, of course, I get sidetracked by another fascinating faux animal crying out for a fresh coat of spray paint. A decorator’s work is never truly done!
Work it, antlers. Work it.
The Art of Secure Hanging: Embracing Wall Anchors
Now, for the practical side of bringing wall decor to life: how exactly did I hang this substantial piece on our paneled walls? The answer, my friends, is a gal’s best friend when it comes to secure mounting: wall anchors. These unassuming little devices are absolute game-changers, especially when you’re hanging something heavier than a feather or if you can’t locate a wall stud exactly where you want your item to go. They provide the necessary stability to ensure your decor stays firmly in place, giving you peace of mind.
Having a well-stocked toolbox is essential for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast, and that includes a variety of wall anchors. Here’s a peek at the box we’ve had for… oh, maybe a year now? It’s fantastic because these particular anchors seem to last forever, which is incredibly convenient. There’s nothing more annoying than being in the middle of a project and having to make an emergency run to the hardware store for a tiny packet of hanging supplies. Boo to that inefficiency!
For those who might be new to the wonderful world of wall anchors, let me break it down. While this might sound like a flashback to a 5th-grade health class lecture on how things work, understanding the basics is key. The anchor itself is typically the plastic (often white) component that expands or grips the wall. The screw, well, you know what a screw looks like! The process is quite simple: first, using a drill, create a small pilot hole in your wall – make sure it’s the correct size for your anchor. Next, gently hammer or firmly push the anchor into this hole until it sits flush with the wall surface. Finally, insert the screw into the anchor and twist it clockwise. As the screw goes in, it causes the anchor to expand, creating a super secure grip within the wall. Just remember to leave a little bit of the screw exposed, about half an inch, so you have something to hang your item on. The anchor itself should be flush with the wall, but the screw needs to protrude enough for the item to rest securely. It’s as simple as A into B, baby!
And that’s it! A secure, simple, and satisfying way to hang virtually anything on your walls, even without the convenience of a stud. This method ensures your decor pieces, whether a lightweight picture frame or a more substantial faux deer head, are displayed safely and beautifully.
Project Completion & The “Dude, Get On That Already” Movement
I have to tell you, the actual hands-on time for this entire transformation, from grabbing the deer head to hanging it, took less than an hour. Drying time doesn’t count, of course, because you’re not actively standing there watching paint dry! This incredibly efficient timeframe includes my little trips in and out for those thin, even coats of spray paint, as well as the entire hanging process once the deer head was fully cured. This quick, satisfying win has filled me with high hopes for my “Dude, Get On That Already” project. It truly proves that even seemingly daunting tasks can be broken down into manageable, enjoyable steps, leading to fantastic results. I might just be able to keep this initiative going, tackling one project at a time and slowly but surely transforming our living spaces.
And, should I ever need a fabulous accessory for a royal wedding or a particularly fancy costume party, this faux deer head makes for an excellent fascinator! Who knew practical decor could also be so whimsically versatile?
So, are you with me on this weird, wonderful, self-imposed challenge? Do you have any items – perhaps a single forgotten piece, or even an entire room full of stuff – that you’ve been putting off? I’d absolutely love for you to tackle it alongside me as I continue this journey! My personal goal is to get to at least one thing a week. With the usual demands of kitchen duties, kid activities, and my passion for books, I’m not entirely sure if I can consistently stick to that pace, but it’s definitely the target I’m aiming for! Let’s inspire each other to turn those “later” projects into “now” accomplishments.
Oh, and one more thing: what should I name this guy? Is it weird to name white faux animals when they don’t have faces? I keep getting the name Malcolm in my head. Thoughts?
An Exciting Sneak Peek: Brightening Our Home!
And speaking of projects, I have a little surprise to share!
My apologies for the rather crazy lighting situation you see (oh, and the ladders and dropcloths!). That’s because we are currently in the midst of getting brand new lighting installed throughout our home! It’s an exciting, albeit temporarily messy, venture. Currently, just one lone floor lamp is illuminating the back corner of our otherwise windowless interior room. This explains why the photographs look a bit like a glowing Katy Perry alien is hiding in the corner – the lighting is definitely… dramatic! But as chaotic as it looks right now, it’s incredible progress. I can’t wait to share all the intricate details about the entire lighting installation process as soon as it’s a wrap. Look out for a full reveal – complete with a sparkling clean space, professionally photographed results, and a detailed write-up – coming your way on Monday!