Pages

Friday, April 23, 2010

Quick Kitsch Makeover

I purchased this funky plastic frame mounted-deer head on Etsy recently to go with my collection of deer decor. I’ve done makeovers to deer before on my blog, but seriously, can you ever get enough of “before & afters”? I love them! So here’s another one.

I disassembled the pieces.
Painted several coats of white gesso on the head and frame. Gesso works great, or any other very matte white acrylic paint. It gives the piece an alabaster or chalkware look. Spray-paint is good too, but sometimes, especially with white, it just looks, well, spray-painted.I cut two ovals out to go over the back plate, one of vintage wallpaper from The Graphics Fairy, and another out of a water stained French catalog order form.I reassembled the piece trying out both back plates.I could hang it in the bathroom next to the farmhouse-chic cabinet...Or in the living room near my other mounted deer head.But I have a feeling it just may end up out in my studio, we’ll see.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yurg!! This is so delicious!! I've been thinking about setting up a wall o' deer heads ever since your firsts post regarding them, but alas! That which we admire does not always apply to our particular sensibilities.

And, uh, I can't seem to find any ;-)

BUT! I'm thinkin' this one needs to go in the bathroom as a hand towel holder extrodinaire!

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Nicely done...I really like the one with the wallpaper background the best...it's the cottage thing, I can't help it! lol
Smiles, Karen

Amanda at 32˙North said...

That frame is outrageous! Love the way he turned out.

Pretty Things said...

That turned out so well! I love how you have the forward vision for things like this.

Kristine said...

I'm a HUGE fan!..but never posted until now..I'm always amazed with what you do with things I would have passed over..You knock my socks off!!!LOL..;-)

AscenderRisesAbove said...

that is very nice. I can see how a collection would be a lot of fun.

Gail said...

There are simply no words to tell you how much I love this!!! I'm gonna start lookin for deer heads, hey I live in Oregon, can't be too hard, right?
That turned out soooooooo great!!!!

Rebecca Nelson said...

I've never EVER seen a deer head on blogger! :) I LOVE it! FAB!

xoRebecca

laurie -magpie ethel said...

Once again a great, great project! That deer looks much happier in its new state. I need to find me a deer!

Createology said...

This is such a funny collection. I love what you did to class up the dark not so attractive deer. The white looks very chic! Happy collecting...

Karen said...

Wow! I love that! I've been so mad at the deer trying to eat my rose bushes, I didn't think I'd like another deer lol. Prettiest deer I ever saw! Think of something I could hang out by my rosebush now haha. Karen

Stella said...

Reading your blog is like walking into a sweet shop, I want everything! Your house must be a trove of treasures...

Charo said...

Amazing makeover!!! Beautiful

Janet's Creations said...

The deer turned out great, especially with the wallpaper. I love old wallpaper.

I can see it now... bidding wars on ebay... everyone wants plactic deer heads!

alyssa said...

I LOVE this! I have been looking for something similar online that I can makeover, but have yet to find something cheap-ish. Good job!!!

Creative Crafter UK said...

A wonderful makeover. It looks so much better and so stylish. Well done Cathe! I love your ideas and creativity.

Anonymous said...

Hehehe that's awesome!! You're awesome Cathe!! I like both. I really love the vintage wallpaper one in you bathroom but I adore how it looks the catalogue one next to your other mounted deer head.
A big hug!!
Ana

Kristin said...

That is so cool! Good tip on the gesso vs spraypaint, that is good to know!

Unknown said...

Hmmm, my husband came home with an Elk head the other day (which I've bannished to his office at work). Wonder if he would compromise and let me girl it up like this one?? lol

Anonymous said...

OK, I would have taken a pass on the ole' faux deer head but now I see it through your eyes and I likee! Ultimate kitch but fauxfabulous. You are such a trendsetter! Lead us on!

Jennifer said...

I LOVE this! Awesome makeover.

Catherine said...

I NEVER would have thought I'd like anything deer head related, but you've changed my mind. It's LOVE! :)

Elizabeth said...

Great tip on the difference with spray paint, you're so right it doesn't give the right look in all situations. I like your new deer with the other deer!

Raye Marie said...

WOW!!! I love it.

Purrfect Kat said...

this si SOOOOOOOOO COOL!!!!!!

kinuki said...

Me encanta el cambio.Yo tambien los hago de ese tipo.Chao.

Suzanne Cranston said...

it's all about seeing "what could be" w/ and object...you are very good at that! :)
I also really like your newspaper/decopaged deer head in the background of that photo....very inspiring ~

Jen@Notes From the Heartland said...

The deer is so charming now! And I really really really like the flowered paper behind him...such a nice juxtaposition. Great addition to your collection.

Robyn | Add a Pinch said...

Oh, this turned out gorgeous. I love deer and stag decor.

Christine Clemmensen said...

Wauw. Really cool

Mitzi Curi said...

Love the finished version with the blue wallpaper! I wish I could find a supplier of large plastic deer heads....I would go crazy with different colors of spray paint!

sandra said...

so cool! It turned out great!!!

Apron Thrift Girl said...

I love how you turned something kind of dark, if not creepy into something so attractive. I love the one with the floral paper. Gorgeous work Cathy.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

This is adorable and I love the wallpaper print you used! You have started a deer head craze.

Dawn said...

What a hoot! Just goes to show you that anything is perfect with a slap or two of white paint eh? Fun post. I'm still giggling!

Mrs. Limestone said...

I love this - so much fun!!

Susanne said...

I found a link to your site on a Norwegian blog, and I just have to say that I love this deer head, especially in the frame.

I have been looking for a similar head here in Norway without luck. So, if you don’t mind, I might adopt your idea of making one out of paper mache. (If I can find a mould that is :)
Thanks so much for sharing!

molleemac said...

so at first I was all for keeping the head as it was and hanging it on the porch, but then you went and did it. You actually made it even BETTER! Seriously, its a hard choice now...white or original?...Ok I'll go with white. It looks awesome!

Jana said...

I absolutely love it! the lines can really be appreciated when they are all white! I always nearly lose my mind on your site because I want to do everything. I miss your sweet face. {hugs}

dianna said...

LOVE it*!*
(Hubby does too!)

Frugal Home Designs said...

That looks great. Maybe I will tell my hubby he can bring his in from the garage if I can give them a makeover :)

Lei said...

Ok I am so not a fan of animal heads on my wall but this is FABULOUS! Love all the options you presented.

Lori Anderson said...

I love this!!! 'nuff said :)

Little Lovables said...

so gorgeous!! love the gesso idea.

Jacque said...

I love it! I just discovered your blog and I am really enjoying reading all of the great ideas.