Sunday, October 21, 2012

Ceramic Owls on the Mantel

See this little guy?
He's been my inspiration for a project that I've had in my head for the last several weeks. Well, actually this little fella has a twin. I knew I wanted to have some white owls on my mantel, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I needed bigger, as these are only about 5 inches tall. Several of you (if you read this, please leave a comment, 'cause I can't remember where I saw them) had spray painted their flea market ceramic owl finds.



So these were the ceramic misfits that I finally located. 
But I wanted a white "Snow Owl" look. 



After a couple of coats of white latex paint...Getting there, but too "modern", and I wanted some definition of their faces.



So I got out the craft paints and gave them a slight gray wash. 
A little paint for the eyes and beak,
and a light coat of spray sealer.
But they needed a little sparkle to get them close to my inspiration.





I think they turned out pretty cute.







Their bigger size makes them show up on the mantel,
 even though they've been "snowed".


I warned you early on that there would be many evolutions of my 
"Fall Mantel". 
I think this will work until after Halloween.
then...
the "Late Fall Mantel".


joining in for these parties:

Party Time at Design Dreams by Anne
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Hope you're having a great Fall weekend,
xoxo,

74 comments:

  1. I love those little owls; they are so sweet! You did a great job painting them!
    Nancy

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  2. Oh my gosh! You and me, Debra! White spray painted owls are the BEST! ( I painted ONE that I found at Marshalls a couple of months ago. I do remember someone else doing it right after that but for the life of me, I can't remember who, either)

    I love your mantle but I came over specifically to tell you that I saw your entire home over at Debbie's today. Wow! It's incredible. From room to lovely room, each with things that I loved and found familiar as well as other things that I know I'd love to do one day.

    Months ago, when we first met, you said something that continues to be true each time I read your posts: (I'm paraphrasing here) "sometimes you come across a blogger who is kindred, someone who has a style that makes you feel at home."

    I've found that in you! Your home is lovely and I look forward to watching your mantel in the coming weeks and months! Have a glorious weekend! xo, Kimberly

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  3. Those are so pretty Debra!... but, I loved the "before misfits" too... maybe because I love owls... and all of God's precious creatures... they look so pretty on your mantel... you are too cute, calling it approaching fall mantel,early fall mantel, mid fall mantel, late fall mantel... is there a winter fall mantel coming?... tee hee hee... I would not blame you... I want Autumn to last and last... xoxo Julie Marie

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  4. Perfect. I love your beautiful florals on either side too!

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  5. I so want to find some owls now! Yours turned out wonderful. Great Job!

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  6. Well Debra. I'm so glad you couldn't find the owls. Yours are so beautiful I think it would be hard to match! Have I ever said "I love your style"? Well, I do! xo's Pam

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  7. Debra. You have done a fantastic paint job on those owls. You would never know that they weren't straight from the artist like that. I will certainly stay tuned for the rest of your Fall mantles..Happy Weekend..Judy

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  8. So whimsical and beautiful! Perfectly fall, I need to find some owls now :) Kelly

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  9. They are so chic. I bet the owl loves his new makeover.

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  10. Your owls are beautiful! Melissa @ The Inspired Room painted her Goodwill owl white- it was cute, too!

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  11. Oh My Gosh those owls came out so cute. You have such a great eye for being able to see a vision of change for things. These really came out nice. Great job.
    Kris

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  12. Debra, my dear-
    Your owls are lovely on your mantle! I love how you changed them from colored to the whitewashed look.

    Just this evening, two owls "lit up" right next to the house.Tag was so surprised that he ran out into the Holidome and barked at them until they flew off. We love hearing the owls, but couldn't help laughing at our protective corgi!

    Happy Sunday to you and yours.
    xoxo
    Donna

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  13. Well, it appears that great minds think alike lol! I picked up a few little ceramic owls a few weeks ago at Goodwill in the hopes of spray painting them white. Still haven't gotten around to doing it, though. Glad I saw yours first, they're way better than what I was going to do! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. Way back in the day when I first started my homemaking............we are talking 18 years old here. Owls were popular at that time.
    I am so glad to see they are really being appreciated once again.
    Your owls are gorgeous! The transformation is beautiful.

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  15. They turned out beautiful, Debra! Your added touches really added the perfect look to them. I did two large owls for my daughter in a white gloss spray paint. Kind of like an Anthropology look and, yes, a bit modern/contemporary looking.

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  16. Well done! Bravo! I love that your mantle transitions. Mine does as well. :)

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  17. It turned out just fab. Love the view in the mirror also. Can't wait to see how you change it up for late Fall. Lovely!!

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  18. They came out PeRfeCt!!! LoVe the White & Sparkles...
    Jeanine Burkhardt

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  19. Debra, what a lovely mantel, makes me crave one even more! The plate just brings a warm Autumn touch to warm the heart! Lori

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  20. So sweet. And it reminds me that my daughter has an owl to put out.

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  21. FANTASTIC! Oh so much better than the originals and I really like that you added the definition to them. They look spectacular on your mantel.

    Have a great day!

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  22. Love your owls, Debra ... they are so cute! And, they're a perfect addition to your beautiful Fall mantel!

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  23. These are so pretty, Debra! You did wonderful job and how you painted the eyes give them a very "wise" look...seriously! I just love your entire mantel!

    XO,
    Jane

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  24. Your owls are darling!!! I have an ugly old green one from the 70's packed away in a box somewhere...I'll have to give this a try!! =)

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  25. Debra, your owls are wonderful. Great job! I like your mantel. I used an owl with pumpkins on our mantel this season too. I really like the snowy owls though! ;-)
    Thanks for sharing........Sarah

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  26. LOVE those owls...gotta go pin!

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  27. I am seeing white owls in decor all over the place.They are really popular right now. Yours turned out very well.
    *Smiles*

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  28. Fall decorating isn't just about Halloween, it's nice to see just Fall ideas. Your owls turned out so cute. Love how you gave them some personality. It's fun just to play with things and change them at will. They don't have to stay the same do they? Can change it again for Thanksgiving if you want. Can express yourself to your hearts content.
    I keep changing things in my displays, take something away, add something differently, to me that's half the fun. I get tired of how something looks so I change it some way.
    Hubs made me an awesome shutter shelf and am I having fun with that, that's my mantel. Keeps me thinking and doing. Happy week to you.
    I'm not a blogger, just a reader, get inspired by all the incredible talent you bloggers have.

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  29. Wonderful transformation! Love the new look and finish you've created for your owls and warm fall mantel display!

    xo Lynda

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  30. That mantle gets transformed in a more lovely way each time. I think you need to write a book. I love the owls. Even I have brandished a can of spray paint this month. I also painted a table. This is what blogging does to ya-right?

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  31. Great makeover for the owls. Your mantle looks beautiful.

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  32. Good Call! I love it. That was such a good idea! :)

    ~Liz

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  33. Love them painted white. They look fabulous on the mantel. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  34. I have passed up several owls at yard sales because of the dated colors on them....not anymore! I love your owls!
    Hugs, Penny

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  35. I am so loving owls this year! Your makeover looks awesome. Thanks for sharing, visiting from Between Naps on the Porch.

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  36. Oh that is such a fantastic transformation! I recently bought quite an ugly little turkey at the thrift store with the intention of painting it. Thank you for the tutorial! I think I can actually make this project work.

    Angela

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  37. These are beautiful, Debra--I like the little bit of grey wash you put on them to bring out their pretty highlight. Your mantel is gorgeous!

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  38. Whoooooo would have guessed they've been appropriated?? LOVE THEM! I've been on the look out for some pheasant sculptures myself. Your owls are divine. What a perfect channel into early winter, too! A little evergreen and leave them up. Clever!

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  39. Oh I love your reworked owls!! The snowy touch is perfect... they'll work well into your late, late fall, early winter, mid winter, Christmas, late winter looks. ;) Scrumptious in an owlish way. Love 'em.

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  40. Hi Debra ~ I'm new to your blog. Found your link through Brenda's Tweak it Tuesday. Your owls (and mantle) are gorgeous! I'm into owls lately (just ask my husband, lol), so I'm loving your new look. Very clever how you painted them. Can't wait to look through the rest of your blog. Hope you will visit over at my blog as well and become a new follower. Oh - I also followed you on Pinterest. :-)

    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  41. The owls came out sooo cute! Just love them! You gave them the perfect personality, gal! Oh...and I love everything you do with your mantle!!! :o)

    Hugs,
    Becky

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  42. Debra, Your owls look so much better with the white paint and other detailing. Your mantel always looks beautiful. I have to hand it to you for changing it so often during one season!
    Mary Alice

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  43. Debra,
    WoW!!! What an amazing transformation, dear friend!!! I adore the new "fresh" look you gave your owls! They are gorgeous on your Fall Mantle!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  44. Your owls are super cute and fun! I so love your mantel and fireplace, Debra.

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  45. I'm partial to owls and yours turned out lovely! Nicely done, Debra!

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  46. Wow! What a difference! You took ugly and made the owls look great! thanks for sharing your process. Beautiful mantel!

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  47. OMGosh Debra! Your paint treatment really transformed the "ugly duckling" owls to beautiful "swans".
    LOL, I know I'm mixing birds, but they're gorgeous! Also, I keep looking at your mantel. It's somewhat like mine,except mine isn't painted. Yours looks so good painted white with the mantel stained.
    Babs

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  48. Hi Debra, Love your owls and especially after your painted them. I did this to my rooster collection too.
    Owls are all the rage now and they look wondeful added to your fall mantel. Such an inviting look.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  49. The owls turned out just as good if not better than the inspiration.

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  50. Debra your owls turned out beautifully!!! Don't you love it when a plan comes together!! They are a perfect compliment to your Fall decor!
    xo,
    Karen

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  51. Taking another look at your pretty owls Debra... they would fit right in with our snow here today too!... they are so beautiful!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  52. Cute owls! You made them look a whole lot better. My daughter has an owl tattoo on her arm so owls always make me think of her. I'd prefer that she not have a tattoo but what's a mother to do? :)

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  53. Well..."hoo" knew these cuties would turn out so great, you "hoo",that's "hoo".
    I think they are perfect.

    I'm stickn' a "pin" 'em.
    saw your #16 @ Debbiedoo's.
    #15
    LoblollyLane

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  54. So cute! I just did the same thing to my set of ceramic owl twins (whom I have now christened Owlexander and Owlbert!) You can see their before and afters here: http://www.aheartfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-tale-of-two-owls.html
    Yours look lovely on your gorgeous fall mantel! I'm soooo close to breaking down and painting my whole bookshelf white... just waiting for the right "push". ;)

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  55. i had a ceramic owl all painted and drying in the garage...I knocked him down on accident and he shattered in many unfixable pieces. I was so sad, and now am again seeing how awesome yours look on the mantle!

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  56. i had a ceramic owl all painted and drying in the garage...I knocked him down on accident and he shattered in many unfixable pieces. I was so sad, and now am again seeing how awesome yours look on the mantle!

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  57. Debra, they didn't just turned out pretty good...they are gorgeous...what a beautiful display as usual....hugs...xo
    Lucy

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  58. Your house is breathtaking, I'd love to see it in person. These owls are fabulous! Thanks for joining the party!
    ♥Linsey

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  59. Debra, you did an amazing job on the cute, little owls. They look absolutely perfect on your mantel. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  60. Yay, I love owls and these look so cute!
    Would love if you came and linked up with us. We’re giving away one free week of ad space for one lucky feature, and our blog gets thousands of hits per day! Hope to see you there!
    http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-4/

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  61. What a great post, the owls turned out stunning...wow!!

    Jan fro the Pin Geranium

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  62. WHAT A NEAT IDEA!!! I hope you don't mind if I steal this. I have tons of owls and some that need a re-do and I can't wait to try this. This may be a stupid quetion but to make them "sparkle" did you use glitter or something else?

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  63. Debra, Thanks so much for sharing your ceramic owls on Simple & Sweet Fridays. I love how you painted them and added the detail. The sparkle was the finishing touch! Love them!

    Jody

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  64. These are adorable Debra! Great job on transforming them!
    Sherry

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  65. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  66. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  67. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  68. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  69. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  70. What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

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  71. Great job with your snow owls! Gives me an idea for mine.

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