Owl Bookends

Every time I finish a new project I kick myself in the head (not literally of course, that would be difficult) for my failure to visually capture the obscene horror known as ‘before pictures’.  I thought I was making headway on this problem but alas, I am just as terrible at remembering to take before pictures as I was when I first started this blog.

With that behind us I can begin to show my latest project--which you can reasonably infer is lacking before photos.  I apologize.  However, I am sparing you quite the ugly sight.  Unfortunately you can’t truly appreciate the transformation.

Ok, so for any slightly older folks (or those that have grandparents) remember those awfully lovely ceramic owls that seemed to be purged from every corner back in the 70s?  Yes. Those ones.  I have witnessed the owl monstrosity, owl lamps, owl paintings, owl figurines, owl clocks, and owl pillows.  These weren’t the cute owls you see today either.  No, these owls closely resembled the real thing and surely frightened a many in their hopeless attempts to reach the bathroom unharmed in the middle of the night.

Well, recently I was visiting a cute local store that refurbishes vintage finds.  I saw a lovely owl lamp completely white.  It was beautiful, so sleek and chic.   Then I came to the realization of its true beginnings.  The storeowner confirmed my suspicions.  Folks, I have found something for you to do with all those ceramic owls (or other fauna) that have accumulated in thrift stores--or worse--your own basement.

And finally, while at a new-to-me local consignment shop I happened upon two ugly owl bookends.  (Enter imaginary before shot)  I’m sure you can picture them without my visual aid.  Think browns, oranges, and a little green.  Very 70s. 

They came home with me and were to be painted white almost immediately--operative word being almost.  I got to them a number of weeks ago and am just now posting what is long overdue.  I hope you enjoy them.  I may also decide to sell them on my etsy shop.

Now we can freely say: “Long live the ceramic Owl!” 

Ok, maybe not quite, but he can stick around for the next decade or so.