Young House Love

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A Series Of Unfortunate Events

First there was a fortunate event. We found a giant piece of art in a pretty wood frame selling for $20 at a yard sale in our neighborhood. And when I say giant, I mean giant. It’s over 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall. The only issue with it was there was a small dent in the frame, which is totally not a big deal for us, so we went for it.

Cracked Painting

John wasn’t really a huge fan of the painting itself, but we figured you couldn’t even get a canvas this big and build a wood frame around it for $20, so it was a good deal if only for the “base” that it gave us (we could always paint over the artwork or place a large print over it, etc). And in the meantime, while we figured out what we wanted to frame/paint on top, I thought I would just lean it up on the back of the buffet to see how the scale looked since we were thinking about hanging it there. But before I could say crapIshouldbemorecareful I had somehow managed to knock the glass based lamp off the left side of the buffet while leaning the hulking new piece of art there.

Lamp Broken 1

Thank goodness Clara was sitting in her yellow highchair at the dining table eating (no worries about her bare feet and the glass) but we were having a random power outage (it only lasted about an hour) so that meant I had to sweep and sweep and sweep until I was sure all the glass was gone since I couldn’t vacuum that corner just to be sure until the power came back on. So that’s two unfortunate events going on (broken lamp + power outage). Not the end of the world, but… #Bummers.

Broken Lamp2

Bet you didn’t see this coming…

Second Lamp Issue1

Seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up. The picture that had been leaning just fine against the wall for about thirty minutes while I cleaned up the broken lamp suddenly shifted, sending the other lamp flying over the edge along with the art itself, our bowl of postcards, and my little resin pineapple.

But somewhat miraculously, the cord for the lamp was juuuust short enough to keep it from shattering everywhere. #Luckylittlelamp

Second Lamp Issue2

As you can see from the picture above the last one, a few small pineapple points broke off in the fall, but thankfully it’s not noticeable. And the art (which doesn’t have a glass pane, just a wood frame around the perimeter) and the ceramic bowl full of postcards weren’t harmed in the fall. Whew. #CanThingsPleaseStopJumpingOffThisBuffet?

Around this time John came home from an errand he was running so I got to tell him about all the chaos he had missed. Thankfully the power was back on at this point so I vacuumed the corner while John used a heavy duty anchor to hang our jumpy little painting once and for all. Seemed like the only surefire way to get him under control (the painting, not John).

Hanging Painting

Then I let out more than a few sighs of relief. It’s not necessarily art we would have picked out in a store for $300, but for $20 from a yard sale it definitely works for now. And we’d love to use it as a backdrop for a print that’s more our speed someday – or even paint over it to see if we can whip up something more “us” eventually. Until then, I’m just happy he’s staying. on. the. friggin. wall.

Entryway Corner

So perhaps I jinxed that poor glass lamp when I mentioned that we had him for over five years in this post (they were actually from our wedding registry) but somebody was looking out for his twin brother.

Entryway Vertical

Thankfully all of the items on the buffet are just there on a “for now” basis, since we’re just working with things we already have. But someday I’d love to upgrade to two matching lamps that feel a little more special (maybe with sculptural bases like the artichoke ones in the bedroom, or a fun bold colored shade). You know we’ll keep you posted!

Art Wall Side Shot

I still kind of can’t believe that the frame somehow jumped over the faux coral and the ceramic leaf dish and only managed to topple the bowl and the lamp (neither of which broke). Maybe there were some fortunate events worked in there with the unfortunate ones.

Art Detail

And for anyone wondering where Clara was while I shot the after pics, I’ll give you a hint:

Wheres Waldo Clara

Yup, the girl likes to run through my shots. Sometimes while holding “her” iPad. Kids!

Any fortunate or unfortunate events going on at your house? Did you see the third unfortunate event coming after I shared those first two? I didn’t. That’s for sure. Scared the bejeesus out of me. Although I gotta admit Clara was some good comic relief. She totally shouted “oh no, it fall down!” from her high chair. And then she went on to mutter something about “the picture fell down and hurt the head.” Pretty cute…

Comments

  6. Lane says

    I once bought this vintage german goosedown comforter from an estate sale. I washed it and the first night I used it I had the worst nightmare. I woke up and ripped that sucker off me so fast and threw it in my closet. The next day I pulled it out and had a little heart to heart with it and from that day forward I slept well under my comforter. Your buffet is haunted. Or not. It’s just letting you know who’s boss. Tell it that you are very happy to have it in your home and ask it to please stop breaking things. ;)

    Reply

  7. John says

    All tied one to one, first John’s accident with the dog and now this. Perhaps Clara should be in charge.

    Reply

  8. Cheryl says

    Glad no one was hurt with all the falling and breakage going on! How did you keep Burger out of the glass on the floor?

    The new art is a great size for that location and a fantastic price. I’m kind of with John about the art itself – it’s not horrid but it doesn’t really do much for me. I think some of my problem with it is that there isn’t much definition between the art & the wall – the artwork colors sort of blend with the wall color. Maybe if the wooden part of the frame was darker (either black or your favorite ORB) it would help.

    Reply

  9. kerry says

    Theres an easy to answer to this painting falling. It was originaly from room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. Explains everything, if your floor feels a tad wet later, it’ll confirm such suspicions.

    Reply

  12. ono says

    Whew, I thought it was just us that crazy stuff like that happened too :) I totally got up last night at 1:40 am, during that insane downpour, to make sure our house wasn’t leaking…because it wouldn’t have surprised me at all. Luckily no leaks, this time :)

    Reply

  13. lindsay says

    Next time you consider bringing home something that is already injured like that, think about how it might have gotten hurt. Does not play well with others? Hmm.

    Reply

  14. Sandy says

    If you want the painting to be more abstract and less “literal” why dont you hang it upside down? I have done that before, and it is a really cool effect.

    Reply

  15. Sue says

    Bummer about your mishaps, but it made for a good read! And reminds us not to be too attached to “stuff”, right?

    As for your frame, if it’s really just a dent in the wood frame (and not a missing chunk), dab the area with a really wet cloth until the whole dent is very saturated. As it dries, the wood grain will absorb the water and expand back to it’s original pre-dent shape. It’s not perfect, but diminishes the size of a dent really well. I’ve done this on dented wood floors. Sometimes takes a few applications, but it helps!

    Reply

  16. georgia says

    I had a huge canvas fall off the wall for N-O reason once, it had been in said spot for years, one day it fell off, smashed my cute ikea side table and scared us and the dogs half to death in the process! haha

    I actually quite like the one lamp look, it brings out the pop of yellow in the urn :)

    x

    Reply

  17. Amy says

    I am reading this in my office, laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes. Everyone probably thinks I’m crazy. Glad the other lamp survived and the painting is happy to stay on the wall!

    Reply

  18. Sherry from BC says

    Rats….I hate breaking things. Haven’t broken anything lately but totally sympathize. I love the size of the painting and it works for now but I am not sure about the shade of the outer frame. I think it should be white or darker but that is just me. Certainly is a fantastic deal for that size of canvas. I am putting my money on you doing a repaint job with a bit more zip and individual style.

    Reply

  19. Eve says

    Oh no! Poor lamp. :( I hate when something special gets broken. But maybe it does have a silver lining? I agree with the others who’ve said they like the one-lamp-look.

    And I like the art, too, but some linear black sharpie action over the top might be fun… typography or something, maybe sort of like Urban Outfitters recent ad campaigns to give it a little funk?

    Reply

  20. The Distressed Mother says

    I was injured at work – two herniated discs. Then while doing the school run, which I don’t usually have to do as I work at the kids school, I ran into the back of another car.

    I was quite shaken up. Then I started to worry what the third thing would be as everything comes in threes. My bf proposed to me! So the third thing ended up being a good one!

    TDM xxx

    Reply

  22. Jordan says

    So fun to keep up on your great ideas and progress…..Any ideas of where that beatiful bee art will land?? (i believe it was a gift from you to John) Would you consider it about the dining room buffet??

    Reply

  23. Rosie says

    Oh dear! I hope your luck improves!

    When you first posted your new entryway with the buffet table and lamps, I thought to myself “I would definitely accidentally break those lovely lamps on the end somehow” because I’m really clumsy.

    I’m sorry your painting is clumsy too! Clearly it just needed some structure… a nail or a screw :D

    Reply

  24. tracie says

    Have you guys ever thought about museum paste? I started using it after my favorite vase in the world fell (for no reason). It doesn’t mess with the either the breakable object or the surface. It could also protect from the one moment in Clara’s childhood when she goes from docile to crazy adventure monkey.

    As far as accidents…we were repairing a window this morning and my husband’s hand went through it. Whoops. Twelve stitches later…I thought of you as I cleaned broken glass from every crevice of our bathroom!

    Reply

  25. Christy Niebaum says

    That bowl on the dining room table reminds me of the crown from “Game of Thrones”. Amirite?

    Reply

  26. Teri says

    I have days when it seems like everything I touch breaks, falls, spills, etc. So frustrating! I actually like the painting, but I love the ocean, it’s my go to place for peaceful relaxation.

    Reply

  28. molly says

    this is about how all my diy projects go with several ending in hospital visits (not many people can manage to get stiches from changing out a poster in a frame, but it happened). you two still inspire me and i am about to paint a bathroom!

    Reply

  29. Keri says

    This comes at an interesting time – I’ve been shopping for a lamp to go on a kid-height side table. The only lamps I like are glass, but I’m too nervous to buy one. I’ve joked that I will be the one to knock it over, not my kids, so I’m glad I’m not the only one (although you can blame your frame) :)

    Reply

  30. Katie O'Keefe says

    So sorry about your unfortunate events, but the art looks great! And I can’t believe it was $20 at a garage sale, I need go to more of those! Have a great week :)

    Reply

  32. Donita says

    Sorry about all the mishaps. That picture looks amazing with the colors in your dining room. At least for now it looks good. I would not have purchased it either, but WOW it sure goes well in there. Who cares if you never take the covers off your chairs. That is your choice. You have a toddler, I would keep them covered too. They look awesome painted!!! :-) Love you blog so much. I check daily for posts. :-)

    Reply

  34. Georgia says

    I was recently hammering in a hook on one wall which made the painting on the other wall jump off and knock my glass bowl (thankfully only a cheapie from home goods, but a goodie) onto the floor to smash into a gazillion pieces,

    Reply

  35. Jessica says

    This is exactly the kind of thing that happens to me all the time. Something that should be so simple – like seeing how a picture looks in a certain location – turns into a giant ordeal.

    Reply

  36. Lindsey says

    So my unfortunate event for the day was minding my own business, just trying to catch up on some YHL,(with a bowl of food in my hand obviously) when my hand spazzed and I dumped my taco soup all over my laptop…literally while I was reading of yalls incidents! Pretty good irony there!

    Reply

  37. Paula Miller says

    Okay you MADE MY NIGHT! When you said, “oh crap I should be more careful” that made my night. I even had to repeat it to my 16 year-old son. How many times have I been gung-ho about a project and ruined several things in the process… many times. Thank you for VALIDATING my crazy over-zealous DIY nature. One thing I haven’t read in your blog that I have discussed with my decorating friends is the SUPER-HUMAN STRENGTH one gets when you decide to move furniture. Has that happened to you guys?
    Thanks for keeping me entertained.
    Paula

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I swear I could lift up a car if it meant I got to redecorate around it! Haha. John used to leave for work and come home and I had literally moved every piece of furniture we owned. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  38. BrassyDel says

    $herdog, you seem to be getting more into painting art instead of walls (do I recall correctly that you have an art degree, too?), so have you tried DickBlick for art supplies? A 2ft by 3ft canvas is $13.45 in their budget self-branded line. I used them in college and they worked out great! They sometimes also run uber cheap sales on them. Anyway, I NEVER buy canvas at craft stores anymore, so I thought I should share.

    Reply

  40. Jeanne says

    Oh noes…sorry it happened. The good news is you’re done. Things happen in 3s, so you’re set… for the day, for the week…not sure, but you have a break for now. hahaha

    Reply

  41. Chelsea Asermely says

    Right after reading this post I went to move my glass-top coffee table to make room for my workout video… and I scooted the top just a hair too much and bam, huge chip off the end when it smashed into the metal frame below. I JUST BOUGHT IT TODAY. Obviously this is not your fault… but to console myself in the meantime, I’m telling myself it is ;)

    Reply

  43. Rebecca @This Nest is Best says

    I’ve found that a slice of bread is fantastic to clean up glass shards. Makes a huge mess of crumbs so you still have to use the vacuum, but it picks up the glass dust wonderfully.

    Our series of unfortunate events is really a series of unfortunates skunks that we’re trying to (humanely) get out of our backyard. UGH.

    Reply

  44. Sarah in VA says

    Did we have more earthquakes in VA today?! ;) j/k I randomly fell walking across a parking lot with my takeout dinner spilling my husband’s drink all over me. Then on the drive home my drink fell over 3 different times. I’m not the most coordinated person, but this was over the top even for me. My husband got home at the same time and found me in my car in the driveway laughing uncontrollably. He looked at the mess and just smiled. :) Fortunately our dinner was fine!

    Reply

  45. Liz says

    OK, so it totally sucks that your lamp broke. And it’s kinda strange that the picture fell/jumped too…but the funniest part of your whole story is that you are so now ingrained in the Twitter mind, that you write hash tags in your normal blog entries! #HaHaHa. I find myself writing them in text messages! Love it! Hope some are in your book! #CantWaitForYourBookToComeOut #NeedAnAutographedCopy

    Reply

  46. Joy says

    Oh goodness.. I so can relate… but it was my on my fireplace mantle.. I put a picture up on the mantle… for some reason it slid and I was standing across the room and watched it in slow motion as I screamed… lol . it knocked off my glassy baby.. I dont know if you know what those are.. but they are glass candle holder and it was beautiful… WAS .. could it hit the carpet NO… it hit the tile in front of the fireplace :(

    I do like the picture even if it isnt your taste right now it is cool.

    Reply

  47. Suzanne says

    I thought the greyhound broke ages ago! Is this his long lost brother?
    Your entry/dining room look wonderful, even without the second lamp. :)

    Reply

  48. Kate says

    This post couldn’t have come at a better time…I was at petsmart on Sunday and found a super cute ceramic food dish shaped as a carrot (we have its friend, the matching lettuce-shaped dish, for our guinea pigs). I bought it, came home, unloaded the trunk, and thought to myself, ‘I can carry all these bags in one trip!’. Wrong. One bag fell and of course it contained the carrot dish….now in 50 pieces. I was so sad! It sounds silly now because its replaceable, and it’s just a ‘thing’. It happens to all of us and we can move on! :)

    Reply

  49. KarenH. says

    Picture: “I did not knock the lamp over. I was framed.”

    (bah-dum-bump)

    In my family, we speak VERY respectfully of St. Joseph Who was, among other thing, the patron saint of carpenters and engineers. We’re Methodist, btw, but that didn’t stop our eery event one night. Mom, Dad, some family firends and I were up drinking wine and chatting and giggling over some house DIY project or other and someone said something about st. joseph. And we giggled and laughed and carried the point just a little further. Until the most horrible, crashing sound I’ve ever heard.

    We ran to the finished basement, where my dad had a bar, with a wall of shelves (shelving boards affixed to metal brackets affixed to the wall. To studs in the walls, because when I was a tiny girl, my dad was a carpenter by trade). On these shelves where my parents’ massive collection of glass beer glasses and wine glasses and mugs from their years stationed in Germany. The shelves had collapsed, sending the entire glass collection to the floor.

    We don’t joke about st. Joseph any more :)

    Reply

  50. Jessica says

    Oh man, my heart broke when I saw the lamp in pieces on the floor! Not because I love those lamps (I like them) but mostly because you wrote about how they were a wedding gift in your last post. Which brings me to a question: Do you guys ever get sentimental over home decor stuff?

    Like, my mom gave me a vase a couple years ago because I mentioned that I wanted to try a blue & yellow color scheme in my kitchen. I love that she gave me the vase & thought of me when she bought it, yadda yadda yadda… But it is the ugliest vase ever invented! It looks like a part of the female anatomy (a part I don’t want to look at every time I walk into my kitchen!) but I’m having the hardest time sending it to goodwill. I keep thinking that my mom won’t be around forever & maybe one day I’ll wish I still had it…

    Luckily I’m only this conflicted over one vase & not a household full of junk (I’m a very good purger). But I do find that it’s a constant struggle to not let myself get attached to things I don’t love just because someone I love gave it to me. (Totally learning my lesson from this dang vase.)

    Anyways, I’d be really interested to hear if you guys have ever had a hard time getting rid of something because it was sentimental. Or if there are any item(s) in your home that you love a little extra because of the story behind it/them.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I’d say that there are tons of things that have meaning/are sentimental to us and we try a bunch of things:

      – to photograph them and frame that image
      – to frame the item itself (be it a key, a fortune cookie fortune, a drawing my dad made, etc)
      – to use the item functionally if it’s a piece of furniture that we like (ex: John’s parents’ dresser in our room)
      – to alter the item visually if it’s not our thing (ex: refinishing or painting something so it still has memories AND works in our house)

      Of course that’s a general list, but there are always exceptions to those rules. In the end I think we try to surround ourselves with things that make us smile, so if there’s something that does that, we try to work it in. But if we’re holding onto something out of guilt, we try to get creative and either alter it or pass it along to another relative who might think it’s more their style so we don’t have anything in our house out of guilt/obligation. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

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