One of the things our publisher does is have each of their authors create a short video about their book. A movie trailer of sorts – but for a book.
Artisan suggested we hire a little film/editing crew to do it, but like true DIYers we took it as a fun challenge to see how much we could do ourselves. So we came up with an outline, wrote a little script, hired a local video genius to shoot it for us (who also happens to be our brother in law) and edited it ourselves in Final Cut Pro back in March. And now that we’re two months away from the official book release date (Nov 6th, aka Election Day) we’re finally allowed to share it! Wahoo.
We had to finish the video so early because our publisher needed it for a spring sales conference in March, so as soon as we got back from Hawaii the pressure was on (see how bare the trees are in this pic?). Thankfully all of the projects were already finished for when we shot all of the book photography over three weeks at our house in February, so one day of shooting video and setting up little impromptu vignettes wasn’t too tricky. It was actually really fun.
The funniest thing is that we handed in our outline for all of the projects in the book about a year before this video was shot, so finally seeing the projects in real life in a polished format like this (since it was well before we saw any final book proofs) was kind of surreal. I guess it’s akin to baking a cake for a year or two and finally getting to taste it.
The weirdest part by far was recording our nerdy little voice over (while sitting in a closet using our iPhones) and layering that in there. Allow us to share this reenactment so you can picture it (Burger was playing the role of “Supervisor”):
And for those of you at work who can’t watch videos, here are a few still shots (there are a lot more sneak peeks of various projects in the video though):
We’re so relieved to finally be able to reveal some of the projects in the book – even if it’s only a small portion for now. Thankfully in less than two months the book will be out (you can pre order it here) so all those kitties will be out of the bag. Can’t wait! Free the kitties!
Have you guys ever written a video script and attempted to make a somewhat polished little YouTube ditty? It’s kinda fun, right? The clothesline concept was all John’s – and we love how it allowed us to squeeze in a few bonus project peeks. I’d say previewing 15 projects in a little over a minute is pretty speedy, indeed. You know we like to cram stuff in there (slash are terrible secret keepers). Woot!
Stephanie says
Love the video! You guys did great! That coming from someone that shoots video and edits on final cut every day for a living:-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Stephanie! I just read your comment out loud to John and he’s beaming.
xo
s
Lindsey says
How come I’m the only one that can’t see the video. I can see all the other ones you post. :(
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! It’s on Artisan’s stream, so maybe that’s why? Maybe your office blocks it since it knows it’s not work-related somehow? Here’s a direct link to it on their site if that helps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MpJzM3FrOKo
xo
s
Lindsey says
Weird, I can’t view it there either. :( I’ll try again later. I bet it’s as amazing and adorable as everyone is saying it is. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man! So sorry Lindsey! Maybe try from home or a different computer in case their site is blocked for some reason?
xo
s
Lindsey says
It finally worked for me! So cute. I cannot wait to have that book in my hands!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad!
xo
s
Tim from PH says
Hello from Philippines!
I’m a fan of your family and your DIY journeys. I’m a constant visitor and I just can’t keep myself from visiting even at my busiest days. I’m close to tears watching your ‘trailer’ video. I hope I can get your book too.
You really are the King and Queen of DIY-ing! Kudos!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Tim! You’re so sweet! Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading our blog :)
xo
s
Kim W Rily says
PSHH, Virginia all the way! :)
I don’t usually buy books. I usually hit the library. But this one is on pre-order for me!
Looks cute. I don’t know what I’m more envious of/excited about, the blog or the book. You guys are lucky and blessed and loving and inventive and I think we all are drawn to that.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kim!
xo
s
Isabelle says
I loved your video and I can’t wait for your book. PLEASE COME TO SAN FRANCISCO (or close by!) on your tour!!!
Isabelle says
I just pre-ordered :-) One question…(which I’m sure you’ve answered before…but I must have missed it!) Why does it only show Sherry as the author?
YoungHouseLove says
It does? Weird! What site is that on? In most places it lists us both in a row.
xo
s
Lindsay says
You guys are adorable. I LOVE that gradient dresser! Must copy immediately (or wait til November – I hope there’s a tutorial!).
Jill says
Wow – I was actually having a horrible day and your video cuteness + my excitement about the book helped to make things seem so much better! Many congrats guys – you deserve every ounce of success you’re receiving :) :)
FYI – I think the only books I’ve pre-ordered EVER are the Final Harry Potter and yours ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, I love that! We’re hanging out with the Hogwarts crew.
xo
s
Samantha says
That video was TOO CUTE! I cant wait to get my copy of the book, pre-ordered of course!
leanne says
I am soooo excited for November! can’t wait until your book is released! You guys did a great job on the video!
J says
Love it so much!!! I’ve already preordered and can’t wait to get the book and to hopefully see you on the book tour! Gaaahhhh! Love it!!! Meow for the kitties!
Krista says
EEEEEEKS! I pre-ordered your book the first day it was available on Amazon and have been pining after it ever since. I wish I could say that this video helped but I think it just made me drool ;)
So very excited for you guys!
Maureen says
Maybe you have said this before, but when will the auction be? I am really so excited for this book, and am equally as excited that it matches my living room colors! lol
Also looking forward to your tour! I know you will be coming to NY/NJ area, so I will totally be there!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re still working out those details, but we think it’ll be local just because it was very hard to work out how heavy large items like dressers and desks would be shipped across the country (shipping would have been crazy, and we want to make money for our charity).
xo
s
kathy says
Congrats! I love the video. I was excited to see Burger in the video but where was Clara?
Sherry, when you mean local, does Northern Virginia count as local??
YoungHouseLove says
If you drive down to the event, then yes :)
xo
s
Elizabeth says
I love it! I can’t wait for this book and y’all are adorable. You really are an inspiration and I can’t wait to see all of your new ideas. SO impressed!
Karen says
I LOVE the video trailer!!! Now I really can’t wait for the book to come out :-)
Ivette says
I must admit I was looking for yesterdays video on youtube and saw it. Awesome job, and so professional! So excited to see all the projects and Super excited for you guys, I’ve followed along since the old house, and feel like you are part of my daily routine.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ivette! So funny how some of you guys found it yesterday by accident!
xo
s
Kirsten says
Yeah! The video was so fun and the project ideas look great. I pre-ordered the book awhile ago and I am definitely going to be like a little kid on Christmas when it arrives in the mail! So exciting…
Anna says
Ordered the book as soon as you mentioned “pre-order” a few weeks ago=) Very excited! The dresser is awesome by the way.
kyle says
HAHAHA free the kitties! This is AWESOME!! LOVE!!!! You guys are too cute.
Kerry says
I can’t wait! Pretty sure my pre-order was in the moment you announced! Hoping you swing by my city so I can meet you guys on the book tour!
Monica Crowder says
Wow! I am more excited now than before. Cant wait to get my book on the mail. Ordering it Friday on payday! I have turned into a DIY crazy women. At least that is what my hubby tells me.
Beth W. says
Oh my god, guys, you are so adorable. I have to admit, that video made me a little giddy. I CANNOT wait until November! Now I have two reasons to look forward to election day (YOUR BOOK and we won’t have to watch ridiculous amounts of campaign commercials anymore- living in a purple state really stinks sometimes, huh?).
I LOVED the part at the end with your state art and the kiss- so flipping cute. I’m going to have to side with John on this one though. Sorry Sherry. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, darn you Beth! Who’s on Jersey’s side? Anyone? Haha.
xo
s
Cynthia says
You guys are AWESOME!!! the cutest couple in the world I swear! I can’t wait for the book to come out I pre ordered the day it was avaliable, Its going to be a long wait.
Heather says
SO AWESOME!! I can’t wait for it to come out! Are you all planning to come to Orlando?! There is some really awesome antique/thrift stores that you guys need to check out!!
Heather says
I meant for your book tour ;)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to! Will keep you guys posted as soon as everything is finalized!
xo
s
Christina says
agghhhh – so exciting! The video is adorable! Love the personal parts of it, your voices in it, and the sneak peeks! Can’t. wait. 6. more. weeks!! Need it NOW! :)
So happy for you guys – congrats!
and can’t wait to have my copy signed in person when you come to visit the Bowers on tour – hint, hint! :)
Wrenaria says
Great video! You two are super adorable. Looking forward to your book.
Natalie says
Love it!! Can’t wait for the book to come out!
Paige says
Oh my goodness, y’all are sooo adorable! I was already excited, but now I officially can’t wait for my copy of the book! :)
Ami @ Parsnips and Pears says
looks great!! can’t wait to check out the book!!
tara says
ahhhh the video is so “you guys” !!! just adorable! that ombre dresser is calling my name. congrats on letting a few kitties out of the bag – can’t wait til we can snuggle ALL the kitties november 6th:)
Koliti says
You have totally captured your upbeat, fun, loving, creative, and happy spirits in your video!
Your style shines through in all that you do!
(can’t imagine how many bacon-bits Burger is hitting you up for as payment for his cameo)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, he’s a spoiled little man!
xo
s
Jill says
Love this… I continue to be inspired by your family! Great job!
Amber says
Uuumm, let me just say that was ADORABLE! I was grinning like a fool by the end. You two are so cute. I literally just shared the amazon link to your book on my fb page to my family, you know, in case they get stumped on what to get me for my birthday. He he. CAN. NOT. WAIT. To get my hands on your book! Congrats guys on such a wonderful accomplishment, I know it will be a smashing success!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amber!
xo
s
Dani says
SO CUTE! I love you guys and I don’t even really know you guys. I’m so excited for your book!!!
Emma says
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Heather says
Just ordered my copy!!!
Dawn says
Good job, guys!
Jessica @ The Desert Abode says
What a sweet video. :) Can’t wait for the book!
Beth @ BandBBuildaLife.com says
Awwwwww! Your state art vignette sure shows the LOVE in YHL – and gawsh you two are adorable! I’m absolutely giddy now for the book to arrive! Congratulations you two!
Katie says
Awe this is too cute! I can’t wait for it to come out!
heather says
You two are so darn cute. That was an honestly adorable video. I wasn’t planning on getting the book anytime soon (like I need more ideas to go “Andy look!”) but now I kind of want it….
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Heather!
xo
s
Designologyinteriors.blogspot.com says
You guys are too cute!!! Seriously. Every girl in my life is getting a copy of that book for Christmas. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much!!!
xo
s
Marie says
Just curious, you said you found the dresser at a thrift. Was it at a local one in Richmond? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, it was Love of Jesus, one of my favorites! So many book items that we made over came from there!
xo
s
Cait says
I am SOOO excited for the book!! I desperately wish it was here just a liiiiittle sooner, like, now. My husband and I JUST moved into our first home (in Richmond!) last weekend and I am so anxious to start decorating! A lot of my inspiration and ideas comes from reading your site. I feel slightly overwhelmed by the task, but also really excited to begin. Thanks to you all, I recognize that it doesn’t have to be all done right away, it takes time to get your home the way you want it, and even mistakes too!
Thanks for sharing with us readers. :) Very excited for you.
Cait
Kathie G says
I literally snorted laughing – “Free the kitties!” :) Can’t wait for the book to arrive!
Lauren says
I am just SO happy for you guys! You deserve all the success in the world. love love
Kim says
Ahhh so excited for you guys!
I hope when the checks start rolling in from your uber successful book, you guys take an AWESOMELY HUGE adventure. You totally deserve it. :)
Corie says
Holy crap! (Oh no, are we allowed to say crap here? Because now I’ve said it twice. Crap. ;))
I was pretty excited about the book before but now I’m positively GIDDY!!!! Add some more exclamation points — !!!!
Bonus: You two are just too flippin’ cute.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, crap is totally allowed. Sometimes you just gotta let the crap fly.
xo
s
Heidi P. says
OhmygoshImsoexcited! I’ve only read the first paragraph but I just had to say “AAH! A trailer for the book?!! SOOO EXCITING!!”
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahh, thanks Heidi!
xo
s
Heidi P. says
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOOO CUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Heidi!
xo
s
Julie (from Pocketful of Joules) says
Oh my gosh, sooo cute you guys! I totally want to move somewhere that allows polygamy and marry you both right now!
And I’m totally pre-ordering the book as a birthday present to myself. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Let’s do it. Let’s all get married and DIY a giant house together…
xo
s
hillary says
I see I am not the first to say, “HOW CUTE ARE YOU GUYS?!?!?!” The sneaky-peeky projects look fantastic too.