This week’s first quick project for my self-imposed “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge is tiny—but it’s not about animals, so that’s a change of pace. It started with a fifty-cent wooden box I found at Goodwill a few months ago. I tucked it into the playroom and promptly forgot about it, until I dug it back up for this little refresh. Here’s the one before shot I took when it briefly had blue spray paint on it before I changed my mind…
I didn’t paint it gray either—that was just primer.
In the end I painted it yellow.
I had a bit of the same yellow left over from a previous horse head bookend makeover, and I thought the bright color would be a cheerful little accent.
I actually bought this box because it filled a practical need. Every night when I flop onto the sofa, I immediately take off my watch, earrings, and any other jewelry so I can relax, write, or watch TV without fussing. Without a dedicated spot, I’d leave those items on the arm of the sofa, a stack of books, or the ottoman. Then Clara would inevitably find them—under the sofa or jammed into the cushions. Having a small, pretty box gives my jewelry a predictable home so I can find things the next day.
Now it lives on the ottoman (or sometimes on the console table). It’s not for long-term storage—I keep a jewelry tray in the bedroom for that—but it’s perfect for the pieces I wear during the day. If I want to put something on tomorrow, I know exactly where to look.
My other little “Dude, Get On That Already” project, of course, involves an animal. Surprise, surprise. This isn’t a true before photo, because when I found this small wooden creature at Goodwill last fall he was orange with brown spots and cost ten cents. I thought he might be fun for Clara—and honestly, he’s fun for me too. A while back I gave him a quick coat of white primer and then tossed him into the playroom’s ever-growing animal pile.
Since this mini challenge has been pushing me to actually finish simple projects, I embraced the silly impulse and painted him gold—using inexpensive craft paint in Antique Gold. He’s a tiny gilded touch that makes me smile.
Clara likes him as much as I do. For now he sits on the living room desk so I can see him from the sofa, though sometimes he gets brought down to play. He’s too dapper to be stuffed into her toy bin at night, so he returns to the desk before bedtime—until, of course, he springs to life and joins his animal friends Toy Story–style. Would that really happen? Maybe. It’s our house, so I’ll happily pretend it does.
Little projects like these help clear out the playroom one tiny piece at a time so we can actually enjoy the things we own. They’re also an excuse to give small objects personality and purpose, which makes the entire corner of the living room feel nicer. Of course, making one thrifted animal look great means I now want a gilded creature on every surface, but at least the impulse is inexpensive compared to other vices—cars or designer shoes, for instance.
What have you been tackling lately? Sometimes a quick, low-effort update—fresh paint, new placement, a small decorative touch—can transform a neglected corner. Have you gilded anything recently, or played with your kid’s toys in a way that made you smile? I’d love to hear about the little projects that bring joy to your space.