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Hi Sugarplum!

{DIY} Brass Figurines

February 6, 2012

Hello, friends! Who has tight pants this morning, after six long hours of snacking?! I’m raising my hand, that’s for sure! And when I wasn’t shoving back chips and dip, I was spray painting cheap animal figurines!

Seems my Animal Bookends started a new addiction! But since I’m determined to turn my house into Liberace’s Lair, this time I got busy with metallic gold.

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I raided the kid’s toys and found this hefty elephant. I’ve been dying to try Martha’s new liquid gold leaf and high gloss finish, and I thought the actual gold flecks would look more authentic. Unfortunately, it never fully dried on the plastic, and was still tacky several days later. (Not tacky like Christina Aguilera’s spray tan, but tacky like sticky to the touch.)

Picnik collage

So I went back to my original method and whipped out the spray paint in Metallic Brass. BAM…Brass Figurine!

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Just like the potato chips I was inhaling, I couldn’t stop at just one!

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Another rampage turned up this fun giraffe. (I recommend asking your kids before stealing and painting their toys.)

Picnik collage
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And to prove that you can find cool stuff anywhere, I picked up this horse head at Hobby Lobby for $4! You just have to get past the shame of looking in their ‘Western’ section.

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I think it’s pretty cool as-is, but my trigger finger was still unquenched, so he ended up brass, too!

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Clearly I’m on to something, since the fabulous Jonathan Adler is selling oodles of insanely-priced brass figurines. I think I’ll stick with mine for mere dollars apiece.

brass collage

These little guys are perfect for creating vignettes and adding bits of personality to a room. Somebody stop me before I spray paint the neighbor’s dog!

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** Linking up to Home Stories A to Z,  The DIY Showoff, TaterTots & Jello, Serenity Now and Thrifty Decor Chick**


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by Cassie 
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previous article: {Valentine’s Day} Free Printables
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Comments

  1. The Yuppie Files says: February 6, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Love these & think I'm going to copy the idea. What a fun & cheap way to spruce up the room.

    Reply
  2. Studio Ten 25 says: February 6, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Genius! I love this idea. My mother has a handful of brass animals from the 80's and I love them. Still trying to pry her hands off of the mama and baby giraffe!
    Hope you are well!
    Abbe

    Reply
  3. Julia {Pawleys Island Posh} says: February 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    I am LOVING this!!! I went to Home Depot on Saturday to get some fun colored spray paint to attack my clutter and wound up buying this krylon mettalic gold instead. Was rainy all weekend so I couldn't get my hands on anything. Maybe this afternoon! So excited to gild up my crap! Yay for gold animals!

    Reply
  4. Amy Collins {Fresh and Fancy} says: February 6, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    LOVE the horse!!! You are so crafty! These look great – much better price tag too 🙂

    Reply
  5. Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} says: February 6, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Oh the wonders of spray paint! Would you like to guest post for my spray paint series? I love showing how creative one could be with spray paint! LOVE IT!

    Reply
  6. Danielle says: February 6, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Super cute! Love that brass is chic again!

    Reply
  7. ~ Tami says: February 6, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Ummmmm $5? Yes Maaam! Great job! I love it.
    ~Tami @ Curb Alert!

    Reply
  8. Amanda says: February 6, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    you are a girl after my own heart!! Everything I touch around here turns to gold-well sprayed gold that is! I went on a gold rampage back in Dec. Went to the $1 store and stocked up on plastic crap! I havent tried the rustoleum brand- I usually use Valspar but Im liking your better.

    Reply
  9. Danielle Oakey Interiors says: February 6, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    You are a DIY rockstar. Whenever I whip out the spray paint my hubby gets a worried look on his face. I love love love the horse head, I just might be picking up once myself!

    Reply
  10. Wendy says: February 6, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Wow! What a transformation – each item looks like $100. I love that that brass is starting to be the front runner – over white.

    Reply
  11. Beth @ design your dwelling says: February 6, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    This is Awesome Cassie! One of the coolest ideas I've seen in awhile! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Simply LKJ says: February 6, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Love them! Glad you asked the kiddos first 😉

    Reply
  13. Katie says: February 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I'm loving all of your brass figurines!!!

    Reply
  14. Jean @ Flower Hill says: February 6, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    This is a great idea! I spray paint just about anything!

    Reply
  15. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says: February 6, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    Oh I have spray painted tons of things with that paint, then I go over it will walnut Minwax stain and rub off all that I don't want and what a beautiful old gold look a piece has. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  16. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says: February 6, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    That's my favorite gold spray paint. I used it on the chair in my entry foyer. Love your figurines – especially the horse head!

    Reply
  17. Sarah Roads says: February 6, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    Oh dear, I'm afraid once I start I won't be able to stop either.

    Reply
  18. Michelle @ Sweet Something Design says: February 6, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    I too will paint anything, great job!
    I cracked up about your 'tacky' comparison!!! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Ali says: February 6, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    Just bought some plastic horses at Target to spray paint. I love it.

    Reply
  20. shannon says: February 6, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    Love!!! Went to Target last week after your other post and picked up some cows…thinking they need to be bright pink:o BTW, absolutely obsessed with brass figurines. Can't seem to stop. My sister had to talk me down last week at our local thrift store!:)

    Reply
  21. Pamela R says: February 6, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    I LOVE this! I am so on the brass bandwagon after seeing Centsational Girl's brass post and Bower Power's brass elephant I had decided I was going to spray paint me some brass figurines out of plastic animals! You beat me to the punch!

    Reply
  22. A Blissful Nest says: February 6, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Cass you just crack me up! I love you and your spray paint cans. So when are you coming over to my house? As long as you dont spray paint my kid, I will take you any time!! Hugs lady!

    Reply
  23. natasha {schue love} says: February 6, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Loving the horse head…so fun!

    Reply
  24. Lil Mama Stuart says: February 6, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    you make me laugh! looks good!

    Reply
  25. Leslie says: February 6, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Those turned out so awesome! My pants are definitely a bit tighter after last night. I'm glad I'm not alone!

    Reply
  26. twolivecolorfully says: February 6, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    These are so great! And I commend you for braving the western section of Hobby Lobby! LOL.

    Definitely saving this for later!!

    Reply
  27. [email protected] says: February 6, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    So creative! I have addiction to doing this as well, but with white paint!

    Reply
  28. Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} says: February 6, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Girl step away from the spary paint! Just kidding I am totally going to raid Sterling's toys while he sleeps and find something to brass up. Heck you even have me wanting to look in the Western section at Hobby Lobby now. Great idea.
    p.s glad that elephant had a normal sized trunk.

    Reply
  29. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says: February 6, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Super cute. . . that is what I used on my wee little pumpkins. Love that stuff.Happy Monday!

    Reply
  30. Tiffany says: February 6, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    That's a lot of impact for so little money spent. Looking around the room for what I can spray paint!

    Reply
  31. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says: February 6, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Yes gold is back! And in such amazing colors too. These are exactly what I would paint, I love the horse. Off to HG I go 🙂

    Reply
  32. Amanda @ Serenity Now says: February 6, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    I really like the elephant! I laughed reading this because just as I was thinking, "What did her kids say when they saw their painted animals," I read the part about asking them first.

    Reply
  33. melissamevans says: February 6, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    OH my goodness!! This post seriously inspired me!!! So much fun!! and most importantly great job!! I have a few things in my home, that could use some brass love 🙂

    Reply
  34. Ali Richardson says: February 6, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  35. Whitney Kaye says: February 6, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    I love this! I have been waiting for the weather to warm up so I can take my foo dogs outside and five them a good brass spray down.

    Whitney

    whitneykayestyles.blogspot.com

    Reply
  36. Ashley says: February 6, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    This is super cute! I love that brass is coming back and yay for doing it on the cheap 🙂

    P.S. I think you are a great blogger – your sarcasm always makes me laugh!

    Reply
  37. Jenny @ Simcoe Street says: February 6, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    I share your addiction and LOVE these!

    Jenny
    http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. .....Elizabeth..... Polka Dot Skies says: February 6, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Okay, I admit it…I did not think I would like these at all. But they are AWESOME and lots of fun!
    Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  39. Kelli @ Life at 818 says: February 6, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    You've done it again! I love it! And I'm going to do it!

    Reply
  40. René says: February 7, 2012 at 12:08 am

    You are a genius!!!! I'm wishing we had all those toys back now.

    Reply
  41. Megan {Honey We're Home} says: February 7, 2012 at 1:40 am

    Perfect!! You've got me wondering what I can spray brass now! p.s. I just bought Design Sponge last week- did you notice it in my media cabinet??!! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Brittany {Gallery No. Eight} says: February 7, 2012 at 2:09 am

    Too funny!!!! I LOVE the horsehead one! And the giraffe is pretty fantastic 🙂 Hope you had a lovely weekend Cassie!! xo

    Reply
  43. [email protected]' says: February 7, 2012 at 3:26 am

    Oh how cute! Great idea!!

    Reply
  44. Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com says: February 7, 2012 at 4:02 am

    Seriously, what doesn't look better with a coat of metallic spray paint?!?!? Love the horse. These are perfect for glamming up a boring old vignette. Nice work!

    Reply
  45. Megan Lee says: February 7, 2012 at 5:18 am

    What a great idea! So easy!

    Reply
  46. Andi @ Jane of all crafts says: February 7, 2012 at 11:37 am

    Just pinned this!! Love, love, love!!

    Reply
  47. [email protected] says: February 7, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Love these! And I love picturing you spray painting every figurine that isn't nailed down.

    Reply
  48. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says: February 7, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    If I'm being honest, the bookends weren't necessarily my favorite…but BOOYAH! Then you came up with this and I'm right back on the Cassie-is-the-most-brilliant-DIYer-on-the-planet train!!! I'm about to go and steal some of my childrens' toys as we speak…I may or may not ask permission…I'm a rebel (c:

    Reply
  49. Julie of Monkey Grass Hill says: February 7, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    Hi,
    I just found your blog. Must be living under a rock or something.

    This is brilliant! I have so many of the little $1 animals that my son has outgrown. I'll be doing this next.

    Reply
  50. Annie @ House on Rene says: February 8, 2012 at 5:47 am

    Absolutely fabulous!! Pinning now! LOL

    Reply
  51. emily says: February 8, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Fabulous idea! You're keeping the metallic spray paint and animal figurine industries in business! Too bad I don't have any kiddos to steal from — wonder if Zoey and Riley have any toys that would work. Is it cool if it squeaks too?

    Reply
  52. Kahli says: February 8, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    This is fabulous! I'll have to try them.

    Reply
  53. No. Four Eleven says: February 8, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    You are genius! Such a great idea for when kids get older and you have all these toys leftover. Love it.

    -Kathryn.
    numberfoureleven.blogspot.com

    Reply
  54. SHERRY HART says: February 9, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Ha Ha Ha Ha….. snort….snort….Great idea for sure but the way you told it really made me laugh!!!

    Reply
  55. Jenny says: February 11, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    I love love love this!!! And I love your blog! Definitely going to do this one! :~)

    Reply
  56. Katie Hale says: February 17, 2012 at 4:29 am

    I am behind on my blog reading so I am just now seeing this amazingness. I won't lie, I ran out to Target and Walmart and picked up supplies as soon as I read it! haha. I just had a quick question for you. Do you recommend priming the plastic beforehand? I picked up some primer spray paint just in case. I am doing a western themed party for my daughter's third birthday and thought the plastic horses would look so cute holding little signs around their necks with the names of the food (Lasso Lemonade, Giddy Up Cupcakes, etc). I bought the gold paint but I am thinking I might try pink? What are your thoughts? (I am going with a pink/brown color scheme for the party). Have I mentioned lately that you are a decorating genius? Well you are! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Reply
  57. iheartorganizing says: February 17, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Who would have thought that brass could look so amazing?! Glad you did and shared. I often look right past it when picking out spray paint finishes!

    xoxo,
    Jen

    Reply
  58. Melz says: February 20, 2012 at 5:36 am

    What a great idea!! I wanna try!! 🙂

    Reply
  59. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says: February 20, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    I love this so much!!! I actually found you from another blog who had linked to your project and I freaked out because I thought it was the cutest thing ever! 🙂 I ran right to my kids' toy box and grabbed out an animal to spray paint. I posted about it today.
    http://inside-outdesign.blogspot.com/2012/02/silver-zebra.html
    So glad I found you because your blog seems awesome and I love your style! Thanks for the super cute and super easy project idea!!

    Reply
  60. Matter Of Style says: March 21, 2012 at 8:53 am

    super cool!

    Reply
  61. Anonymous says: April 26, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    Awesome! I just did this yesterday with a pack of plastic safari animals from the dollar store. Krylon Premium 18K Gold spray is my favourite. I bought my first can over a year ago and you wouldn't believe the things that have turned into gold whenever I was bored or inspired. Trigger happy is definetely the right phrase to use when it comes to gold spray paint.

    Reply
  62. Danie at Pasadya says: May 23, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Love these! I gotta get myself to the toy store for my new brass animals. 🙂 You made me laugh out loud with the dog spray painting comment.

    Reply
  63. Holly says: November 15, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    I just made my own with gold spray paint and they look amazing! Check it out and thank you for the great inspiration!
    http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2012/11/create-gold-accent-pieces.html

    Reply
  64. paintingsunny.com says: June 21, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    This morning I curated a "DIY Ceramic Animal Hall of Fame" collection (obviously, just my humble opinions) and this made the list! Obviously, not everything on the list is very “ceramic-y” but they are all adorable. Your animals turned out like such a fancy little zoo! I love it – I can’t believe they all looked so different before you painted them! The post is here: http://paintingsunny.com/2013/06/21/diy-ceramic-animal-hall-of-fame/

    Reply
  65. Mama2two says: March 21, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    You're so funny, not like Christina tacky, like sticky tacky. I wish I'd seen this post BEFORE I tried mine… mine are tacky too. Going to get the brand of paint you suggested.
    Thanks doll!!!!

    Reply
  66. Jacy Riedmann says: April 6, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    This will be a perfect idea for my wedding in Scotland!! I’ve been struggling over justifying flying my hefty bronze animal collection but I can make these for way less $$ than the cost of shipping!

    Reply
    • Cassie says: April 6, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Absolutely!!! So glad you found some inspiration here! xo, Cassie

      Reply

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