Learn how to spray paint ceramic with these easy-to-follow instructions and hints. Perfect way to transform thrift store finds!
In case you’re just joining Tried & True (Hi! Hello! Welcome!), I am surrounded by boys. Between my husband and two children (and Bob Barker, our Golden, but he doesn’t read comics), I know more about superheroes and dump trucks than I ever thought was possible. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love it (Martian Manhunter is pretty interesting) but it definitely doesn’t put me in touch with my already minimal (ok, non-existent) girly side.
So, when I saw this Unicorn Hook at Savers the other day, I was elated and bewildered all at the same time. It’s a hook with a unicorn…doesn’t get much more girly than that! But, as it so happens, I needed a hook for the kids’ craft aprons. Granted, a simple metal hook would have sufficed but it’s a freaking UNICORN HOOK. (sorry for the raised voice but c’mon.)
I tried to talk myself out of buying the hook the entire time at the thrift store but at 99 cents, that unicorn was destined to come home to me. I actually didn’t mind keeping it all white but one of the eyes was badly scratched (unicorns can be so cruel) so spray paint was a must. Briefly considered the ever-popular florescent option but the spray paint can had dried out (must not have closed it correctly the last time I went tagging. Just kidding…I would never use florescent yellow to tag.)
Since she (I’ve taken to calling her Princess Moonshine) was glossy ceramic, I decided to use Krylon Fusion for Plastic spray paint (hammered metal), mostly because it was still on my table from my 15 Minute Rainbow Frame project. Unicorns and rainbows, a coincidence? I think not. I am not being paid by Krylon to endorse their product, it just works really well and I like that it dries within 15 minutes. (Princess Moonshine doesn’t wait for anyone!)
After applying a few light coats of the spray paint and allowing her to dry completely, I added three light coats of Mod Podge Spray Sealer (again, no payment but works well!). The Krylon Fusion can says it doesn’t chip but since it’s going in the playroom of two crazy boys, doesn’t hurt to be safe.
There she is! In all her majestic glory. My sister came over and suggested I paint the horn bright pink because, as it turns out, a silver hook in the shape of a unicorn just isn’t girly enough. I used a pink shade of nail polish that I had to borrow from my mom. Can’t you just see the look of disgust Princess Moonshine has for my nail polish collection?! Unicorns are so judgmental.
You can see from the picture above that she’s actually quite useful! We’ve been needing a hook for quite a while now but the fact that our hook is also a silver unicorn with a bright pink horn? Total win. Of course, the boys could not care less about her. Hmpfh, no accounting for style, I guess. 😀
Comments & Reviews
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Lol, I love that you named her! Glad she turned out super useful!
Vanessa Brady says
If naming things was a disease, I’d be it’s poster child!
Janel from NellieBellie says
Best. Hook. Ever!!!!
Unicorn and nailpolish and moonshine and boys all in the same post…winner winner!!!
Vanessa Brady says
And thrifting! You can’t forget thrifting. 😀
Amanda @ Dreamsicle Sisters says
So cute! I am looking for a horse just like this.
Vanessa Brady says
Oddly enough, I found the identical hook on etsy while searching for unicorn hooks for 25 whopping bucks!
Adriana says
It was love at first sight between you and Moonshine :). Love it!
Vanessa Brady says
She called to me in her unicorn language. You heard it too, don’t lie!
keri @ shaken together says
Absolutely LOVE it! I am also surrounded by boys and love your fun quirky touch for their aprons!
Vanessa Brady says
You are 100% correct about the quirky part! lol.
Ann says
I love this post but my heart melted when I saw that last pic of your little guy. So, so sweet!
Vanessa Brady says
Awh, Ann, you’re so sweet. You melt this mother’s heart every time you mention my boys in a comment!
Heather says
Your son is adorable! What a cute unicorn hook – perfect for a little boy to hang things on!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Heather! Every time I look at her, I smile so I guess she was worth the $.99. 😉
Macy says
I want to know more about the metal drawing board!
Vanessa Brady says
Hi Macy, it’s just a metal oil dripping pan I picked up at an auto shop!
suzy says
You are too cute! lol
Rebekah Woydziak says
Typically diy blogs are full of painful details and make me e want to poke my eyes out a little. And so when I first saw the picture of the hook not going to lie I prejudged and was ready for the worst however your freaking helarious and helpful! I look forward to reading the rest of your posts! Thanks a bunch
Karleen says
Oh my gosh!!! Just live your style of writing!! Had me laughing about the tagging!!! I know I’m really late to the party, I was looking to see if I could spray paint soa ceramic bowl and plate… thank you for your answer. Love your unicorn!!