So, I’m not really into owls.
Mostly they kind of scare me. Their large eyes and silent ways make them a little unnerving.
That said, I’m not completely against them. When I found a small ceramic owl at the Seattle Goodwill for $1.99, I decided it would make a cute pencil cup and bought it. Right after that I stopped into Anthropologie and noticed an owl pencil cup priced at $16 — so getting the thrifted version felt like a bargain.
I gave my owl a quick coat of white spray paint, and suddenly he looked a lot like the Anthropologie version. A simple update made him feel fresh and modern.
But after the initial excitement I felt a twinge of regret.
I couldn’t shake the idea that I had erased something of his original character. The makeover had given him a new look, but it also masked the quirks that made him unique.
To make up for it, I’m considering repainting him in a more distinctive style, inspired by another Anthropologie owl design. A more detailed finish could restore some personality—bringing back the playfulness and charm he had before the quick paint job.
I’m sorry, owl.
In the end, a small thrifted find became a fun project that reminded me to respect the original details of things I love. Whether I leave him simple or give him a fanciful makeover, he’ll have a place on my desk and a story to tell.