I may or may not have gone off the deep end with this one. Increasingly, I’ve found myself drawn to far more rustic pieces and elements than I have been in the past. Giant Longhorns, natural textures and wood tones, even manly pillows. Yes, that’s almost an oxymoron. Heck, I’ve even got a rusted saw I’m trying to find a home for. So it kind of makes sense this happened:
Done gone and framed a cute little cow. Then said that in my most Montana voice.
It all started when the boys and I went to Handy Sammy’s work on Easter to help feed the animals. He had us a ‘baby animals.’ What can I say, I’m a sucker for anything tiny. This cute little calf, Button, had the three of us cooing. Using my phone, I snapped a few photos of her and then we went home. Both boys asked to see the pictures several times that night, which got me thinking. This photo was so cute, why not get it blown up and framed?
I mean, how can you resist that little face? And the speckled nose?! Gah, too stinking cute. I emailed the photo to myself and opened it in Photoshop to resize and set to black and white. While out running errands, I stopped in FedEx Office to have a large format printed for $2.50.
Back at home, I took out a frame (the glass broke when we moved) and used double-sided tape to stick this to the back of the foam. Originally, I intended for it to hang at the bottom of the stairs near the garage door.
On a whim, I set it on the entry console. And I’m surprised by how happy it makes everyone to be greeted by a cute little critter.
Everyone in the house, Ben, the boys, and Handy Sammy, got a kick out of it and smiled. Mission accomplished. I know I just hung my Painting Well landscape, but this is a happy little change.
So what do you think? Leave it at the entry, or put it at the bottom of the stairs?
Would you like an adorable little face watching you come and go? It seems to lighten the mood and turn frowns upside down.
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I love it in the entry! If you make everyone smile then it is in the right place.
Hi Angel!
That’s exactly why I like it so much. A little happy surprise when entering. For $2.50, it’s money well spent.
Thanks!
Amanda
Love the picture of Buttons but would love to see him in a bigger wooden frame. I’ve seen some of your projects; you could make the frame yourself and it would be perfect. I’m seeing wood from an old pallet…that has turned gray-ish to compliment the black and white photo, or wood from a new-ish pallet that would compliment your other wood. Just my opinion and I hope I don’t come off too bossy. haha (get it? Bossy the cow?)
Hi Nancy!
I like your suggestion. I think for this space though, the simple frame works best. It lets the art be the focus, not the frame. I do have some great old fencing I’d love to use somewhere. 😊
Thanks!!
Amanda
I like it in the entryway too. I really like the direction you are taking things with the horns, leather and artwork. You live in a gorgeous area of the country and that type of decor is something that really works out there. Keep it going!
Thanks, Kathleen! It’s definitely going to continue. Something Ben and I both really like, and fits with our Montana space.
Thanks!
Amanda
Haha, I’m having a cow overload dilemma, too! I want to put cow wallpaper in a room with a cowhide rug. I wonder if I’m reading too much into it though…As for your cow predicament, I really love the size of the cow photo and the tone it sets. If it’s too much cow would you consider maybe relocating the antlers?
Ha, that’s a tough one, Jennifer! I don’t think it’s too much for you. I don’t have a better place for the horns, so if something’s going to change, it’ll be the art.
Thanks!
Amanda
I also have a cow painting in our house but only because we are vegan we love them. It seems odd to have a beautiful cow picture in your entry way who will most likely die soon to become food on your plate or become leather for your couch.. 😦 Just my opinion.
Hi Jane!
This little gal actually belongs to a vet. The owner thought mom and baby were going to pass during birth, so he bought both to keep. And she’s just too cute.
Thanks!
Amanda
I really like it better at the bottom of the stairs. It’s a bit much with the longhorns right there. I agree that it might look better in a frame.
Hi Maggie!
That was my concern. Luckily, it’s super easy to swap out. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I like Button where he is! Super cute.
Thanks, Maryanne! Isn’t she adorable?!
love it in the foyer! It looks great there!
Hi Susan M!
Thank you! I think it’s a nice little suprise.
Cute picture & I think the size of it works better in your entry.
Thanks, flatstolofts! Definitely a better size for the space. 🙂
When I read the title I thought I was going to click over and see that you took the longhorns down! Imagine my relief to see that they are still there. Haha! Love the sweet little cow face. Sometimes, as we live in a house, it starts to direct our decor style, and even surprises us. I’m in a similar situation. We just bought a “country house” on ten acres and I’m finding I’m slowly switching out my mid-century modern style for more modern rustic pieces. Never in a million years would I have seen that happening, but it makes my heart happy. So, go with your heart and you will never be wrong. ❤
Hey Hevel House!
Ha, no. Not taking those bad boys down! Isn’t to a weird transition?! My super rustic loving FIL is tickled to see my change of heart. 🙂 So glad you’re loving your new direction, too.
Thanks!
Amanda
I just saw your entry before and after on Apartment Therapy which led met to your blog – which I will be following from now on! 🙂 Great voice and style.
Where did you buy the light fixture in your entry way? I need it!
Thanks!
Thanks so much, Ashley! The fixture is the Mobile Chandelier from West Elm. Love the simplicity of it. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I grew up with cows and calves. Love the black and white! I think a frame made out of old fencing would compliment the photo, not detract from it! After all, aren’t most cows/calves surrounded by fencing of some sort!
Hi Patti!
Aren’t they just adorable?! I think an old fencing frame would look really nice. Maybe I’ll make one to try out if I run across some cool old wood.
Thanks!
Amanda