So for at least five years, probably more, I've admired these Ballard Designs pears:
I don't know what it is about them, but they make my heart all a-flutter. You know I love all things fruity, so it's probably just a personal thing I need to work out. But I think these are just classic and timeless. Oh, and adorable.Months and months ago, I found a pear -- same size, same shape (uhh, that would be pear shape) at the local thrift store. It was only $7 and I snatched it up. It is a stone material and was grey -- like cement -- when I bought it.
You know I have issues with painting things black, and without really thinking about it, I spray painted it black:
Umkay. Who? Who wants a black pear in their kitchen? I don't know what the heck I was thinking. Grody. So a few weeks ago I was on a mission to transform it from an old moldy pear to a bright, green, ripe one. I found green craft paint I thought would work, (called Houser Light Green), and my trusty Burnt Umber, which I use for everything. It is a fabulous color:
I used my sponge brush to paint the whole thing green, and wooee, was it green! I am not good at "faux" or distressing, or anything that involves going back over a perfectly good painted item and very possibly ruining it, but it was just too green. I looked at a real pear, looked at my inspiration pear from Ballard, held my breath, and started painting on the brown here and there:
I got a paper towel slightly damp and just rubbed the brown around as I worked, while it was wet. I loved the result!:
Helloooooo -- the real Ballard pear is $49.00. Mine was a total of $8. My pear is the same exact size as the real one too. Can it get any better? Could this pear be any cuter? (Please tell me know you what show that is from!!) For more of my Ballard inspiration projects, like my jute:
Go here:
And here:
And to see how I copied this wall art:
Go here:
OK, the winner (picked by Random.org) of E.A.D Design's vine wall art is Rameelin from Raising Redheads!! If you can e-mail me, I will get you in touch with Emily! Congrats!!
Posts
57 thrifties said (comment here):
I'm a Ballard-aholic too. Love the pear. Way to faux that fruit!
Love the final version of the pear. :) It was refreshing to read that even you, goddess of decor, have made decorating decisions that you weren't happy with. At least you know how to fix 'em!! ;)
Well Chandler (I totally caught the "Friends" reference) even though you didn't pick me, I still love ya!
The pear is too cute!
The pear turned out soooo good. I love it. I also like the wall art. I'm about to click through to see how you made it.
Great job!!
That pear is awesome! You did great :)
You did an awesome job on the pear! I love all things black, but I think you made the right (perfect) choice in painting the pear that lovely shade of green! :)
Can I just say how incredibly amazing you are! I mean, to be able to see something and make it and then find a spot for it! Sheesh...you blow me away!!
Love love love that vase!
I'm addicted to pears too. So I am quite jealous of your creation!
FABULOUS!
Really nice save on the pear. You FAUX, girl!
Cass
So glad your pear looks fresh and healthy once again!
Much better! So cute.
"Could I BE wearing any more clothes?"
LOL
If you have a Kohl's near you, they had pears there. They were ceramic, but a creamy ivory color. They were, of course, about 60% off, like everything is at Kohl's if you wait long enough. I bought a few...
So, did you have to prime the black or you just did the green right over it? I didn't even realize there was a leaf on the stem in the first picture - I really like how you brought it out in your redo. I think you did a great job {as always!}. I love Ballard Designs as well, any time you can get the look for less - hey, go for it!
I just linked your jute project because I did something in jute this weekend. I hope you will post your pear on my Knock Off Knock Out party today. It looks fabulous. My sister collects pears and has her kitchen theme in pears. Every time I see a really cool one I think of her.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri
First can I just say how hilarious you are? Not good when one is drinking coffee, lol! {Grody! Ha!}
Your pear turned out beautifully! Just perfect! And for $7? You just can't beat that!
Nice save!
I have a funny pear story for you. On our 1st wedding anniversary we got a package in the mail from my in-laws. The box said Ballard Designs on it...and I immediately did my happy dance :) Low and behold, inside was that big pear. My husband says, "Hmmm. A Pear. Is that the symbol for 1st anniversary?" He was dead serious.
Aaahhh I love it! Thank goodness you realized that was an ugly pear and decided to faux it. Me? I probably would have thought it was cool and left it that way for years! he he
Love the Pear, great job...the black was a little weird LOL
Yes Chandler... Could you BE any funnier?
I am so going to try the wall art with the 9 squares...will send you pics when I'm done. Thanks for the
inspiration :)
I love it! It looks so great now!
Love the pear! I love Ballard's too. Lucky for me I live in Atlanta where they have TWO Ballard Outlets!!!
LOVE IT!! Looks great! I want it!
Lou Cinda ;)
Love the pear. You did a fabulous job of painting it and you did just the right amount of antiquing. It's really great. Hugs, Marty
This pear is better than theirs! I was just reading some back posts and laughing at your spray paint injury. Oh sister, do I know what that feels like! Your laundry room has inspired me to get moving on a project of my own in that area of my house once the kids go to school. Great ideas :)
Ok, I have to agree with you - black pear = grody. Green pear = fantabulous! Looks purdy!
Your pear turned out great! I love it!
Friends! Yay, I have all of the episodes pretty much memorized.
I've never heard of Ballards, now I'm intrigued. Your pear looks great.
I was thinking chandler too, saw on another comment. I love pear! WTG! It's fun copying more expensive items!!
my obsession is now with anything CITRUS vs. Pears or apples... I love lemons, limes, oranges etc!! So I totally get your fruit obsession!!! :) The pear looks awesome!
Surely Ballard hates you and your frugal makeovers!
But we blog readers love you and your Chandler Bing self.
The green is soooo much better than the black. ;-) What WERE you thinking?!
FRIENDS! I still watch every rerun that comes on. :)
That pear is stunning - simply STUNNING! Better then the Ballard Designs one by far!
Kelly
Could you 'be' any more creative?! I think I'm in love with you!!
ok, maybe I shouldn't have said that... I really don't want you to block me from your site. Don't be afraid of me! :)
Love, love, LOVE the pear. Hauser Green is a good color, but I'm a bigger fan of Folk Art "527 Forest Moss" green. Check it out! I use it for lots of my Halloween art. And I totally caught the Chandler reference. You're too funny!
I have been lusting after that wall art for a LONG time. What a great idea! I'll make my own! Love the pear!
I have those Ballard pears and I adore them. However, I now feel like a real shmuck for paying full price for them. Yours is beautiful!
I actually have the Ballard's pear and your is every bit as beautiful!
that looks fabulous!
nice work! I have a good artist friend that also enjoys her pears - I'll be hosting a give-a-way featuring her work in the future...
take a peek:
http://lindseykelleyart.blogspot.com/2009/02/pear-canvases.html
love the pear....thanks for sharing...Pat H
I love making stuff on the cheap from Ballards or PB...it makes me happy. Your pear...makes me happy.
I SO love this! You did such a great job... Ok... now I am on a mission for a large, CHEAP pear!
Hey, thanks for joining in on my blog party! You rock. :) I love your pear, I need to get me some burnt umber paint!
~ Liz
www.itsgreattobehome.net
Ah, I miss Friends.
But your pear is a wonderful transformation - great job at salvaging the previous black!
Finally, I stumble onto someone who has a tendency to paint everything black —I can't seem to stay away from the dark side either.
So it's mo surprise I kinda like the black pear, almost as much as the green pear. Something Lily Munster would have displayed in her house, next to her cuckoo clock.
Seriously, I think you're creativity and enthusiasm go hand in hand.
Btw, congrats to the winner of that wonderful pear.
~Beautiful pear Sarah! ;)
You are so funny...I loved the "an old moldy pear to a bright, green, ripe one." The difference between you and me would be that my pear would stay moldy because I'd be to afraid to change it! Thanks for the inspiration. Do you know of any places to find 'faux' limes? I had some real ones on my counter the other day and was inspired. Loved the color in my kitchen. Thanks
Wow great job on the replica! I think I actually like yours better than Ballard's. I'm in a similar pickle w. a Ballard's piece too, going on a little over 2 years now. I've been crooning over the Chilton Curved Corner Cabinet in Black (http://www.ballarddesigns.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=11006&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=1) and they just won't put the thing on sale!!! Unfortunately for me I've yet to find a replica at a yard sale or on CL to redo.
P.S. - Ballard's is offering FREE standard shipping sitewide through 11:59pm on August 20th!!! Get your shopping on!
I cracked up laughing at the black pear. It always seems like a good idea until you do it and then - oops! I loved how you fixed it, it's so pretty now that I prefer it to the ballard pears!
That pear turned out great! Ballards is awesome!
I always eye those pears in the Ballards catalog, too. How fun that you were able to get your own version with a little creativity! Love how it turned out.
Nice fake-out! I would never know the difference.
First Time to your blog-- wow I am impressed. (not that you really need any more commentors) Had to say how brilliant i thought your pear was...YUM!!
I have always love ballard-- but really thought they were entirely over priced. (but then they have good sales :)
Friends was the TV show i think you were illuding to.
Stop by and say hi if you ever get a minute :)
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
Your pear is great--or should I say "Pearfect"!!
Its a fantastic !!! your pear is
looking great..fantastic idea..
thanks for sharing..
___________________
susana
Naton wide cash is easy and fast
I love it! It looks so great now!How fun that you were able to get your own version with a little creativity! Love how it turned out......thanks for sharing..
--
Reenee
Home Security Systems no CREDIT CHECK everyone is approved
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