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Quail of a Tale

The last time the hubs and I took a weekend road trip to visit the fam in Cincinnati, we made our usual round at the Kellogg Flea Market. Man, do we love that place. On the same day we found our too-cute mail savior, we also scooped up a trio of quails, and all for one dollar.

The vendor explained that he poked the fuzzy lining from the bottom of each bird and showed me their hollow guts. Because they’re made from a thin wall of plaster, they were virtually weightless. Not a big deal, but I knew I wanted them to feel hefty in my hands. I had a plan for them, after all. You really think I’d give up my buck that easy? Shoot.

Originally thinking I’d fill them with Plaster of Paris, I switched gears as soon as I picked up this teeny Crayola tub. For being the size of a pasta bowl (and maybe an inch or two deeper), the weight took me by surprise, and I was sold. Not only was it cheaper than the plaster mixture, but I had a feeling the mess would be cut in half, too.

Diving right in, I instantly felt like a kid again and almost got of course trying to create a miniature penguin. Remembering I had a “job” to do, I simply rolled the clay into thick spaghetti strands and stuffed them in each quail, taking the time to push the heavy clay into each hollow nook and cranny.

After a spray coat of primer, our troop started to take on a whole new look. I only did one quick spritz on each side (I made sure to turn them upside down and coat their bases), which seemed to do the trick.

And after a few coats of Martha’s glossy Egg Yolk we had on hand (leftover from a mini bathroom upgrade), these little birds perked right up. Wow-ee, the power of paint.

Their pretty, shiny coats are right up our alley, and I kid you not, that air clay worked like a charm. The daddy quail weighs in at a good pound, and even the kiddo could be used as a free weight. How ’bout that. So where will they be popping up around the home? You’ll have to come back to see. Tease, tease.

Any quick and easy projects under your belt lately? We’d love to see, so please share! And who knew air clay would be the perfect alternative to Plaster of Paris? Love a happy surprise like that.

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  • Danielle10.18.10 - 11:11 AM

    I would of never thought of yellow for them! See, this is why you guys are awesome at using color!ReplyCancel

  • Danielle L.10.18.10 - 12:05 PM

    brilliant idea! at first glance i prolly would’ve passed up the brassy trio, who knew they had so much potential?! you guys truly have a gift for that. very inspiring.ReplyCancel

  • RocketGirl10.18.10 - 1:29 PM

    Oh, I love them! Such pretty little birdies.ReplyCancel

  • chrystie10.18.10 - 2:03 PM

    These are so cute!! I love little bird and owl decorations!ReplyCancel

  • Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons11.5.10 - 5:44 PM

    Awwwwww! little yellow quails! love them =)

    I just found your blog today – It’s great! Can’t wait to read more!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn L @ Peas & CrayonsReplyCancel

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Kim and Scott

We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

Join us as we renovate and nurture vintage homes across Chicago + SW Michigan!

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