I brought home another ceramic animal.
Is there a support group for this? (Hi, I’m Sherry, and I collect porcelain mammals.)
I get that they’re not everyone’s thing — far from it — but for some reason these objects are irresistible to me. I can’t stay away. Over time I’ve noticed I’m drawn to certain traits in these faux companions. I don’t like them too cutesy or saccharine; I usually prefer pieces that read hard-edged and a little fierce. My beloved rhino, for example, is rugged and armored with horns.
Much like my no-nonsense iron bull.
And my muscular, bite-your-face-off ceramic dog. I also have a stern, concrete greyhound (decked with a bow at Christmas in this photo). Technically he isn’t ceramic, but he fits the vibe.
Then there’s my angular horse bust — nothing My Little Pony about him.
I do own a few sweeter pieces, like porcelain pig hooks (gotta get Clara into the ceramic-animal habit early)…
…and some charming ceramic birds. Side note: you know the scene in Cinderella where birds flutter through her window and try to dress her? In my version they’d be ceramic and would happily perch on every available surface forever.
More often, though, I fall for pieces that are tough — even a little sinister — offset by glossy, chic white finishes. That contrast of rough and smooth, or angular and light, is what really attracts me.
So when I found this wart-covered ceramic frog at Goodwill for $1.99, I couldn’t resist. A quick coat of high-gloss spray paint later, and he was coming home with me.
Much more charming now — almost kissable, I’d say. How many points do I get for sneaking two random Disney references into one post?
Do glossy white ceramic frogs feel approachable and endearing to anyone else, or is it just me?
Probably just me.
But the takeaway is simple: a shape you love from a thrift store — not necessarily the original color — plus the right spray paint can create your own little piece of joy. It doesn’t have to be white. A hot pink or turquoise frog, or even an antique bronze or hammered-platinum finish, would look fantastic depending on the mood you want to set. Pick whatever color calls to you. Remember the piece we recently refreshed? A little paint goes a long way.
What have you been collecting or spray painting lately? Is there something you always search thrift shops for? Any specific animals you’d like to add to your own menagerie?