Pottery Barn, eat my Mod Podge!

I can't rationalize spending the amount of money Pottery Barn would like me to. Maybe it's jealousy. Maybe it's the pretentious reputation the store has. Maybe it's the episode of "Friends" in which Phoebe hates Pottery Barn. But I've never been a fan. Sure, I'll look at the catalog, but in my mind, I'm constantly saying "I could make that!" for some of their items, especially decor.

Last week, Apartment Therapy was looking for freelance writers from my area and its application included a sample column. So, I had the idea to do a weekly column taking accessories from stores I believed were charging too much, and writing tutorials on making similar products yourself. Not that it'll pay enough to quit my day job, but it's a nice project it's a great project.

Anyway, here's the "inspiration" (I use quotes because I still can't help rolling my eyes at Pottery Barn):

Oh, OK, and here's the link, if you really want it.

Originally, when I wrote the sample column, it was listed as $24. I'm a little disheartened to see it's been reduced to $16. But, it's still more than I paid!

Here's the bulk of the column (wow, I feel awkward stealing my own writing, for some reason):

Wooden Tray: $7 ($4.20 with coupon for 40% off at Joanns.com)
Skull Cutout: $2.99 ($1.79 with sale on all Halloween supplies at Joann's)
Black Gloss Spray Paint: On hand (typically $3-$5)
Silver Metallic Spray Paint: On hand (typically $3-$5)
Mod Podge—Gloss Finish: On Hand (typically $3-$4)
Foam Brush: On hand ($.50 for two)

First, coat the tray with the black spray paint. I didn't like the idea of the silver on the outside, but with some painters' tape, you could create the look of the PB version.

Next, cut the wire holding the mandible (thank you, high school anatomy!) onto the skull, and paint each piece separately with the silver spray paint.
Tip: Do a few coats of light and quick sprays instead of a few heavy coats. This gives the finished look more of an even tone and the layers dry quickly.

Use Mod Podge to adhere skull to tray. After the glue has set, give the entire tray a few coats of Mod Podge to seal it. If you'd like more of a durable finish, spray the Mod Podged tray with acrylic sealer a couple times.

My cost: $7.99
Cost without coupons, supplies on hand and maximum prices: $24.49. Yes, it would be $.49 more, but you'd have leftover Mod Podge, black spray paint, metallic spray paint and a foam brush, which could all be used for other projects around the house.