Thanks to the unanimous votes of a few of my facebook friends (and yes, I’m counting the “like” button as a thumbs-up vote) I’m going to start a new feature here on this ol’ blog!

I think it would be great fun, every once in a while, to see some of the projects that DON’T turn out “better after.” The hilarious flops. We all have a few, right? Projects that start with good intentions and end with tears, lighter fluid or people asking where on earth you found vomit colored paint and what possessed you to USE it?

Are you excited? I am! If you have ever brought about a furniture fiasco, a crafting catastrophe, or any sort of spectacular design disaster, send your pics and your story my way! BetterAfter@live.com, subject line:

Zebra print, is like, so trendy right now. It’s popping up everywhere. But as hip as it is, I think it is also quite timeless. Maybe right now you are thinking of that girl at the gym who wears the zebra print bra under her sheer rhinestoned tank-top, and you are shaking your head in disagreement. (True, I have seen this myself. ‘Timeless’ wasn’t the first word that came to mind).

But forget about her for a second and consider that it is both an animal print, and black and white. Those two looks aren’t going anywhere! Also try to forget that a group of zebras is called a harem.

So, get ready for some wild zebra action!

First, a funky old thrift store chair gets a redo from Better After reader Tina. That before fabric design was kind of cool too, but the colors were kind of ew. Looks great now!

Michelle from Sweet Something Design updated this 1929 settee, ensuring that it will stay in style for the next 82 years. Fringed orange velour? Not so much.

Lucy took on this sad vanity that may have received an ill-advised makeover at some point in its past, because what is with those headlights? Wow. Someone wanted to see their pores up close, I guess. You can get an up close look at the table too on her blog Lucy Designs. Check it out to see how professionally painted the zebra stripes are! She did such a detailed job, it looks like the real deal fo‘ rizzle.

Jessica brought some safari to this sad little stool with a fresh reupholstery job. Now it will add just enough punch to any room, because if I know one thing, you don’t want to go overboard with the animal print and give your kids some sort of zebra phobia or something.

And finally here’s an oldie but a goodie from Camila at High Heeled Foot in the Door who literally takes a walk on the wild side every time she goes up her stairs. Ze–licious!

What about you, my friend? Have you zebra-fied anything lately? Or are you over it? Do you love you some animal print, or have a deep-seated aversion? Do you think that horses are jealous of zebras? Do tell.