Before our daughter was born, my husband had the ultimate sports man room. It was filled with sports memorabilia, and a fully stocked bar. We hung out in there regularly watched movies laughed and joked and even kicked back a few drinks. Now, a new kind of laughter fills this room. It is no longer the ultimate man room, but it IS the ultimate little girl’s playroom. My husband and I discussed doing something special in the family room for our daughter Erin. We both liked the nursery wall mural and how it turned out. Sure, we could have decided on a mural of princess’s and castles, but I wanted to do something different and also keep true to the original theme of the room which was sports. One of her favorite toys is her Phillie Phanatic Pillow Pet, which ultimately gave me the idea. I also wanted to do something for the hubby. He was more than happy to give up his room for his daughter, but I wanted to thank him too, after all he is a huge Phillies fan!
I searched the internet for a good example of a Phanatic image I wanted to use as a visual. I often draw through visually studying a picture before I begin. I usually use a pencil to outline where I am going to paint. I found it easier this time to simply draw the lines with a fine brush and black paint onto the wall. If I made a mistake, I used a magic eraser to wipe away the paint. (Magic Eraser does not work on a flat painted wall) I thought it would be cute to have him holding a pennant with ” Go Erin” on it. I used acrylic paints and applied about 3 coats total. The mural measures a little over 5 feet tall. Hopefully, it will be a good luck charm this season and beyond!
Some Phillie Phanatic trivia:
The Phanatic replaced “Philadelphia Phil” and “Philadelphia Phillis”, a pair of siblings dressed in 18th-century dress.
During the winter after the 1977 season, Dennis Lehman, thought that the team needed a mascot similar to San Diego’s Famous Chicken created the Phanatic with the help of Acme Mascots
The Phanatic debuted on April 25, 1978, at The Veterans Stadium, when the Phillies played the Chicago Cubs.
His mother, Phoebe Phanatic, occasionally appears with the Phanatic.
