DIY fun: Silverware holder and jewelry stand

So, I totally forgot to take "before" shots for you (I know, who does that?!) but I'm sure you can imagine that the next two projects were both ugly, brown wood before hand.

I purchased both of these items at my local thrift store for a couple of bucks.
I'm guessing this first piece is a silver wear holder, but I can't be sure (what else could it be?). I primed the piece, painted it a sunny yellow and decoupaged the sides with some fun paper. The key to decoupaging something like this is lots of thin layers and then wet sanding to get a smooth finish.
I think this would be a sweet little centerpiece for a dinner party to make grabbing the silverware easy or it could hold paintbrushes and pencils in a studio.
I don't really understand the need for the phallic thing on top, but that's where I'll be tying my little handmade price tag (they're gonna be cute!)

Speaking of phallic, this long knobby thing was again brown and ugly when I found it.
I primed it (don't skip this step on wood) and painted it nice, glossy white.

I then lightly sanded it with 220 grit sandpaper to achieve a shabby chic look, b/c let's face it, this piece is only going to get so modern.
The different heights on the knobs make it a perfect jewelry stand. See?
Having a gimp foot has been a good motivator to get some things done. I'm excited about getting my price tags made (B even picked out a little Martha Stewart heart shaped hole punch for me!) I know, gag me, right?!