Silhouettes

Just what is it that drives people to collect and decorate with silhouettes? Is it a hint of vintage fashion (my daughter), a little history, the mystery of a person, the beauty and purity of a black image against a white background (me), or caputuring the profile of someone dear to your heart.

 



Now, if you've never thought about creating and /or decorating with silhouettes just look at this picture from vastharrison.wordpress.com . Seriously, don't forget to breathe.

Why does this wall work? Oh, let me count the ways.

1. Three different main colors: In addition to the black and white the wall is painted a gorgeous blue.  Because silhouettes are 2 dimensional, this gives the wall a three dimensional look. 

2. Additional interest with an array neutral colors: The frames and matte boards are a mix of beige, white, black, green (yes dark green is neutral in this display), and gold (huge shout out for the gold!).

If all the frames matched it would be boring, boring, BORING. Did I say boring? The only time you want to match a wall of frames is if you are putting the pictures on a patterened wallpaper/paint technique and the wall would be too busy. 

3. Textural interest: All the frames are not shiny and smooth. This is a good thing, as Martha Steward would say. The gold frames add a swirly, chunky, ornate feel. 

4. A splash of something unexpected:  Did you notice..............
the yellow frame on the wall? This could have also been achieved with a little pop of color such as a pillow, on the bed, but this frame is pure genius. Kind of jealous it's not my design! 

5. Flow: The use of flow in this collection is superlative.  Look with those wonderful eyes of yours how they naturally move from the wall to the bed.

Now, don't be intimidated and think you have to think about all five of these points to hang up a wall with silhouette pictures. This could cause brain overload!

Here is a simple version created by my girl. Three thrift store fashion silhouettes angled on her wall. Unable to paint the walls, the look is a little two dimensional, but the roses (even though they are not on the wall) become part of the display and add a little color, texture, and dimension. The flow is created by hanging the pictures at an angle.  

 

Here are a couple of other walls decorated with silhouettes from sodarling.blogspot.com, and jamdogsgirl.blogspot.com.

 

Do you want to test yourself and play the 5 point game above?

 

Fireplace wall: 1) three colors are black, white, and blue. 2) additional neutrals with gold, white, creams, and patterns in blue 3) texture in chunky gold frame, wide and thin sleek frames, and the ornateness of the large blue frame. 4) unexpected is the purple hydrangea that is on the mantle (remember what is close by can also be considered part of the grouping). 5) the flow in this grouping is containted (surprise!). Everything is framed inside of the large blue frame.

 

Beige Hallway: 1) three colors  black , white, and coffee beige. 2) additional neutrals with gold, and various shades of cream used inside the frames. 3) texture in frames, sleek and chunky. 4) the unexpected is the colorful quilt hanging on the chair because it's close enough to be "part" of the wall display. 5) the flow goes from the floor to the ceiling!



 

When gathering a collection of silhouettes to hang on your wall there are several options such as: aquiring old,  creating new with online clip art, drawing actual people (like your kids), or buying silhouette stickers. Later this week I will provide you with some good links and techniques.

 

Until then, make it fabulous and classy.

Blessings, Ele 

 

Coco Channel, "A girl should be fabulous and classy."

Sometimes I feel like my design is all over the place, because I like so many different looks and mediums, but one thing remains the same: group like things together. Case in point is the Christmas table centerpiece that I arranged. 

Looks impressive (if I do say so myself), but simple simon, really. Just follow the rule: like things together. Here is how you can recreate the look!

1. Buy a dozen roses at a discount store, and another bouquet, but make sure the second bouquet has at least two large, or three medium flowers that are identical. Also, I bought a bundle of tree greenery since it was Christmas, but you can use fern or something similar.
2. Since the flowers were purchased at a discount store, you have to slice off all the thorns and the bottom leaves. Fill your kitchen sink with water and cut each stem under the water. You might have to trim them again when you are actually arranging to get the exact length you want, but ALWAYS cut under the water. 
3. Use a container the same shape as your table, I used a ceramic rectangle. Tuck in wet florist foam and put in water and florist food (powder you get with your flowers). Foam should be soaked, but not covered in water.
4. Stick greenery in the foam around the outer edge, and when using a rectangle, the longest pieces should be on the end.
5. You have completed your bottom layer. Think of this arrangement as four layers.
6. Take the two or three identical flowers, (in my case, two large green cabbage roses) and center in the middle of the bouquet. This is your top layer.
7. Follow with a dozen roses surrounding the large center flowers. Remember you may have to recut the roses to the length you want.
8. Inbetween the greenery and dozen roses, position any other flowers you might have. I grouped small lime mums together and worked my way around, using like flowers in clumps and any single flowers that came with the bouquet. Fill in as needed.   
9. Viola, you are done!
10. Water daily. I make my arrangements the day before, but it should last 5-7 days if you purchase fresh flowers. Ask the store what day they get shipments. Some places will actually pull out the flower colors you want and save them for you!

Think dinner parties, Valentines Day, or look ahead to Easter!

Blessings, Ele

Summer Roses

Summer roses are not only found in the garden, but around the home. Now, I'm not one to plaster a whole room with roses, but touches here and there can bring about a smile. 

What to do with a china tea cup that has lost it's saucer? Turn it into a pin cushion. It's pretty and useful. Cups with dainty feet are certainly my favorite, but any old cup will do. Fill the cup with stuffing, trim with fabric, and add a beautiful velvet rose.  

Just look at these beautiful china salt and peppers. These were an etsy "love" purchase.  

A soft hanger is trimmed with a pretty velvet roses. A rose garden for the home.  

These gifts were sent to a friend. I hope she enjoys!

Blessings,

Ele

Drapes and Spray Paint!

I knew what type of fabric I wanted to frame the window in the sitting room. I looked for drapes to purchase ready made off the shelf, or to order online/catalog. I wanted something with a little texture, and just the right color.

I couldn't find what I wanted, so it became necessary to special order the fabric. Really, I have a lot of patience, but when it comes to decorating, I don't. I WANT IT DONE NOW! A few weeks after ordering the fabric arrived and I was thrilled!

It was an easy peasey sewing project with straight seams all the way. I double folded the side and bottom seams to hide all the raw edges.

I let the hem puddle on the floor, (which is great because precise measuring is not needed).

Even though some may think this room is a little fussy looking, it is calm and relaxing to me. My pink girl and I hang out in here snuggled on the couch, with book in hand.

I bought rods that were stark white. The white was a little too drastic for this room, so out came the can of spray paint.

Heirloom White by American Accents is a great color. The paint doesn't dry as fast as I like, so I had to be patient. When using spray paint, spray thin coats of paint and repeat the layers.

While I had the spray paint out, I changed the color of the four rose pots. For those of you who are actually reading, you can see my next project through the window-the sunroom. It's not quite finished yet. Soon. I. Hope.

I LOVE this paint color. Look at how the color blends with with the white roses, but doesn't match exactly, (which I like).

 Come back on Saturday and I'll show you the new drapes in the kitchen dining room, (black and taupe with damask trim).

My pictures are actually enlarging, so CLICK away!

Blessings to all of you!

Ele

Wedding Flowers

It's been a busy week. I, along with two wonderful helpers, put together wedding bouquets, arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres with 175 white and red roses. The brides bouquet had white roses in the center.

Bridesmaids bouquets were lush with red roses.

The reception was centered around a nature theme. We put miniature roses and leather leaf on the tables.
Love this cake.

Oil lamps made of beautiful rocks carried on the nature theme.

Blessings,

Ele