The New Take on Plate Art

A lot of exciting things have happen in the last few weeks. I was recently interviewed by a local magazine here in San Antonio Texas. They asked to take photos of some my work. As an emerging interior design professional this is very BIG!!! For the first time I will be published. They wanted to feature my formal dining room that I organically pulled together over some months, but there where some minor details that still needed to addressed. I had this blank spot in the one corner that I need to fill. I found some plates from a local import store that had great detail on the edges. However, a designer can never leave well enough alone and I wanted to personalize my space with initials. The overall concept for my dining room is an etherial garden with touches of modern glamor and I wanted to go “old school” with the initials on the tree.

Here is what I started with.

Here is what I used

Got the classic Helvetica font stencil and went to work

Note: I used the oil base Sharpie metallic marker thinking I was going to get more of a graffiti  look for my heart, but it didn’t work out so well on the porcelain surface. Instead, I made a stencil out of leftover cardstock I had for the heart and used the spray paint. Then roughed up the edges with a wet sponge so the paint looked worn. I was not going for it to look clean and “perfect”.

Then, once I decided where I wanted them on the plates I taped them off and covered everywhere else I did not want paint

Lastly, I added the self adhesive plate hangers found at my local hobby store in the custom framing department. Then, I had my husband help me hang them late the night before the photo shoot with while drinking my favorite glass of red wine Hall 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley.

I know what your thinking what about the rest of the room?  The issue is not out yet and I am on pins and needles for the photo’s so I will just share what I took the day of the shoot.

Now this is no new trick. Plate’s on display have been used for interiors for quite some time mostly in traditional settings. I believe doing this in the spray paint and even going with my original thought of the “graffiti look” brings this concept into the modern-day. If you would like to try  this here are my suggestions. Keep the plate’s all one color, or if you have mixed collection paint them all one color to match your décor, and only do 3 an accent color for jolt. Also, play with painters tape for fun patterns. Just think of the larger overall scheme beforehand. Happy creating and I would love to see what you come up with so send your pictures!

I would like to “thank” my good friend Brandon a designer who referred me to the magazine for the article in the first place. You are truly an engaging spirit and I wish you all the best in you endeavors. Also, I would like to thank Rebecca, Veronica and Phillip at the magazine for such a great experience.

Links:

http://www.gambrellrenard.com/

http://www.sanantoniomag.com/

http://www.phillipesparza.com/

How to make modern silhouette art

In my design school days I often used silhouette art as inspiration for my projects. I was drawn to its graphic detailed quality that held it’s nostalgic charm. Silhouette art was introduced sometime between the 17^th and 18^th century in the Victorian Era. I have found through some research that it began in Europe and eventually became exceedingly popular in the 18^th century in America, where artist were employed as a way to capture dignified portraits of American aristocrats, politicians, and common folk alike.

As a mother I thought I would love to have one of these for my self. However, as a designer I thought how can I make it work for my home? I needed to update this Victorian Granny into the Hip Modern Mother that I am. Plus, I also don’t have a lot of time as working mom and wanted something I could do in a day or so. By the way, once I got all my materials in order this project took me about an hour!

First I want to show you some examples of this traditional artistry. While it may be an oldie it is still very much a goodie!

Then: Antiques found on-line: 

http://www.peggymcclard.com/

Now: The Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica

Designer: Kelly Wearstler

The Hip Modern Way of making Silhouette Art

First, with your point and shoot camera take a profile picture of your subject. It’s best to do this up against a blank wall.  If you wanted to take this into to Photoshop and could do a really cool digital version. I’m just more of a traditionalist and like to work with my hands. Plus, let’s face it I’m not all that great with Photoshop.

Once you have selected your frame measure it in order to get an idea of the size enlargement you will need.  I found this oval frame at a nearby hobby store and knew it would be perfect! I asked the copy center to make a 16 x 20 size photo enlargement on in black and white on regular bond paper. Ask for regular bond so they don’t over charge you.

My next stop was back to the hobby store where I need to select the two colors of artist paper for the silhouette. This is where you can get creative and choose whatever color combination you would like to use. I selected one that would work well on the wall I knew I was going to place it on. Remember you don’t have to stick to the standard black and white. Think color, or even a patterned background would work! That is what make’s this more up to date I think. * Please note the paper used for this was colored on both sides!

Now, take some double-sided tape and place your photo copy on tope of the artist paper you choose for the silhouette. You should have two layers of paper at this point. The photo on top and the artist paper for the silhouette on the bottom.

Begin cutting along the outline of your subject and be sure to get as detailed as you want.

Remove the copy

Place it, attach it with more tape or you may glue it.

And Done!