DIY MODERN SILHOUETTES

 

Everyone is asking me how did I make the silhouettes of my boys.  I wish I could say it was easy ... it some research.  But good for you, I did the research and you too can have the silhouettes!

DIY AT-A-GLANCE

• Photograph your child or pet's profile
• Decide the color and size you would like (mine are mounted on 24x36 plexiglass acrylic but the vinyl faces measure 22x30)
• Determine the direction you would like the silhouette to face.  This is important because it determines which side is the sticky side - and you decide if you'd like to install the vinyl on top or behind the plexiglass.  I adhered it to the top.
• Email your digital photo to www.vinylsilhouettes.com
• Await the arrival of your vinyl silhouettes :)
• Order your plexiglass acrylic from www.eplastics.com.  They come in large sheets that you purchase and the company cuts them to the size you'd like. I used the 1/2 inch thick...http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plexiglass_Acrylic_Sheet_Clear/PLEXIGLASS-ACRYCLR0-500CCM24X48
• I rounded my corners at a quarter (as in the coin) curve.
• And you will need 4 holes drilled into the corners of the plexiglass.  HELPFUL HINT:  send them a photo of my silhouettes and that will help them understand what you need!
• Now you have to order your hardware...http://www.systematicart.com/DL-24-SF6-sku/112/Standoff---(Matte-Finish)---Medium.html.  You will need 4 per silhouette.
• When everything arrives, prepare to adhere the vinyl to the plexiglass.  Make sure you have a big working space and you aren't interrupted and beware of flying hairs - they'll get trapped under the vinyl and once it's stuck on - IT'S ON!

 

DIY, THE LONG VERSION

First you take a  digital photo of your child or pet's silhouette.  I used my front door as a dark background for my 3 year old and a dark pillow for the background for my 6 month old (can't find that photo). 

 

 

After taking the digital photo, I sent it to www.vinylsilhouettes.com and worked closely with Ryan to perfect the exact size I wanted which was 24x36.  But when you stretched the faces in that size, they became distorted therefore Ryan had to tweak it just right so I could have a 22x30 silhouette and a normal looking person!  But my plexiglass acrylic is 24x36.  You have to decide the color and size you would like the vinyl.   Also decide which way you will want the profile facing.  This determines which side is sticky which also determines which side of the plexiglass you are adhering the vinyl to.  I did it on top of the plexiglass.

 

Now, you must order the plexiglass acrylic from www.eplastics.com. They come in large sheets that you purchase and the company cuts them to the size you'd like. I used the 1/2 inch thick...http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plexiglass_Acrylic_Sheet_Clear/PLEXIGLASS-ACRYCLR0-500CCM24X48.  I also rounded the corners in a quarter (yes, the coin) turn.  Remember to ask them to drill the 4 holes in each corner for the hardware. 

 

Onto ordering the hardware!  http://www.systematicart.com/DL-24-SF6-sku/112/Standoff---(Matte-Finish)---Medium.html  You'll need 4 per silhouette.

 

 

 

 

So now you sit back and await the arrival of all the goods...then it's go time!  So everything arrives.  Clear EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY out!  I suggest being alone, uninterrupted and fully engaged to concentrate.  I'd also suggest all pets move out of the area and do not adhere the vinyl to the plexiglass on the floor.  The plexiglass is a magnet for fuzz and hair etc.  There are also strict rules about taking care of the plexiglass - no Windex!  So if stuff gets on it, wipe it with a soft, non-shedding cloth.  Hairs fly everywhere and can get trapped under the vinyl.  Not a good look.  And once that vinyl is down, it's down!  It's no decal, people!  I actually think I have a air trapped and no one would know but I do! :)

 

I loved this project and I still love it 3 years later!  So I hope it's a success for you as well!

 

 

 

 



 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 



CHARLOTTE STYLE MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

    Photo taken by Ariene Bethea

I'm in the press!  At the end of 2012, I was asked to be interviewed by Charlotte STYLE Magazine www.charlottestylemag.com.  And I had no idea what that even meant and honestly I didn't know what Charlotte STYLE Magazine even was!  I am so happy to now have access to such a cool, local website as well as being their feature this week!  Ariene Bethea visited me one Friday morning to chat with me about the favorite space in my home.  It was an enlightening experience allowing me to really think through how I create a space and how my little brain processes all of the creativity and detail.  Ariene made me feel so comfortable and was so complimentary that it made the morning such a positive experience and we just chatted like old friends, she took some photos and the the interview was born!  And thank you to my friend, Kim Loring superchyc.blogspot.com for suggesting Ariene contact me!  Kim is also the artist who painted the walls of the space in this interview. 

 

MY INTERVIEW:   

http://charlottestylemag.com/2013/02/19/my-stylish-place-serendipitous-style/

I would like to accredit those that made my favorite space happen and I plan to do so in my next few posts.  Thank you for starting this blogging journey with me as I share all of the design projects I've done here at LOT 47 as well as my client's homes! 

COPY CAT

Have you ever seen a piece of art that is an inspiration?  But the price tag was $$$$!?  You can find a local painter and 'copy' the art.  The careful part of 'copying' is that it isn't a true copy.  For instance, my client was inspired by a piece on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/64528207131136407/ so I called my friend and artist, Kim Loring, SuperChic superchyc.blogspot.com and she worked within the client's colors and here we are!

as you enter

First impressions come first! The entry takes the cake for that first impression for all of your guests. I usually don't stay within traditional parameters in most of the rooms I design but I do in an entry, I always try to make it a traditional entry. Meaning I include a mirror especially close to the door - ya know, check your lip gloss before you leave! Then a drop zone, table or bench. But staying true to what I love to do, it still has to be unexpected and fun! So here is one of my fave entries in the house of one my most loyal clients but most importantly, one of my closest friends. Thank you for always trusting me with MY vision in YOUR house. I love helping you! Stay posted for more photos of this house....

DIY ART

There is so much DIY out there but some projects look so easy until you try to actually Do It Yourself then you have a mess!  But here's a foulproof DIY with a purposeful result!

HOW TO:  Choose your space and decide the frame(s) size to fill your space.  Choose a fabric or more than one fabric.  In this case, I chose one fabric given my choice on staggered mats.  I spray painted the frames, had the mat cut at Hobby Lobby, cut the fabric to the size of the mat opening and then secured the fabric to the back of the mat and assembled the frame!  BOOM!  We have art!

 

 

 

 

TAKE THE PLUNGE

I knew I could do it but doubted myself and my Interior Design Criminal Justice degree but then someone moved to Charlotte from Atlanta and was asking my friend if she knew of anyone that could help the new Charlottean with her house.  And now 4 years later...I'm still helping and she's one of my besties!  Here's a glimpse into my very first then client, now friend.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as I've grown through the years!