Several months ago, I had this idea to create a wall of silhouettes in the nook by our staircase. It took me a little while to pull together for a few reasons. For one, I had to create about 15 more silhouettes than the ones I already had in my collection. In a perfect world, I would have been able to buy real antique silhouettes, but they cost about $25 each at local shops (and $25 x 15 = not in my budget).
The other reason was the sheer lack of nerves. Now granted, it’s no faux rhino busting out of a mirror (by the way, I just discovered Mandi @ Vintage Revivals and she is amazing). But, for me and my decorating style, a wall of silhouettes is a little much. I knew I needed to “go big or go home” with it, but I was frankly a little scared.
Not an hour after I finished my wall, I plopped down on the couch to read the latest copy of Country Living. Lo and behold, they did a spread on painter Kolene Spicher’s home, and my idea was completely validated.
My wall is very similar in concept. For my project, I bought a bunch of inexpensive, different sized black frames at stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Walmart (paid no more than $2 a piece). Then, on black cardstock, I cut my silhouettes. Some of them are family members that I cut with my faux silhouette technique. The others are just random people I found on the internet and cut out with my Silhouette craft cutter (if you have one and want details on how to do that, let me know and I can do a tutorial on it). I mounted them on ivory cardstock and put them in the frames.
If you want custom work done, try Norma @ Petit Design Co! She can make a silhouette of your children, your husband, your dog (?) and send you a digital file that you can print yourself. A few of these images I found on the internet are her work, and they are adorable!
Okay, so it’s not just one wall of silhouettes. It’s one-and-a-half. And yes, this is the former home of the book wreath. And yes, the ‘B’ desk is now B-less. Oh, and yes (for all you geeks who noticed), my husband is going to put a little shelf underneath the desk so the computer is no longer sitting on the floor. It’s not the ideal location for a computer, but my in-laws gave it to my son for Christmas (thanks Jim and Linda!) and we wanted Zack to be able to use it in a place we could monitor from both the living room and the kitchen.
I like that it brings an element of fun into a really traditional style. What do you think? And before anyone asks, the book wreath will find a new home – just after I take it off of my dining room table.
P.S. Silhouette America is having another great deal if you still want to pick up a machine. Between now and February 28, you can pick up a Silhouette SD craft cutter, 1 roll black premium vinyl, 1 roll frosted vinyl, 1 roll transfer paper, and the Home Décor CD – all for $225 (just the machine itself is usually $299). Go here and enter the code ‘Lindsay.’ All of the premium vinyl is 25% off using that code, too!
Mary Clare says
Love it Lindsey!, turned out so nice 🙂
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
That looks great!!! I love the way it turned out!
Inspire Me Heather says
Wow, looks great – I’m sure you’ll get many compliments.
megan says
love love love!! I think it turned fabulous!!
Diana says
It looks great! In fact, I actually think your wall looks better than the one in the magazine – it’s traditional and classic, but fun as well.
Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe says
Super impressive! It looks great in this nook. And I love that you’ve included a dog silhouette! Cute!
Pamela Manes says
This looks fantastic! Awesome job.
~Pam
leslie says
Do I spy a Barbie profile!? 🙂
Danielle says
I love it! I got a Silhouette machine for Christmas, but wouldn’t even know where to start with the silhouettes. Could you do a tutorial on this and any other awesome things the Silhouette can do?? I would very much appreciate it!! Thanks!
Laine says
I love it! Gave me the push I needed to get my silhouettes done that I’ve been meaning to do for months. Thanks!
jane says
you’ve taken the display wall idea to the next level! love it!!
Perpetually Engaged says
I love the one on the chair! So clever. I painted some silhouettes of my dogs. They’re my favorite pieces.
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says
I love this! It is so creative and classic looking – it’s beautiful! Without the Silhouette it might be a bit tough – but I love it so much I might give it a try anyway!
Norma says
It looks great. By the way you have 2 or 3 of my silhouettes up on your wall, I would love it if you did a shout out! I definitely recognize 2 of the little girls and maybe one boy.
you can see my shop here: petitdesignco.com
Whitney says
LOVE IT!! looks fantastic Lindsay. I love your blog! I recently made the book wreath.. I knew the instant I saw your post about it I wanted to make it. I like the way it turned out but will definitely tweek my next one. Mabye next project I’ll do a silhoutte wall =)
Jenni says
Hi Lindsay: I would love to replicate what you’re doing with my Silhouette! Thanks for offering a possible future tutorial!
Mark Reff says
I really like the way you kept the focus on the silhouette by using simple, black frames.
laurenjanelle says
I love this idea. Cameo inspired things are one of my favorite things. I have silhouettes of myself and my roommate in our living room.
Tiffany says
I think it is fantastic! I am pretty sure that I will be copying you in the not so distant future. I have a few silhouettes scattered about the house. May be time to bring them all together.
BTW, would love the Silhouette tutorial! I am still getting friendly with my Christmas gifted Silhouette and can use all the help I can get. Thanks!
amy says
Oh please yes do a tute on a silhouette ON the silhouette!! lol. I am having the hardest time with these. I worked for a full day with a print program online for my little girl but have yet to do my sons. I am sure the silhouette would be easier and I am all for it. Please oh please!! and thank you!
Oona says
It looks so great! I totally thought that was another inspiration shot when I first scrolled down. Really amazing.
House Cleaners Louisville says
I loved the idea, I think your wall looks way better than the magazine.
My only worry is how hard it would be to clean and dust without moving them around.
Thank you for sharing.