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!
Love it Lindsey!, turned out so nice 🙂
That looks great!!! I love the way it turned out!
Wow, looks great – I’m sure you’ll get many compliments.
love love love!! I think it turned fabulous!!
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.
Super impressive! It looks great in this nook. And I love that you’ve included a dog silhouette! Cute!
This looks fantastic! Awesome job.
~Pam
Do I spy a Barbie profile!? 🙂
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!
I love it! Gave me the push I needed to get my silhouettes done that I’ve been meaning to do for months. Thanks!
you’ve taken the display wall idea to the next level! love it!!
I love the one on the chair! So clever. I painted some silhouettes of my dogs. They’re my favorite pieces.
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!
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
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 =)
Hi Lindsay: I would love to replicate what you’re doing with my Silhouette! Thanks for offering a possible future tutorial!
I really like the way you kept the focus on the silhouette by using simple, black frames.
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.
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!
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!
It looks so great! I totally thought that was another inspiration shot when I first scrolled down. Really amazing.
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.