A Modern Spin on Traditional Artwork



I guess President's Day in combination will all the history homework my daughter has been bringing home from school this month has sparked an interested in me to have sillhouettes made of my children.  You know, the very traditional black and white profile bust pictures typically in a black oval frame.  I remember seeing them all the time as a child, usually in homes belonging to friends of my grandmother's or Victorian styled homes. 

While I like the simplicity and traditional-ness (like my new word?) of the original sillhouettes, I don't have a traditionally styled home.  So that got me searching and researching...I wanted to find a sillhouette maker that could give a spin on a timeless artform. I also wanted to know the history of sillhouettes. Sillhouettes date back to the 1700s in France but really became popular in America in the 1800s.  These profile views are cut free-hand by artists, but now with technology a lot of the sillhouettes are computer generated.

Apple Blossom Print

In my search for an updated verison of the orginal Sillhouette I came across Apple Blossom Print (on www.etsy.com of course). These pieces have the traditional-styled sillhouettes with added colors, words or styling. I love the idea of adding color and your child's name to background of the artwork.      

There are very few things in life that are more precious than the profile of our sweet babies. And I don't know about you but time seems to be flying by way too fast! Lately I have been constantly trying to stop my cuties from growing, and getting bigger.  This is one way I can freeze my little loves ones in time.

T Minus 6 Days and Counting

"Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.  It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines")." - Wikipedia

With less then 1 week until Valentine's Day I have been racking my brain for ideas for my Valentine.  I want something that will make him think of me when he sees it.  Jason is not a "jewelry-kind-of-guy" so watches and such are out of the question.  I don't want to get him something generic...I want it to be personal, and loving all things home decor, I would like it to be something we can keep out year-round.  So after doing some research, this is what I found...

I love the idea of this...a handcarved expression of love between you and your significant other.  The Lonely Heart can personalize it as you see fit, your initials, your wedding date, a special saying between the two of you, you decide!

This pillow from Alexandra Ferguson cracks me up! I am not sure you could use it on your family room sofa, but it would be great for the bedroom. 

I don't know about you, but my mom always made us use coasters under our glasses! These fun and persoanlized coasters from Biscotti Beads are another great way to display pictures of you and your cutie throughout the house.

I love these personalized and hand painted blocks from Mleefipps. What a great way to showcase the two of you as a couple. 

Isn't it true! The way we feel about the one we love is hard to express with words, but why not try! This cute sign from My Primitive Boutique is a great way to tell your guy (or girl) how you really feel about them!

Men are so proud of who they are and where they come from, so why not show him how proud you are to be part of his family...and what better way to do that then let everyone know! Have a plaque made from The Country Mouse with your family name and the date it was established, I promise he will feel honored!

Every year the focus of Valentine's day is on the women...or once you have kids it sometimes shifts to them...so this year, why don't you go out of your way to make it special for him!

PS-

I would love to hear what you plan to do for your special someone! Let me know if any of these ideas work out for you! Plus I could always use other great ideas for futures "I love you" gifts!