Easy DIY Child's Silhouette

I have always loved old-fashioned silhouettes of people. In fact, my original logo for my boutique, Lucy & Lloyd featured a man and woman's silhouette.

After Maddux was born, I considered hiring someone to do his silhouette, but I had a hard time finding an artist who was within my price range. I wondered if it was something I could pull off on my own, and after doing a little research, I found this great tutorial. Still, I couldn't seem to find the time to sit down and actually create something. With a one year old, it felt a bit overwhelming.

Then, my super crafty sister-in-law Megan posted this on her blog, and I was sold. Last week, I finally sat down and created my silhouette, and I absolutely love it!

Here is what I did:

1. First, you will need black acrylic paint. I bought two, unsure of how much I would actually need, but I only ended up using about half of one bottle.

I used a foam paintbrush, but I'm sure any kind would work.

2. I found a profile picture I had taken of Maddux and sent it to Walgreens to be printed off on photo paper. I chose 8 x 10.

3. I used some very fine manicure scissors to cut out his silhouette. I was extra careful to preserve as much detail as possible, in particular his curls and eyelashes.

4. I then started the process of painting the cut out silhouette, using long, even strokes.

5. I let each layer dry before starting the next. I wanted it extra black and thick, so I ended up painting 4 layers.

6. After the silhouette was completely dry, I mounted it to a piece of scrapbook paper that I liked, using double-sided scrapbook tape. The frame is a record size frame that Nate had that I repurposed. It is actually a little too big, so I may go back in and make a black, scalloped border. I'm also thinking about adding his name to the bottom. 

I really love how this turned out! It was super easy, and we now have a cute piece of handmade art that captures Maddux's sweet one-year-old profile.

Etsy Find: Judy Kaufmann

Judy is a Barcelona-based illustrator whose colorful drawings bring a huge smile to my face. Check out her Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/judykaufmann

Time Zapper

Nate and I spent the better part of an hour looking through these amazing photos. Basically, a bunch of art students were given an assignment to design and photograph their own interpretations of famous and not as well-known works of art. Some of these are simply awe-inspiring.

We decided that we are going to do our own artistic interpretation of a famous work of art. If we can find a painting of a gap-toothed toddler leaving a trail of wreckage with his frazzled parents trying to clean up his messes behind him, then we are in business.

Thanks to Booooooom and A Cup of Jo!

A Walk In The Park

When I think back to the days when Nate and I were still dating, a lot of those memories center around long walks and long conversations. We walked around his neighborhood, my neighborhood, the Vanderbilt campus or just took the long way back to our cars after a date.

We had only known each other for about three months when we took a trip together to New York City. He had never been before, and I was excited to show him a place that I loved so much.

And what better place to be for two walking aficionados than a city that never sleeps and always yields to pedestrians. We were in heaven! Naturally, we found our way to Central Park, where we strolled lazily down the paths as the sun set behind the skyscrapers. 

I knew I was in love with him even then. I told him later that as we were walking in Central Park, I had a vision of us with a couple of little kids running around, playing in the leaves. And for our first Christmas, this is what he got me:

Nate discovered this amazing artist, and I've since fallen in love with his prints. He has this beautifully simple perspective on the human condition that translates into these perfect little snapshots of everyday life: falling in love, walking on the beach with your child, sitting around the dinner table. I really encourage you to check out his drawings. There is sure to be one that speaks to you. You can find him at www.pascalcampion.com.

We also own this one, which is actually the first one Nate gave me. It's a guy serenading a girl with his guitar. Awesome.

(Sorry the detail is a little hard to see in the pictures. Definitely check out his site for better versions.)

Unurth.com

New York City

Marseilles, France

Arizona

Turin, Italy

My latest web obsession is this website that showcases street art from around the world. One of my favorites is the top image, Pixal Pour 2.0, by artist Kelly Goeller. Seriously talented people here.