Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Capture the Moment

While discussing ideas for our invitations with one of our designers at Bird and Banner, Nicole (knowing about my obsession with all things paper and paper-cutting) introduced me to The Roving Artist, a silhouette cutting artist’s site based in the UK. I was immediately smitten. I’ve always admired paper-cutting as an art-form, but it just dawned on me that this would be a fabulous wedding favor.

Silhouette by Charles of The Roving Artist
Image from The Roving Artist

Video of Charles demonstrating silhouette cutting at a wedding

How great would it be for everyone to have a silhouette portrait keepsake from the wedding? I love the hand-made aspect and the artistry behind it all. Many artists can do a portrait in about 60-90 seconds and offer duplicates (cutting on folded piece of paper) so that the bride and groom can keep a copy. A nice alternative to the photo guest book!

I started researching silhouette artists in the U.S. and found a number of artists around the country. One of my favorites is Karl Johnson. His work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings as well as Domino magazine. I love this demo video of him cutting a silhouette of his friend’s daughter. I’m not sure what’s cuter, the subject squirming in her seat or the final silhouette product!

Video of Karl demonstrating silhouette cutting

Karl Johnson at work from Cut Arts

Other artists I found included Deborah O’Connor, based in New York and Kathryn Flocken, based in Florida and both of whom have had experience producing silhouettes for Disney theme parks. I have yet to find concrete rates but it seems that most artists charge by the hour.

If you were a wedding guest, would you be excited about a silhouette portrait favor?

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