jennyleefowler: custom silhouette portraits

{ custom maple leaf silhouette portrait }

how awesome is this? seriously. i saw jennyleefowler's custom birch silhouette in an etsy finds email and clicked on it out of idle curiosity (probably because i loved *this* profile portrait etsy find from turnyourhead so much) -- and these are just so, so delicate and beautiful.

before, i admit i thought silhouettes and portraiture of this kind a bit trendy, cloying, self-involved. maybe even precious. then i saw these little pieces of art -- materials are wonderful, but even more amazing is that she doesn't trace, photoshop, or use shadows -- this woman cuts these out freehand -- with, in her words, "observation and terribly sharp little scissors." brilliant.

and what does this have to do with weddings, you ask? could be a gift portrait for your friends, or the image scanned for a save the date. or... ideas?





more at jennyleefowler.etsy.com and jennyleefowler.blogspot.com

kristinemays: letters and numbers

{ the letter F }

here's a fine idea (courtesy of etsy's front page, thank you very much!) for a great little accent. kristinemays 4x6" handmade wire sculptures could be your initial by the cake, or used in a set as table numbers, or could spell out a word or two -- or might be a fun gift! they do just fine outside (and if left out permanently will patina nicely over time).

one of the best details (i think!) is that they're made of the same wire used to mend fences. sweet. (a little fence-mending wire would have come in handy at my family's events! as in: "sit there and be nice to each other, or i will wire you all to your chairs." mercifully they all did fine without. :)

she also does larger sculptures as well (check out the shoes and the dresses on her blog), or you may have seen her work if you're from the SF bay area... neat!




more at kristinemays.etsy.com

madebythem: painting

{ the newlyweds }

here's a great little one-off painting by london-based madebythem of her newlywed friends. it's quite likely not intended as a cottage wedding-portrait industry, but perhaps she'd consider making a custom painting... or two?

more at madebythem.etsy.com (on holiday through 22.april.08)

butterflieskiss: custom illustration

{ red roses bouquet }

la la! received a charming note from donna of butterflieskiss -- an FIT- and parsons-trained designer/illustrator, she creates custom illustrations of individual brides and lavish art-nouveau-meets-burlesque bachelorette cards and invites. you can get sets of cards and invitations made from your custom illustration, or commission and purchase a large (up to 12"x16") giclee print, would make an awesome shower gift or a sweet gift for a mom. (mother's day is just around the corner...)

her shop is also one of the *very* few places on etsy to feature asian and african american brides, as well as lovely images of gay and lesbian couples. she wrote that she is expanding her line to include global wedding traditions as well as offbeat and non-traditional weddings* -- the textures and patterns of her 'world' illustrations are exquisite. see a lovely interview with donna on bridalcheek for more on her ideas.

etsy is amazing for just this reason -- no matter what kind of wedding, traditional to avant garde -- the ability to work directly with super-talented artists and crafters and create something completely original that expresses who *you* are. bravo!





more at butterflieskiss.etsy.com

* while i'm on the offbeat subject, i have been working on a little something for the very fabulous offbeatbride.com and (if ariel doesn't kill me because it's taking so long) i should have more news soon!

bobojunket: custom paintings

{ personalized commissioned wedding painting }

diana of bobojunket sent me the nicest note today, and her work is definitely worth checking out -- she paints custom 22"x28" wedding portraits in acrylic and mixed media. there's something charming and floatily chagall-y to me about the canvas above, to me at least. the price may seem high but having dated a painter you wouldn't believe the hours that go into these commissions. she's really selling a service, and how much fun would it be to have your very own painting? would also be a quirky engagement or wedding gift.



more at bobojunket.etsy.com

back again redux: go sox!!

forgive the delay, friends -- was in boston last weekend for fort point open studios, an incredibly great year this year -- thanks to all who made it! here are a few of my ridiculously talented friends from that community:

michael hammecker (paintings)
kate gilbert miller (paintings, hair portraits)
jim kalambokis (transfigured books + web design)
marie galvin (phenomenal headwear)
andrew woodward (paintings)
adam yothers' dyslexic press (screenprinted gear)

all even better in person. for more info on the 'hood, check out fortpointarts.org.

then followed a week of magazine shipping and sudden dire head cold and interminable world series games. but that's not what you're here to read about! getting back to business...

john clark

'this is different' original illustration

*love* this man's sense of style and drama. mystery novel pages, with the title of the print in the illustration itself, clever thing.

a number of his prints would make great gifts or cards -- the darker ones for your runaway bride or wedding-avoidant friends.
like me. you should get one for me. prints are a reasonable $10 or so; originals $50. more at johnclark.etsy.com