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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 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?
As a paper fan myself, I think that a cool favor. I briefly flirted with similar ideas but couldn’t work it in the budget.
I would love this as well… I pondered the idea after watching a segment on CBS Sunday Morning. However I can only imagine the cost.
I think it is awesome! If you can’t fit it in the budget, it would still be great to have a silhouette portrait of yourselves on your wedding day for thank you cards, etc.
I think it’s a cool idea, but, (and don’t kill me for being honest), I would probably throw it away or misplace it, thereby making your (what I presume to be) expensive-ish favor not really worth it.
YES! I think its the new “photo booth”…out with the booths, in with the silhouettes! I was smitten with Karl since seeing him in MS weddings as well!
I love this idea— it’s a great souvenir from the wedding and it’s so unique.
That girl is tooooooooooooooo cute 
I think it’s a great idea.
I’d be great to gift couples one with the left facing and the other with the right facing so they can have them framed together. I *think* that’d be cute and work well.
A cut out of me is cool - but I’m not really sure what I’d do with it, but one of me and my hubby would be very special
Its a family tradition that all the girls in the family get them done at 13– they look lovely framed and hung! I would soooo love to get that as a favor!
I love Karl too. Had I know about him before my own wedding he so would have been there.
I think its a great idea. But as a child I always hated having my silhouette taken. My nose comes out way to big on that stuff. I saw it done in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and thought it really sweet though.
Yes, ma’am! This is one of the few non-consumable favors that I would actually keep. Very cool.
Oooh, I’d love it. What a cool keepsake that would be. And you could put together a small album of you and your wedding parties’ silhouettes.
What a unique idea! I would love it. It might also make a creative alternative to a photo guest book. Have your guests sign the duplicate silhouette.
I would love this as a favor. When I saw it in MS Weddings, I squealed with delight. Whenever I’m at Disneyland, I always have my portrait done. I wanted this for my reception but then it was way out of budget. 
I read in one of the articles about him on his page that Karl’s services start at $350/hr.
to be perfectly honest, i wouldn’t be excited. while i do enjoy the novelty of it and the memories of 3rd grade, knowing me, i’d tuck it away and completely forget about it only to toss it later or just completely forget it on the table like i’ve done with many other favors [though i'm still smarting from the salt water taffy i left. i can't believe i did that!]. but really, i’d just be confused at first. i mean, what am i supposed to do with it? [granted, i know what to do with it but that's just what i'd say if i was handed one]
I would love this! She is just about the cutest thing ever when she looks into the camera and poses next to her own silhouette at the end.
honey….put down the internet.
I’ve had these moments before too (we’re 6 mos. happily married now) and sometimes you need to step back from wedding planning and realize….this is insane.
i personally like the idea, but think most my family and friends wouldn’t.
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Mrs. Canary, New York Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Journalist/Editor Engagement Date: February 16, 2007 Wedding Date: July, 2008 Blogging Since: October 19, 2007 Venue: Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers About Me: I'm a born and raised New Yorker who loves all things crafty and artsy, food (cheese and dessert!), magazines, and shoes. I'm a power shopper always on the lookout for good deals or great quality-- sometimes I'm lucky and I find both! I love to dance and "shake what my momma gave me" but can also really enjoy a quiet night in with Mr. Canary and a good episode of Seinfeld or curl up with a good book.
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