Silhouette portraits are symbolic of family, celebration and an era of elegance, and simpler times

At first you may find this not much different than most blogs. But if you read on, you will join me on my journey which includes my family, places I visit, and people I meet. I am very grateful to share my art and consider it an honor to give something to people who have never seen how a silhouette is created or even had their silhouette done before. I love hearing the stories of those who may have posed for a silhouette years ago, at their elementary school, fair, or an amusement park. Some have shared, they still have their silhouette framed and hanging on their wall at home or their mom's wall. Others say it's in a scrapbook or put away in a box. What amazes me, is these stories always come from a good place and people cherish them and hold on to them for many years.
Silhouette art is unique and fun.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Custom colored silhouettes available for the holidays or for your special event. Order now for Christmas! #sylhouettesbysylvia #silhouettecameo #perfectgift #keepsake #giftideas #christmas #customcolors #privateevents #holidayparty #newyearsday #birthday #fun


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on Tuesday, Decemer 5, 2017 I  cut a silhouette for this cute little girl. Her mom had requested a bright pink silhouette mounted on white card stock; the occassion,  an annual holiday boutique in Beverly Hills.  I specialize in private events and I was not feeling very confident to participate in a holiday boutique. Especially one in the middle of the work week and traffic is always a challenge. The day was a long challenging one since that was the first day of the fires and I could see and smell smoke in the distance as I sat in morning traffic on the freeways for over two hours.  It was easy to get frustrated as the traffic barely moved due to the closures. I did my best to be patient and prayed for those who are directly affected and for their safety (many people at the boutique said their children were home from school due to the poor air quality due to the fires). Two huge fires broke out of control, one in Ventura and the other off the 210 in the San Fernando Valley.

My journey home took more than two hours. I spent over 4 hours on the freeway and 8 hours at this boutique. Needless to say, it was not the best day ever.

The following day, Wednesday, December 6th, more fires broke out and the neighborhood I was just at, was greatly impacted. I was so glad to not be on the freeway that day. More fires, more smoke, more freeway/street closures and more loss. My heart breaks for these families who have experienced the loss of their home, memories and possessions. I pray they will overcome their heartache and start over again with few obstacles ahead. I pray for the firemen, police and the first responders to have lasting strength, and super human endurance so as to continue to battle the fires. As they put their life on the line, I pray for their safety.  I send many thanks to them, and their families for their sacrifices.

Looking back at my day, it was not so bad, even though it was long, and not profitable. I still had the opportunity to cut a beautiful silhouette of this beautiful child and a few other beautiful  children. I have much to be thankful for and I am blessed .

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Christmas Magic 2017 #sleepingbeautyscastle #christmasmagic #disneyland #fantasyland


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I love Disneyland all day, any day. I especially love Disneyland at Christmas. Yes, it's crazy crowded and the lines are long, I don't care. I will still go to Disneyland and enjoy it as much as possible. After all, it is the "Happiest Place on Earth".
I took my mom to enjoy the holdiay festivities at Disneyland and at California Adventure. She's aging and in her 80's now. So, we got her a wheelchair as it is difficult for her to walk. That works to our advantage when it comes to waiting in long lines. We didn't go crazy and rode only a few rides. I took her to see the Frozen show at the Hyperion Theater and she enjoyed it even though she had no idea who Anna and Elsa are nor what Frozen is.
The main attraction I wanted her to see was World of Color Show aka  Dancing Waters Disneyland Hotel . Growing up locally, we often visited Disneyland, and on the weekends when we wanted something to do on hot summer evenings, we would go to the Disneyland Hotel and watch the Dancing Waters and  the Fireworks. This was waay back before Downtown Disney and California Adventure. When friends and/or family from out of town would come to visit my mom always took them to the Disneyland Hotel to see the Dancing Waters. The show was short and compared to today's technology, quite simple. It still was nice and it was enjoyble.
 Well, my mom did enjoy the World of Color and even though it was cold she still had a good time.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

It's a Crate&Barrel Kind of Sunday Morning. Private registry event for registered couples at Crate and Barrel South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa #sylhouettesbysylvia #wedding #registry #crateandbarrel #CostaMesa #privateevents #silhouettes #wedding #favor #keepsake #liveart


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Once a month Crate& Barrel at South Coast Plaza has their Private Wedding Registry Party. Registered guests have a couple of hours to fulfill  their wedding registry  before their doors open to the general public. They offer a continental breakfast, appetizers, coffee and virgin mimosas.

To liven things up a bit and make it fun, they have a give away and invite wedding industry professionals to meet with registered couples who may be in the early planning stages of their wedding day.

Crate&Barrel at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa has invited Sylhouettes by Sylia to participate during this special time for the last few years. I enjoy meeting newly engaged couples who are excited for a new beginning.    

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Worked a wedding this past Saturday at the venue Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles. I've always been fascinated at how the puppeteers can bring theses puppets to life. Brings back childhood memories of Knott’s Berry Farm, my playground. Congrats to Kevin and Samantha it was a fun venue and unique wedding reception. #marionettes #marionetteshow #bobbakertheater #historicalplace #evilqueen #sylhouettesbysylvia #silhouetteartist #silhouette #liveart #wedding #weddingreception #privateevents #unique #keepsake


on September 16th Samantha and Kevin were married and had their reception at the Bob Marionette Theater in Los Angeles. It was a whimsical  Pee Wee Herman theme. I found that I love this old theater and all of the maionettee/puppets that reside inside.

The Marionettes brought me back to my childhood Knott's Berry Farm where I practically grew up at, as it was literally my playground. My mom worked in Fiesta Village and weekends and summers were spent going on the rides, walking around the park all day, visiting the shops, meeting and talking to people from all around the world and all walks of life and.... watching all of the shows over and over again.

Bob Baker's Marionettes were featured on a small stage in Fiesta Village on weekends and every day in the summer. There was also a marionette show in the John Wayne Theater (as it was called at the time). The talented puppeteers made magic on the stage and the marionettes came to life in a large scale production.

It was at a young age I learned to appreciate the artful craft of puppeteering and the work that went in to create majestic puppets. I never could figure out how they could make the puppets move so gracefully  without getting the strings caught up on each other.

It was at Samantha and Kevin's wedding that brought back to those good memories and a renewed appreciation for an art that will become lost if it is not passed down to future generations.

Thank you Samanatha and Kevin for having Sylhouettes by Sylvia provide silhouette portraits for you and your wedding guests at your wedding reception. Congratuations, wishing you both a beautiful future with many blessings.

 via Instagram http://ift.tt/2fxYfsr


Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Happy Birthday Frankie! Two years ago this little canine literally crossed my path in Stockton, CA She was injured, dirty, thirsty, starving, and covered in fleas. After, many efforts to do "the right thing", which was a fruitless effort and waste of time. I decided to spare her and bring her home with me to SoCal to mend her back to health. So, on this day September 13th, we celebrate her little life. Unofficially she is 2 years old today. She's a blessing and a joy to share life with her. We love you Frankie @champagne_____puppi #corgi #corgi-mix #streetdog #frankenstein #frankeldot #frankiebaby #franksalot #frankles #dog #twoyearsold #happybirthday #celebrate #doggylife #puppy #puppylove


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Being a silhouette artist and specializing in private events can take me to many locations outside the LA/OC and San Diego areas. I was in Lodi for a wedding on Sat. September 12, 2015. Before heading home on Sunday morning, I stopped in Stockton for breakfast. After breakfast, I thought it would be nice to take a walk along the river that runs through downtown Stockton. I was disappointed, since finding a path near the river was impossible. I must have driven up and down the same street about four  times looking for a decent place to stop, park and walk over towards the river. Instead, I encountered a very run down industrial area and just about given up and start on the long drive ahead towards LA.

My daughter Jasmine, who was with me, saw a little dog running down the street going in the opposite direction. She suddenly yelled out "Oh my God, there's a dog running down the street and it's hurt!". "He looks like he's starving, his bones are sticking out!". I made a quick u-turn, pulled over and tried to take a look at the dog.  We were concerned the dog would run out into the street and get hit by a car since the traffic going down the street was at a very fast rate of speed.

Jasmine, jumped out of the car with a bottle of water and gave it to the little dog. The dog quickly gulped down two bottles of water. We were shocked at how fast she drank both of them. We had a can of chicken in the car, we opened it and offered it to the lost little dog. After wolfing that down, the dog surrendered herself and laid her body down on Jasmine's lap and placed her little head on her shoulder. We just looked at each other and didn't know just yet what we were going to do next.

Stunned at the dog's reaction after our efforts to nourish it. My first thought was, this dog is going to drink some water and run away from fear. As we began to inspect her little body, it was obvious this little dog had been neglected and on the streets awhile. Not only was she starving and limping, she had several open wounds on her head and body. The worst one was on her neck which appeared to have been from an embedded collar. Not pretty.

Covered in dirt and fleas, we picked her up and put her in the backseat of the car. We had a hand towel with us and carefully wrapped it and gently tied it around her neck, her wound was oozing and we wanted to prevent it from further injury.

I proceeded to call Stockton's animal control to drop her off there. All I got was a voicemail with business hours and they are closed on Sundays, a dead end. I persisted and found a pet rescue outside of Stockton. I drove to the rescue center and the front gates were locked. They too are closed on Sundays. I got out of the car and from the gate, I tried to find a caretaker

I saw someone working there and flagged him down, he approached me and the worker said they were full and asked me to please don't leave the dog outside the gate. I was trying to help the dog and leaving her at outside the gate was not an option. I told him, I was from out of town and I would be taking her with me to SoCal as I was not going to be in the area on Monday. The guy waved goodbye to me, another dead end and a couple of hours later I leave Stockton and start my long drive home with an injured stray doggy.

I guess this little dog's life was destined to be spared. She crossed my path and became a part of my family. A miracle, so to speak. She's full of life, love, energy and gratefulness. I too am grateful to have her around.
-S-



Saturday, September 9, 2017

Sunday, September 3, 2017

30th Birthday Celebration for Sebastian in Riverside, CA. September 2, 2017 #sylhouettesbysylvia #birthday #friends #family #celebrate #papercut #portraits #scissorsandpaper #silhouette #unique #keepsake #privateevents


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Today Sebastian celebrated his 30th Birthday with his family and long-time friends from high school. Every single on of his guests spoke highly of Sebastian and several of his buddies told me he was their best man at their weddings. The best man of 5 weddings and each one of them, friends since high school.  Long time friends are truly  a blessing.
Not only is he entering a new decade of life, he also was celebrating the purchase of a beautiful home in Riverside. Purchasing a home is living out the American Dream, and to purchase a first home in California at 30 is not an easy thing to accomplish, Happy Birthday and Congratulations  Sebastian!! Wishing you many more years of many blessings of health, happiness and abundance.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Mirror Lake Yosemite, CA #summer2017 #familyvacay #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #nationalparks #travel #nature #hikingtrail


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Yosemite is one of my favorite places on this planet. Yes, even with the crowds of tourists from all around the world and the BEARS that roam around in their natural habitat.

Yosemite is beautiful and a wonderful place to visit. My first visit to the valley was twenty years ago and I have since made many more visits to which my family has created some of my most fondest memories.

Hundreds of trails to hike, lakes, rivers and waterfalls to cool off in or just stare at in awe of their natural beauty. And, even learn the history that lives between the granite walls is so much to appreciate.

Mirror Lake is a short walk to  enjoy a little bit of paradise. The lake was low but not too low to enjoy the reflection of half dome and it's surroundings. There was enough water for visitors to jump off the rock and swim in the crispy cold water. I took my shoes off and walked on the sandy bottom of the lake. It felt so refreshingly cold. And best of all, it was peaceful at the lake. Oh so peaceful! I didn't want to leave this little piece of paradise.
 -S-

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Skies in Yosemite Valley Fires nearby have the skies dark, gray, smokey and filled with fallen ash. #yosemite #valley #nationalparkservice #nps #redsun #smokey #fires #ash


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Several fires burning outside of the valley brought smoke and ash filled the skies. The dark dramatic gray skies and red sun filtered by the smoke made my visit even better. Witnessing nature endure and thrive from the fires made me realize how important it is for our planet to renew itself.

I look forward to my next visit. As much as I enjoyed this smokey trip to the valley, I hope I can see the blue sky and vast clear views that I have  come to appreciate and love.
-S-

Saturday, August 26, 2017

I love it when my host/client is creative displaying silhouettes. Pinned silhouettes to the branches #birthdayparty #glendale #summer2017 #silhouettes #sylhouettesbysylvia #paperpics #liveartist #privateevents #handcutportraits #paperandscissors #contactme #casaadobe


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This birthday party was one of the cutest rustic parties I have been to in a while. The birthday party venue was at  Catalina Verdugo Adobe Park, a gem hidden in a residential area of Verdugo Hills in Glendale. Historical to the local area where remnants of the "Oak of Peace" remain. When I arrived, I couldn't help but noticed the gate to to the long driveway. I thought it was a private home nestled beyond the trees and foilage. It actually is a home, an adobe home built in 1828 and preserved for the public to enjoy the 1.3 acre property.
Back to the party, a fountain is  the centerpiece with picnic tables surrounding it. Yellows  daisies decorated tables, a bubble machine placed near the fountain filled the picnic area with bubbles, added to the setting of a peaceful Sunday afternoon picnic.
The host decorated and hung silhouettes in the trees with tiny clothespins. Which topped off the perfect backdrop for this lovely Sunday afternoon birthday party.
-S-
http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-services-parks/parks-facilities-historic-sites/catalina-verdugo-adobe

Friday, August 18, 2017

State Capitol Boise, Idaho. Not staying for the eclipse😣 #travel #summer2017 #visit #statecapitol #boise #idaho #nofilter


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First time in Boise, Idaho. My  adventures over the last 16 months have taken me to more than a few state capitols. My bucket list might include visiting the other 45 (it might be one or two less) state Capitol buildings.

Boise, seems to have a relaxed vibe. No traffic, no smog, no crazy drivers, no homeless on the streets (they could be there), wide open spaces and clean. I didn't venture out much and my stay was too short. Wish I could've stayed a few more days to experience the full eclipse of the sun on 8.21.18. Oh well... another time maybe.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Paint night @ Roxies Fun night painting #birchtrees #trees #tequilasunrise #sunset


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Birch Tree
My painting is on the left! Once in a while we have a girls night and together to let our creativity flow... a canvas, a little paint, wine and appetizers.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Lighthouse @ Rainbow Park Long Beach, CA cooling off with a evening stroll in the park #latergram #longbeach #lighthouse #rainbowpark #evening #walk #summer2017 #shoreline


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Lighthouse Rainbow Park, Long Beach
Summer night trying to cool off a bit called for an evening walk near the ocean. It was a nice walk, a rap concert across the way at the Queen Mary provided cool background tunes.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

#Latergram It was a Sunday kinda morning at Crate and Barrel today. #sylhouettesbysylvia #crateandbarrel #privateregistryevent #weddings #specialevents #silhouetteartist #handcut #papercutportraits #paperandscissors #2minutes #bride #groom #couples #keepsakes #fun #unique #lasting


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Private Wedding Registry @ Crate an Barrel South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.
Sunday mornings at C&B's privatewedding registry is always great way to start the day and meet Brides & Grooms to Be.
#crateandbarrel #privateregistry #sylhouettesbysylvia #silhouetteartist #handcut #silhouette #silhouetteartist #liveart
#wedding #reception  #entertainment #unique #fun

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Took this little one camping for the first time Zion National Park, Utah She's on squirrel watch. @champagne_____puppi #zionnationalpark #frankiebaby #corgymix #squirrelwatch #toohot #camping #nps #deerchaser


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Squirrel Watch
This little Corgi-mix was rescued off the streets a couple of years ago in Stockton when I was there for a wedding event. She has become part of the family and joined us this year for the first time when we took our summer camping trip to Zion National Park in Utah.
She's on squirrel watch. Curious, full of energy, playful and loyal. Can't help but love her. Frankie Baby🐶
#champagnepuppy #corgi #camping #Zion #national park
#Rangerdog #squirrelwatch #family dog #pet