Planning 2015

We are already in the last week of January. This month seemed to go quickly for me. Sylhouettes by Sylvia has been busy planning for the year ahead and several event dates are already booked for 2015. This month started off slow and ended with a bang! Even though, we still have one weekend my calendar is free. I'm not booked. However, I do have plans to garden and prepare my backyard to plant veggies for the spring and summer months.


Wedding receptions and birthday parties are the bulk of my gigs. The first event booked this year was a wedding reception for Marie + Jose at the Sky Room in Long Beach, CA.  Built in 1926 in the city of Long Beach, CA the Art-Deco style also has some celebrity history which included Elizabeth Taylor, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth and other celebrities.   The views are magnificent. You can see the Long Beach Shoreline, the Queen Mary sitting in the Port of LA and on a clear day you can even see Catalina Island. To the north, on a clear day you can see all the way to the San Gabriel Mountains. At night or during the day, it's a spectacular view. The Sky Room staff invited me to join the preferred vendor list. Sylhouettes by Sylvia will participate in future "Bubbles and Bride" events held each month for engaged couples to attend. I'm looking forward to a lasting relationship  Sky Room. I'm grateful for the opportunity.


I'm always very pleased and excited when industry peers appreciate my work and invite Sylhouettes by Sylvia to participate at their exclusive events The biggest compliment is when I'm asked to join their efforts reaching out to potential clients.


http://www.theskyroom.com/history_breakers.html




Jose + Marie

September! So Much! So Beautiful! So Amazing!

September has much to be said for, amazing weddings, events and connections. A great summer I had indeed. So many wonderful experiences.  And as we go into the fall season, I don't even know where to begin except for at the beginning. Aurora and Eugene wedding began the month of September to a lift off of amazing! Another great wedding in the first of the month of September was at the Darlington House, La Jolla Alicia + Jeremiah Wedding. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and work with Zapher Dajani, Founder of The Abbey Catering and Design.

September 8th, introduce the second week of the month with another fabulous event hosted by  The Knot ,"Cocktails and Connections" showcased several unique wedding ideas, including Sylhouettes by Sylvia. I can't say enough about the venue- Rancho Las Lomas, one word-"stunning"! Property owner Jeanne Lawrence, equally as stunning and such a gracious host. Natalie Good, her talents amazed everyone! A Good Affair Events and Productions provided the most amazing decor, florals, colors,  vendors and need I say more.  No wonder they are The Knot's 2011 Best of Amazing Picks. Amazing!
And that is it for the first part of the September. 

Labor Day Weekend 2011

End of summer signified by a Labor Day holiday. Hot days are still ahead of us. I like that part only a little bit. Great for outdoor  events and long evenings. Events I cut silhouettes for  this weekend were eventful and fun. Very impressionable, Eugene + Aurora wedding on Saturday, September 3. Guests were memorable and absoluetely friendly.   I found out some history and quite romantic about this wonderful villa.....

Villa Collazzi

Villa Collazzi

The Alverno Villa is a duplicate of the Villa Collazzi located on the outskirts of Florence Italy. Villa Collazzi has been occupied for several centuries by the Bombicci Fomi family, and legend has it that the Villa is the only one ever designed by the immortal Michelangelo. The Villa del Sol d’Oro is one quarter scale to the original. Nestled at the foot of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains in the picturesque City of Sierra Madre, the Villa was built in the “pure” Italian Renaissance Style in 1922 by the famous Pasadena architect Wallace Neff and was completed by 1928. The estate wasbuilt by Dr. Jarvis Barlow for his wife, who had visited the Villa Collazzi and wanted a house just like it. This design was a radical departure from the Mediterranean style that that Neff perfected in his other homes. He used entrance rotunda and iron work in several of his later homes. Originally built on thirteen acres of trees and flowers overlooking the entire San Gabriel Valley, the Villa had five master bedrooms, four bathrooms, and ample help quarters, one of the first electric elevators in the area, porches on three sides, and spacious patios. On the grounds were garages, stables, caretaker’s home, swimming pool, bath house, and tennis courts. The building is comprised of two stories and a tower. It is said that the walls aremade of two rows of hollow tile to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The lower story houses the reception rooms, dining room, drawing room, and library. The upper floor includes the living quarters and a spacious ballroom. The tower was built to obtain a better view of the valley.

Alverno Villa

Dr. Barlow himself supervised the planting of the trees which included: orchids, tulip, Japanese Magnolia, strawberry tree, flaming eucalyptus, monkey tree, camphor, sapoitas, English Yew, coral, and carob. To frame the southern façade, a sunken garden was added, lined on either side by Italian cypress. The Villa is now part of Alverno High School, a private Catholic girl’s school, which
has been educating young women since 1960.

My Passion for Silhouette History

Something has to be said about rates for a silhouette artist today... I love the history of the art and rather keep it the way it was intended. As it was never intended for aristocrats, to trace lineage.They used oil paintings from famous painters of their era. Silhouettes were gawdy for the rich, back in that day.

Silhouettes were for the average working folk. Many times, traded for a meal, a nights rest as a silhouette artist would travel from township to township. Oil paintings didn't belong in huts and small cottages anyway.  There were no cameras at the time to  capture images. Silhouette art was very practical centuries ago.
As silhouette art moved to the U.S.  after many folks immigrated from Europe. Silhouettes art also followed and artists traveled to local and world fairs, for a minimun fee for each silhouette. And as time has progressed, compared to the world of art, silhouettes remain "A Lost Art".  However, not so lost. In order to share with the others in this day in age a fee within reach, (compared to todays standards) it is not impossible. In my opionion it is not worth putting a hole in the pocket book to experience a lost art.

I love that I can share my art at will. I love that I can offer a very fair price keeping loyal to my passion of silhouette art and the history of silhouettes. And I do! It would not be practical for me to trade for a meal. However, a tattoo, or maybe something of value. It has been done. I value my talent and more importantly, it is to be shared.

Labor Day Weekend Two Events Prepare for Traffic!!!

I am looking forward to this weekend. Labor Day Weekend! On Saturday, September 3rd,  I am going to be at a  beautiful historic venue for Aurora's wedding. Cutting silhouettes at the Villa del Sol d'Oro Alverno Villa in Sierra Madre . I am told at this point I will be stationed at the  library. Sounds pretty cool. I can't wait to be a part of this lovely event. I will be there for three hours.

Following the lovely event on Saturday, I will be Alicia's wedding to perform silhouettes on Sunday, September 4th at yet another historic venue. The Darlington House in La Jolla. This too is a beautiful estate turned into an event holding venue near the ocean. I can't wait to be yet at another historic venue cutting silhouettes. I have a love of history and enjoy being at historic venues. It adds to the classic style and appreciation of the era of silhouette art. But no matter where I do silhouettes and who I do them for. The individual who have me at their events have an appreciation for the art. It makes it fun no matter what.

La Valencia Hotel- Stirdivant/Wason

August 6th, I was anticipating this wedding for almost a year. About 9 months. Many emails back and forth with Kimberly. She sent me profile photos of her and her fiance, to cut out and send to her in advance. I also did her wedding party and family members in advance too. I sent them all in the  mail. And much to my surprise and very honored Kimberly used my silhouettes for her wedding invitation. They were beautiful. Unfortunately on my way to the wedding a major traffic jam and I was extremely late. Not perfect and on occasion it does happen. However, I never once was this late. As a result, I didn't appear very professional.

What I wanted to share with you are the photos from the photographer at Ventana Photography who recently sent the link to me. The photos are lovely and reflect what a great wedding Kimberly and Roger had. However, I would like to add an note about the day coordinator from Kelly Instone Weddings  whom did not make my bride aware of my status. As a result my bride was not happy with the unknown during her wedding day.  A lesson learned and a new method on my part on how to handle matters so I am positive my brides of the future are aware of any issues.

Enjoy the photos....Kimberly and Roger La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

Anne and Cory Wedding

August 20th we were at the Los Angeles Athletic Club for Anne and Cory's wedding. Anne was a delight to work with and her mother as well. Warm and very sweet people. The venue was not only beautiful but included a history of LA that no other could. We arrived early to set up and met Nam of  Modern LA Weddings who was absolutely wonderful to work with and very organized. We set up a wall of silhouettes of the bridal party. Anne provided a beautiful memory book she found on Etsy for the silhouettes to be mounted in for her keepsake. Mebo Photobooth is a fun idea for any event and I love their work. I worked with them at a wedding at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion and we had so much fun. The band Los Sindicate was providing entertainment. Jasmine Star Photography and JD provided the photos of this elegant event. Jasmine Star is an acclaimed international photographer.  Florals and designs were created by Shawna Yamamoto. This was just a wonderful event. I really enjoyed working with Anne and her mom.

Finally recovered!?

Silhouettes, is pretty much all I look at these days. I can't help it. I went to Temecula the other day. I looked for old  antique silhouttes. I couldn't find any and I don't know why. About a year ago I saw several, but really not interested in buying any. The ones I saw were the ones painted on the glass frames. I wanted an original cut silhouette and they were very expensive. I forged on looking for silhouettes. None. I saw none. I will have to go back and look for again on another day, at another place maybe. So I have been cuttin some silhouettes of the days of the Roaring 20's and I left some on my bed. I was very detailed about some of them. And my dogs felt it necessary to use the silhouettes  as their pillows and thrashed them about. It's back to square one. I have a few examples of  the ones that were not thrashed. They are not mounted just placed gently on a book for  now.

August

It's hot! Just like it is supposed to be in August. I spent my last day of July at the OC Fair and enjoyed every minute of it. I walked through the Carnival of Products and wished I could buy a lot of the products just to try them.  I love the OC fair. I love the the atmosphere of the fair and to see everyone who goes to enjoy the atmosphere of the food, rides, animals, games and the new products. Not to forget the highlight to see the performance of the shows and work of the artisans. Andof course my favorite the silhouette artist. I love to see the silhouette artist maintain the tradition of the art at the fair. I applaud the life of the art and the ability to keep it alive.  To make it available to many who still find it fascinating and enjoy the art. Living as close as we do to Disneyland there are so many folks who find it a joy to get their silhouette at the fair.

Emmy's Bat Mitzvah-Bel Air- Red 25 Events

A magical evening in Bel Air, Emmy's Bat Mitzvah. Sylhouettes by Sylvia was a part of the magic. An event put together by Red 25 Events and very successful. I can't even begin to explain the magic. So take a look at the photos by Kevin Lubera Photography.  Click the link on the title and you can experience some of the magic Kevin posted on his blog and graciously shared with all of us. Thank you Kevin for capturing a magical evening.

Changed my Header

For some reason or another my other header picture didn't work anymore. So I changed it to this newer one. It is a silhouette I did of a couple who are going to be married this summer in La Jolla, CA. They put their silhouettes I cut out on their wedding invitations. I am pleased and honored at the same time. My work is on their wedding invitation. And for as long as I have been doing silhouettes for people this is still an honor and privilege. I don't take this lightly as this is a lasting memory. At the same time I am thankful, to my bride and groom. Thank you for appreciating my work. Your wedding invitation is amazing.

June Coming Up!

Memorial Weekend my weekend to take a nice break. Before June. Spending the last weekend in Palm Springs is just what I needed. Enjoying my time with friends at an estate in the foothills of the city, a pool in the backyard and playing zumba on the xbox... Several events in May and many more to go to in June. I had a lot of fun going to the fundraiser events I did for Haskell Elementary School another school. Another event; a luncheon awards for St. Edna's Sub Acute Rehabilitation Center. An award winning center. Looking ahead for June, weddings and graduation and birthday parties. Looking forward to connecting with people and creating memories.

Busy Month

Sylhouettes by Sylvia... got to be better at writing in this blog. I was reminiscing of the days when I worked at Knott's Berry Farm. I worked eight hours each day cutting silhouettes, long lines, the noise of the rollercoaster roaring past me, the loud screams of the daring riders from all different parts of the world who came to ride the "Corkscrew" and the "Parachute Ride". Running by to go on the next ride. Stopping quickly to ask me what it is I do at my little booth. Many faces from different places. Locals at night came to dance. A variety of people from all different kind of places. I was quite young and who knew how that experience would prepare me for now.

Not much different are the distractions of going to the receptions, weddings, and birthday parties. As I cut out silhouettes of each and every person. The loud music, the announcements, toasts, singing, relatives and friends cheering and greeting each other, reuniting. Drinking, and/or talking, celebrating with happiness and joy. Babies, wiggly, crying, restless and/or just plain not in the mood to sit on mom's lap to have their silhouette done. I cut away, the silhouette profile of each guest.

My job is to capture their profile although no matter how hard they try, they just are not able to sit still. Big an little. Little wiggly ones especially cannot sit still. Lo and behold, I stll must get their profile.

Busy Weekend Coming Up

This coming weekend is going to be a busy one for Sylhouettes by Sylvia. A wedding on Saturday night is on my calendar at the Historic Fullerton Ballroom. A beautiful venue. I anticipate this one to be a fun group. On Saturday a double header, a 1st Birthday Party at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton another fun group. Babies and more babies. Fun, fun, fun. Then to finish up the weekend, a wedding set in beautiful Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. An elegant and romantic setting for a evening wedding reception. I can't wait to do silhouettes for these events. I am excited and honored to be a part of everyone of these special days.

Thanks again for really making the volunteer event ROCK.

We secured Sylvia to be both our entertainment and recognition part of our Annual Volunteer Recognition event. Our highly valued volunteers watched Sylvia weave her special magic with her scissors and were utterly delighted to receive a special keepsake as an expression of our appreciation. "SylhouettesbySylvia" served as fun ice breaker as our volunteers and clients mingled around her to watch each other getting their silhouettes done. We feel that Sylvia's presence greatly contributed to making this years event memorable!
Ruth Weaver,
Board Member. Shanti Orange County

Volunteers deserve a Silhouette by Sylvia

For all the work a volunteer does throughout the year, the time given, true altruism. Community leaders and givers. Nothing asked for in return, the pure simple giving. I must say. I applaud their efforts. April 16th, 2011 Shanti Orange County the Agency with the Giving Heart, will acknowledge and honor their volunteers. A non profit agency who serves the HIV/AIDS community with services to help people living with HIV disease, cope and manage their lives. Shanti OC provides case management, mental health services, support groups, lectures on how to access HIV medical treatment, and medications to live a longer and healthier and a better quality of life. They save lives. I think this is awesome. But on Sat. April 16th this is about the volunteers and how much they are appreciated. Sylhouettes by Sylvia will be there cutting silhouettes for these wonderful folks. I am honored to be able to spend my time with such devoted people to a cause that most tend to not want to discuss or acknowledge for a variety of reasons. My scissors and paper are held high to you.

Slow start to a the new year 2011

Got the flu right off the bat to start off the New Year 2011. Got better, got sick again, so things slowed down for me physically and productively. Me slowed down, couldn't go any faster than slow or not at all. Had good plans to get off to a jump.

So now it's March and I am finally feeling better with some aches and pains. But I think I am going to get it going now??? My computer got sick and crashed too. Ughh! But to look at the bright side of things. I had to get a new one. How did I pull that one off? And did I? And during all of this, I also got an award from Gigmasters my booking site. Rising Star Award 2010 for my category Silhouette Artists. Never expected it. So here's to awards and a little boost for the not so good start. Worth all my efforts in trying to stay healthy and keep up with my life.

Weddings, Baby Showers, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays...

To each their own individual event. To each their own touch. All sentimental and all memorable to those who book me for their event. And as for me, early on in the whole scheme of things. I am contacted as the process begins and the details are discussed. And alas, as the days draw near to the very special occasion. (And sometimes it is a very last minute call). And things are buttoned down as they say. On the day of the event, I arrive at the time arranged, dressed up, supplies in tow and ready to cut. My specific working location is usually unknown to me until I get there. But it always works out great and very do-able. Now and again, I could hope for better spot or brighter area. I put on my bright smile and scissors in hand the silhouettes are cut and pasted on the white cards for the happy guests to take home.

I keep in the fore front of my mind the effort of each event, whether it be a wedding, baby shower, bar/bat mitzvah or a birthday party, etc. how much effort, time and energy is spent in making their day a very happy memorable day for the families and friends they share their celebration with. I am a part of it and what I create stays with the guests and the hosts. What a wonderful experience! I have an art that will last a lifetime or pass on for generations to come. And to know that, and I have been doing this for years... is even better. Wow!