Photos: Edyta Szyszlo

Short week for me here in SF because I fly out to Chicago tomorrow for a super cool wedding at The Wit. But before I go, I had to tell you about this charming little art book/kit! You may recognize the name Vana Chupp in your hunt for the perfect silhouette products (owner of Le Paper Studio and designer of Smitten Sticks!) but not until now will the inner artist and silhouette lover in you come true ;) Honored to be one of the first to chat about Chupp’s new book and kit, here an inside look at Silhouette Art: Papers, Instructions, and Patterns for Making Modern Heirlooms!

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – charming! This 8.5×11 book kit folds into itself like a big envelope full of modern designs and subdued colors. Inside, you’ll find a small, matte booklet with 5 chapters; 1. Intro (a bit of silhouette history), 2. Photographing People for Perfect Silhouettes, 3. Step-by-Step Silhouettes, 4. Project Ideas, 5. Resources. Because it also serves as a kit, you’ll also find; 12 sheets of archival black paper, 12 sheets of archival patterned paper, 16 silhouette templates to get you started and 1 cardstock frame/mat secured in a vellum pocket.

Design trends come and go but silhouettes have served as classic keepsakes since the 18th century (before photography!). Chupp’s book ignites a modern crafters’ passion of simple do-it-yourself techniques and pretty design. You’ll achieve a clean and polished look from her easy how-to instructions and adorable finished-project photo examples. You’ll find a wrapping paper and family tree project incredibly endearing – as someone who grew up admiring my mom’s gold necklace charms of my brother and my profiles – it hits a sweet spot in my heart.

This is will be a sure-fire hit as a gift for someone who appreciates history, preserving or starting family tradition, a lover of a thoughtful-craft, simple design and classic details. Or better yet….go buy it for yourself here!