Art and the Event: "Decoupage Details"

I once created a table-scape design based on the famous "Water Lillies" series of paintings by Impressionist Artist Claude Monet. It was a multi-layered table with a mini bottom lit gell pond as its centerpiece. One of the most "artistic" elements of the table design was seen at each place setting. Each charger was a adorned with a small hand-made decoupage plate featuring an image of a painting in the Water lillies series. The image complemented the same color harmony of the table's color palete of cool colors (ie: Greens, blues, and violets). The best part, no two placesettings were alike - resulting in each guest's setting being both uniform (in harmony with the table design) and unique.

Decoupage is a craft consisting of a technique were an image (usually photographic) is applied to the surface of an object (example: furniture) and is then sealed with an appoxy to pretect and perserve the image and object. Although popular with artists and crafters, the world of event design also offers a wide range of creative possiblilites for this technique. The Monet theme tabletop design is only the tip of the iceburg for event clients.

I can imagine a Retirement party, Sweet 16, or a Fiftith Anniversary party with dozens of personal photos from the Guest of honor's career (and their years with the company), childhood and growing up, or year's together as a Married couple. Perhaps instead of a photomontoage playing in a video during a wedding reception - each table could feature different images from the Bride and Groom's childhood, school days, courtship and even engagement.

For the craft minded person who enjoys the challenge of such projects decoupage may be extremely involved but fun undertaking for a very small dinner party. Creating decoupage pieces for a large scale event however, may be too labor intensive for most - requiring the utlization of a workshop, the ability to handle the materials and chemicals needed, and a good deal of manpower and strategic planning. Although this process is time consuming it is well worth the look - providing the event with a truly customized and decorative design element. Remeber, you can always hire an event design (or Artist) who will have the abiltiy to handle a large project like this for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering a "Decoupage Detail" for your event:

The Downside:

1.) Images are perminately affixed to objects and can not be removed so use spare or extra copies of hearlum photos or images.

2.) These items will be for decorative perposes only. Guests should not place food on them or attempt to eat off of these decoupaged elements.

The Upside:

1.) Unique! This will create a custom detail linking concepts and images of your theme together throughout the event.

2.) Small decoupage elements can be created as the perfect favor or souvenir for a small dinner party. Each guest can take home a distinctvie momentu of their evening.

If you are interested in having this or other artistically based elements incorporated into your special event design please contact us.