DIY Network

Mystery Party: Silhouette Portraits From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-204

This party is rated 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 17 hours
Silhouette Portraits -- 5 hours

Make a portrait silhouette for each host as a decoration for your Mystery Party.

Materials for Silhouette Portraits --

Two 24" x 36" pieces of primed canvas
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Acrylic paints: bright metallic gold, black, dark green
Paint brushes: 2" flat, 1" flat and 1/2" flat
Enlarged side view photo (subject in photo should be approximately 11" x 14"
Repositionable adhesive
Hat
Pipe
Bowtie
Necklace
Cardstock Marker
Glue gun and sticks
Double adhesive foam dots

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Note: Primed canvas is canvas that has a coating on it.

Portrait Silhouettes

1. Trim sides of canvas to curve inward slightly, creating slight points at corners.

2. Use a ruler to sketch a frame around the sides of the canvas by penciling tick marks approximately 4" wide from the edge. By connecting the dots, you have the outline for the frame.

3. Paint frame with bright gold acrylic paint (figure A) and allow to dry.

4. Once the gold paint is dry, add black glaze to give the frame more texture. Just smear it on and wipe it off to give it more aging and darker shadows (figure B) where they would naturally occur on a frame.

5. Take a profile picture of the hosts and then enlarge the photo. The photo should be approximately 11" x 14." Cut out the silhouette shape from the enlarged photo and place it inside the center of the frame. Use a pencil to lightly trace around the silhouette shape (figure C).

6. Trace an outline of a mat around the inside of the frame and paint it dark green. Next, paint in the silhouette shape with black paint (figure D) and allow approximately an hour for them to dry completely.

7. Adding accessories like necklaces and bowties will give the portraits a more intriguing look. Just use hot glue or double adhesive foam glue dots to apply the accessories to the silhouette.

   Expert Tip: When using a hot glue gun, a low temperature is going to set up more quickly, while a hot temperature will take longer to set up but it will last much longer.

8. Apply a generous amount of repositionable adhesive to the back of the canvas, spreading to the edges. Allow to dry (it will become tacky).

   Expert Tip: A repositionable adhesive is a great adhesive when you don't want a permanent bond. It is especially useful for hanging items for special occasions.

9. Hang in desired position by pressing adhesive onto surface.

RESOURCES :

Tool, Equipment and Special Event Rental (HSS RentX)
HSS RentX
Denver, CO 80222
Website: www.hss.com/usa.shtml

Create for Less
Website: www.createforless.com

Fabric.com
Website: www.fabric.com

Fresh Market
802 Green Valley Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27408-7041
Toll-free: 800-520-1556
Website: www.freshmarket.com

Mysteries and More
54 N. Big Oak Dr.
Fletcher, NC 28732
Toll-free: 888-346-0777
E-mail: customerservice@murdermysterygames.com
Website: www.murdermysterygames.com

After Hours Formalwear
700 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-693-7490
E-mail: store733@afterhours.com
Website: www.afterhours.com

GUESTS :

Harry Schwartz
Culinary Expert
PO Box 1320
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-8881
E-mail: chefharry@chefharry.com
Website: www.chefharry.com

Debbie Lee
Culinary Expert
President
Paragon Events and Catering
1620 Broadway #H
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-453-8023
E-mail: debbielee@paragoncatering.com