As you already know, everyday is a party here at DC headquarters. Unfortunately, the South South Austin branch of our conglomeration is not reflecting this ideology all too well. Enter, a trend I’ve been spotting all over the web: Garland. Both festive and feminine, these lovely paper cutouts say “Yeah, it’s Wednesday, why don’t you just go ahead and get your groove on?”
via Please Sir
The flag banner in it’s most basic form. Can’t you just smell the turkey legs and screaming children?
Artist Sophie Cuvelier juxtaposes the flag banner hype with quite interiors:
The small scale of her hand cut pieces become blissfully overwhelming when produced en masse. I can see these in every single room of my house. If only I had the patience and time it must take to assemble these suckers.
Wedding stylist Rebecca Thuss Brings the jamz with her large scale garland alter. I am wondering how my husband and mother will feel if I file for divorce so that I may remarry (same man) under this insane piece. I will not be wearing that blue dress, though.
For a totally over-powering paper cutout experience, check out the works of stylist Zoe Bradley her garland displays are to-die-for and probably even bring window-dresser-to-the-stars, Simon Doonan, to his Burberry knees.
Zoe combines boxes, bags, paper and bows to make a Karly-Flavored dream display
If you need to water down your garland fashion for everyday wear, perhaps something like this is a bit more your style:
This garland inspired necklace from flickr user Vera Joao creates an instant traveling party. Perfect for running errands or taking your cats to the vet.
One of my very favorite flag banner pieces is this print by artist Elisabeth Dunker. It has been my desktop image for as long as I can remember, one day I will own it in the flesh but for now it cheers me up every time I hop on my computer (which is almost every second of the day). Note: much more inspiring than a keep calm and carry on poster/pillow/towel/trash can liner.
You may remember that I have a smallish obsession with twins, when twin brothers Marc and Ian Hundley were featured on the Selby with their garland I almost fainted. Seriously, why don’t you just throw Christain Bale into the shot so I can be completely sent over the edge?
If like me your heart rate has excelled to a no-longer healthy pace and your head is spinning with visions of garland throughout your house but you find the task of construction a bit daunting, you can always visit our fine friends at Etsy:
clockwise from top left: cupcake garland by etsy user Frivolous Whimsey; Garland of Paper Flowers by Millalove; Royal Garland and Royal Garland detail by Royalbuffet; Baby Mama Papel Picado by Aymujer
While (thank god) I don’t have a use for the Baby Mama garland, I think it’s probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Millalove’s paper flowers are so delightfully perfect. I can barely fold a booklet and this gal is whipping out paper dalias like it’s nobody’s business.
I’m a pretty crafty lady, but the one quality I possess that outweighs my creativity is my aversion to tedium – I’m willing to bet a million dollars that I never knit an entire scarf – so it’s good to know that these Etsy kids have my back and are willing to bring the party while I kick back and spike the punch.
+++++
UPDATE! 2 of our lovely readers reminded us about these lovely flag banners:
Woodley Park Zoo welcomes her new Feesh flag banner style. I dare you to find a cuter fish welcome sign.
And thank you, Anna, for reminding me about my favorite Ikea fabric (how could I forget????)!!!
Related posts:
Sadly, I think that Ms. Dunker sold the last of that tree-flag poster a while back (just re-found the posting in her blog on Nov 18th). I was debating it, and of course, now it’s gone. Hopefully she reprints someday and you snag it!
BTW I totally made Feesh (r.i.p.) a garland back in ze day!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodleypark-zoo/2731947156/in/set-72157606564296650/
Bright, beautiful, whimsical, and delicate…what an eyeful of AWESOMENESS!
I am such a sucker for triangle bunting (isn’t that what it’s called?) — I hung some for New Year’s Eve, and I think it’s going to become a fixture in my house. Have you seen this fabric (click the 4th thumbnail) at IKEA?
I have Elisabeth’s poster in my entry hallway, and it makes me happy every single day without fail. DEFINITELY email her and see if she has any more hanging around. She’s lovely.
I love those pieces by Sophie Cuvalier. They are such happy chaotic little things.
Yay for garland – you picked some amazing examples! Garland all over the house maybe???
Bad News Bears! I’m so sad to hear that the Dunker piece is sold out, thanks for the head’s up, I’ll be sending her a note this week.
And, yep, I’ve seen the IKEA fabric, I can’t believe I forgot to put it into this post, thanks for the reminder, Anna
Yay for flag banners!!
WPZ – I remember when you posted the feesh flag banner, I loved it!! I should have included that in this post as well. How charming!
I was debating not decorating my room for my short move to San Francisco… but that Feesh banner is inspirational. I should perhaps make my own banner… to you know, welcome myself to my new apartment. Fantastic idea, these banners, Miss Karly!!
I love Garlands and Banners! The garland inspired necklace is too lovely. I would like to use it as a garland too!
I didnt understand at first, but I love it…I need a project to start list..I like that for my daughters room.
this post totally made me think of Allie Rex. She is an awesome artist who creates installations out of tiny cut out pieces of paper and other materials. You guys should check her out. Although seeing her put up an installation is a treat that cannot be expressed on her website!
http://www.allierex.com/about.htm
Disclaimer– she did not pay me to pimp her!
Wow, thanks for the introduction to Allie Rex. She is going to the top of my bookmarks!
I think I am going to festoon our entire house in garland bunting stuff, and then we’ll get this party started.
WPZ, the feesh garland is the shiznit!
Dammit, Erin beat me to the punch. I was going to say that “festoon” is my word for the day.
Aymujer makes the rockin’-est Obama banners. I should snag a few for the time capsule.
And just when I think the DC Laydees can’t possibly come up when yet another superfabbo post, you come up with yet another superfabbo post. I’m just grateful to be a satellite in your orbit.
love love love those first few images.
I wish ya’ll had found my sculpture too!
http://flickr.com/photos/_christine/876100361/in/set-72157594528329289/
Wow, Christine! I love the slip cast banner! Thanks for sharing!
that reminds me… will badassical (new fave word) ever be revived?
[...] to add to my excitment, the lovely Karly Hand of Design Crisis placed me in her garland feature! I feel like i’ve died and gone to heaven just looking at some of those examples of a fine [...]
Ah! I made ze post!
I totally have the Baby Mama banner for my baby shower!
here are a couple of old garland works from some friends done a while back
http://TheArtGuys.com/IMAGES/Works/PublicArt/Umea3.jpg
http://TheArtGuys.com/IMAGES/Works/Sculpture/BBflags1.jpg