Black and Silver

I've just started another marriage certificate and have been thinking a lot about the design the past few days. The couple requested the quilling be done in black as the text is hand calligraphed in black ink on white paper. I suggested adding a few silver gilded filigree elements to compliment the dramatic look of all black and they liked the idea, especially after I emailed pictures of previous work I'd done in black and silver. I think it helps to have a reference point, especially where color is concerned. This was one of the pieces I made for last summer's exhibit, inspired by Indian fabric. The quilling is mounted on paper that has tiny bits of mica incorporated in it, which makes for a really pretty background.

I also sent along this picture of a black script letter, embellished with silver leaves. I'd made it to dress up a special gift box after seeing an entire alphabet of leafy letters.
I really like how something simple like a single letter can go such a long way in personalizing a present. Now that I think about it, it would be a neat project to make quilled letters on a much larger scale to frame as wall art... and doing a three letter monogram would be really beautiful... hmmm, the wheels are turning... it's always good when that happens!