Kathleen Smithre-
Making my own props is a very freeing process, anything is possible. One of my favourite Christmas creations was a reflective gold geometric reindeer. Cutting the silhouette out of foamboard using my ever trusty scalpul. Then layering on the many different triangular shapes of mirrored gold vinyl to form shapes of the body, face and antlers. Also last year illuminated handcut silhouettes of Hythe High St., it took what seemed like an age, but loved the outcome. Again with my trusty scalpel I looked up many images of the iconic buildings of the High St. that made it recognisable, measuring the width of the window I assessed how many I could fit so they could be seen. Then I began the big cut, adding silhouettes of Christmas trees anchoring each side. My client loved it and so it made a demand. For house of beauty I made giant flower lays out of stretchy florists crepe paper and spray paint. Hand cutting and stretching each petal, glueing together, then spray painting the edges to make it as close to an original as possible. It ended up 30ft long. Also I have made a cardboard piano and double base for a Paul Mitchell window, that was so much fun. But my favourite Paul Mitchell windows that I created are a giant film roll with fake balloons summer window and a pet shampoo January reveal. In all my favourite medias, paper, foamboard, paints and fabric. I think its helps to find your niche, or USP. Mine is large props, which occasionally I have to bring staff in to help as they end up larger than imagined. Everone has their own style that is unique to them.
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