A Regal Whisper of Creole Grace
A luminous homage to the iconic architecture of New Orleans, Purple Reign Shotgun House is an original mixed-media masterpiece from Art Illusions by Young that distills the resilient elegance and vibrant spirit of Creole shotgun houses into intimate, collectible form. This meticulously handcrafted work captures the distinctive narrow silhouette, elevated porch, and ornate detailing that define these historic dwellings—structures born of practicality yet elevated by generations of craftsmanship and cultural pride.
The lavender facade glows with soft historical authenticity, accented by sage-green shutters framing reflective acetate windows veiled in delicate lace curtains. Ornate gingerbread trim, corbels, quoins, and transoms are rendered with precise attention to period style, while the gable roof—complete with porch overhang and a decorative diagonal roof carving crowned by a golden cross—evokes the quiet dignity of Faubourg Marigny or Tremé. A small porch lantern and ceramic address plaque welcome visitors, flanked by potted gardenias that nod to Southern hospitality. Behind the house, a lush enclosed yard blooms with hand-formed vines, flowers, and static grass, and laundry on a clothes line, enclosed by a delicate wood-stick wrought-iron fence, creating a serene pocket of domestic tranquility.
At its core, the piece is ingeniously functional: a tissue emerges from the slate rooftop like a gentle plume of mist rising from the nearby Mississippi, blending whimsy with everyday utility. Approximating 1/24 scale, Purple Reign Shotgun House serves as both a sculptural diorama and an elegant tissue-box cover, inviting viewers to appreciate its architectural fidelity while delighting in its clever design.
This work stands as a quiet celebration of New Orleans heritage—where resilience, color, and community converge in everyday beauty—and as a testament to the patient, layered artistry that defines Art Illusions by Young.
Materials & Finishing
House Structure & Details: Wood and PVC for primary framework and walls, polymer clay for shingles, decorative gingerbread trim, corbels, quoins, and architectural styling, acetate for reflective windows and doors, modeling paste for textured surfaces (brick, siding, and trim), acrylic and enamel paints for the signature lavender facade, sage-green shutters, and all color detailing
Porch & Entrance Elements: Wood framing for porch overhang, hand-sculpted polymer clay ceramic address plaque, miniature porch lantern, potted gardenia accents
Yard & Surroundings: Wood sticks for wrought-iron-style fencing, flocking materials and static grass for lush lawn, hand-formed vines and flowers for seasonal bloom
Finishing : PVC board for clean framing and structural support, polyurethane sealer for durable, protective sheen and long-term preservation of wood and painted surfaces
Dimensions : Overall piece (including base and yard): approximately 10–12 inches wide × 8–10 inches deep × 8–10 inches high (exact measurements can be confirmed upon inquiry).
Price : $1,170 SOLD
Purchasing Note : Serious inquiries welcome. Message for additional photos, custom variations, or shipping details.
Location : Louisiana, USA
Sold
Close front view of the Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Ornate gingerbread trim, reflective lace-curtained doors and windows, golden cross atop the decorative sculpted facade carving, and potted clay gardenia flowers at the entrance. This lavender shotgun house is a whimsical yet historically accurate mixed media functional art piece.
Handcrafted Purple Reign Shotgun House Tissue box cover diorama by Art Illusions by Young in Folsom, Louisiana. Lavender Creole-style shotgun house with ornate gingerbread trim, sage green shutters, and handmade wooden "wrought iron" fence displayed on a slate patio table, this functional mixed media miniature captures the vibrant charm of historic New Orleans neighborhoods.
Angled view of the Purple Reign Shotgun House miniature diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Features a welcoming front porch with lantern, clay address plaque, potted clay gardenia flowers, and detailed wooden black "wrought iron" fence. Hand-sculpted polymer clay decorations and acetate windows with lace curtains bring authentic New Orleans shotgun house architecture to life in this functional tissue box cover.
Front view of the Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Lavender facade with gable roof, porch overhang, decorative slate roof tiles, and golden cross on the sculpted facade carving. The black wrought iron fence and blooming yard complete this 1/24 scale handcrafted mixed media functional art piece inspired by historic New Orleans shotgun homes.
Side and rear profile of the Purple Reign Shotgun House tissue box cover diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Shows transoms, corbels, quions, sage green shutters, and the full black wooden "wrought iron" fence enclosing the miniature yard. Meticulously hand-sculpted with polymer clay, wood, and acetate windows in authentic New Orleans style.
Detailed angled view of the Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Highlights slate rooftop with tissue emerging like a whisper from the Mississippi river, porch lantern, and lush enclosed yard with fabric sheet and flocking materials. Handcrafted functional tissue box cover with polyurethane seal for lasting beauty.
Artist’s hands carefully assembling and detailing the Purple Reign Shotgun House tissue box cover diorama. Shows work on the porch details, and polymer clay elements. Studio craftsmanship by Art Illusions by Young bringing historic New Orleans architecture to miniature scale.
Artist Sandra Young holding the Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama to create detailing. When complete, the lavender shotgun house with black wrought iron fence, detailed yard, and functional tissue box holder is a one-of-a-kind mixed media functional art piece by Art Illusions by Young.
Extreme close-up of the Purple Reign Shotgun House roof peak by Art Illusions by Young. Features the golden cross, decorative diagonal carving, slate shingles, and ornate gingerbread trim. Hand-sculpted polymer clay and wood details on this functional tissue box cover.
Front wall detail of the Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama by Art Illusions by Young. Sage green shutters frame reflective acetate windows with lace curtains, while wood-burned details are featured on the aged sage shutters. Architectural elements and textured walls showcase authentic New Orleans shotgun house styling in this functional mixed media piece.
Purple Reign Shotgun House diorama on the studio workbench by Art Illusions by Young. When completed the full lavender shotgun house with black fence, lush yard, and functional tissue dispensing roof is ready as a collectible mixed media functional art piece inspired by historic New Orleans.