Silhouettes are classic and timeless; they can be used in all sorts of decoration effortlessly. Create a stellar backdrop for a dessert table by putting together a nice collection of artfully arranged framed silhouettes of the birthday boy or girl or add a silhouette to your little one’s room as the perfect finishing touch.
I remember having my shadow traced for a silhouette while sitting by a bright light as a child. I can’t get my kids to sit still for anything, so catching them in profile in a photo is a much easier (and accurate!) way to capture a perfect silhouette.
Step 1. Lure your children to stand against a white wall where you can take their picture in profile (in that minuscule moment where they may be standing still). It may take more than one treat—it did for mine.
Step 2. Print out your picture on a letter size sheet of paper. I made my photo black and white so it would be easier to see the profile to cut around.
Step 3. Tape the printout to card stock so that it stays still while you are cutting it out.
Step 4. Cut out your child’s silhouette.
Step 5. After oohing and ahhing over what a great job you did, glue your sweet little silhouette onto paper cut to fit your frame. Then put your final product into your frame and hang.
Comments
Frauline Melfi
Wasn’t there a previous blog post about silhouettes?
mychael13
Where are the pictured frames from?
Zen
Frauline Melfi: Yeah, there was, but it didn’t have this kind of tutorial on how to make your own silhouette art.
Paula
The picture frames were purchased at Hobby Lobby! :)
Heather Carter
I love this so much! I am going to make this my week long project to do this with all 8 of my kids :)
Tasha Cune
Thanks for this step-by-step DIY guide. Didn’t know it is this simple to make one.
Recreate
Reminds me of those cameo pendants or brooches made of polymer clay and other materials.
BuenaMano
So this is how you do it. I asked a friend of mine to make a silhouette art for me, and I don’t think he got the exact profile right. I’m not sure what method he used.
Dandelion
I like silhouettes, but only if ornate frames are used to make up for the simplicity of the artwork. Just like this frame used for the girl’s silhouette.
Megan
A good tip is to get the kids to stand a few feet away from the blank wall when taking the photo, otherwise you may get shadows that make it more difficult to know where to cut.
:)
ykelly
Great tutorial! I shared this link on my paper and crafts blog here: http://www.etchedinpaper.com/classic-and-timeless-silhouettes/ Thanks for sharing!
Ilyse Liffreing
Hello!
I am a reporter at NBC Owned Television Stations.
Could I use your photo in our Mother’s Day DIY roundup online?
Thank you,
Ilyse Liffreing
Melisa
Hi Ilyse, Sure thing! And thanks for asking. Please send us a link to your story when it airs to melisa@projectnursery.com.