How to Make Paper Silhouettes

Paper silhouettes are a charming way to capture the profile of a child you love. The simplicity and charm highlights the essence of the child. Making your own silhouettes is simple and fun -- a project than can be quickly done at home. If you want to learn a fast and easy way to make your own paper silhouettes, read on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• digital camera
• printer
• spray adhesive or glue stick
• sharp scissors
• black construction paper

1. 
    

   Photograph your subject in profile. It helps to have a plain background to make it easier for you to cut the silhouette. Upload the photo to your computer and print it out on plain paper (not expensive photo paper).

2. 
    

   Use glue or spray adhesive to lightly adhere your photo to black construction paper with the image on top.

3. 
    

   With small sharp scissors, start cutting around the outline of your subject. Be very careful cutting around noses and small details --- it is the little details that capture the "essence" of your subject.

4. 
    

   Once the subject is cut out, just flip it over to reveal the black silhouette. If your original photo was lightly glued, you can easily remove it or leave it there (it's on the back). The silhouette can be mounted onto card stock and framed or displayed in any way you deem appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• Print your photo in black and white to save your ink --- color isn't necessary.
• A glue stick works as well as spray adhesive
• Black acid-free paper is better than construction paper for an heirloom-quality silhouette