How to Make Silhouettes of Children

Making silhouettes has been an art for centuries. Making a silhouette of a child's profile is a fun gift to share with family. A silhouette is an easy craft and uses few supplies. Traditional silhouettes are black on a white background. Change the paper used to fit any décor or style. The traditional silhouette hangs on the wall in a frame.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lamp Piece of white paper Piece of acid-free paper-it can be patterned or solid Piece of solid-colored, acid-free paper Pencil Scissors Tape Glue stick Picture frame

1. Sit the child in a chair a few feet from a wall. Have the child facing sideways so his or her profile parallels the wall.

2. Tape a piece of white paper to the wall behind the child's head.

3. Place a lamp next to the child so the light will cause a profile shadow on the paper. Adjust the position of the child or the lamp until a clear shadow appears.

4. Trace the shadow onto the white piece of paper with a pencil.

5. Cut along the pencil tracing to make a pattern for the silhouette.

6. Use the pattern to trace the silhouette onto the solid-colored piece of paper. Cut the silhouette out.

7. Place the silhouette centered on the last piece of paper. This paper may be solid or patterned and will serve as the mounting paper. Use glue stick to adhere the silhouette to the paper.

8. Frame the silhouette and give as a gift or hang on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Using acid-free paper will allow the paper to age without fading as easily as regular paper. Thick paper, like cardstock, makes a nice background for silhouettes.

References

• Silhouette Craft

Resources

• Silhouette Craft