Silhouette Art

The supply list for this project is small. You will need two different colors of cardstock, traditionally sillhouettes are black with a white background, but you can choose any colors or patterns you like. You will also need a frame and pair of scissors. To take and print the picture you will need a camera (I used my cell phone camera) and a printer. You're going to start by taking a profile view photo of your subject. It's important to have a solid background and good lighting. Once you've taken a clear photo you can print it on regular computer paper. The size in which you print your photo will be determined by the size of the frame you've chosen.

Once you print your photo you'll want to carefully cut if out. Use a sharp pair of scissors. Being as precise as possible when cutting out your photo is the key to creating an accurate silhouette. Once it is cut out you will tape it to the cardstock you want to use for the silhouette. You will then carefully cut it out again. Looking back I realize I could have simply taped the entire picture to the cardstock and only cut it out once. That is absolutely something you can do to avoid having to cut out the silhouette twice. For the bottom of the silhouette you can either leave it strait like I did or cut a crecsent shape to give it a more sophisticated look.

Once the silhouette is cut out you can go ahead and cut out your background cardstock. I took the glass from my frame and traced it onto the cardstock.

From there I went ahead and cut it out. The cardstock I chose had a textured side and a smooth side. When tracing your glass make sure your pencil marks will be on the backside of the frame.

Once you have your pieces cut out you will want to center your silhouette before framing. You can use a glue stick to adhere the silhouette to the background.

And that is how it is done! I hope I've inspired you to create your own silhouette art.