DIY Project, Wall Decor:Simple Framed Silhouette
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve noticed many of the beautiful gallery walls on the internet and in magazines. I know I have! Making DIY silhouettes is a great and inexpensive way to incorporate something both traditional and personal that you can use in a gallery wall or even on its own. Silhouettes have been around for a long time and may seem a bit old-fashioned, but there are so many ways you can update them for a fresh and modern look.
The art of silhouettes became popular in the mid-18th century. Typically, silhouettes were made from painting a reverse image on glass; tracing an image, then cutting away the image from lighter-colored paper and laid upon dark paper; or a cut and paste method, cutting out of dark paper and laying it on top of white paper. Traditional silhouette artists do this by freehand! Its also achievable by tracing a profile using a backlight. All of these methods seem labor intensive, so Ive found a simple and quick method to make a framed silhouette.
Materials & Supplies:
- Camera
- Scissors
- Two types of scrapbooking paper–one color for the background and one for the silhouette shape
- Frame in whatever size you would like
- Scotch tape
Instructions
First, you will need to take a photo of the person for the silhouette. It does not matter how close you are to the subject, but if you are making multiple silhouettes, you want to make sure you are about the same distance from each person. That way, the silhouettes will be the same size.
Next, print out your photo(s). The size for your printed picture should be the same size as your frame. You can do any size, from 5″ x 3 up to 8.5″ x 11. A bigger silhouette makes an impact, but smaller one would work nicely into a gallery wall or in a vignette.
Once your picture is printed, lay it over the scrapbook paper that you want to use for the silhouette. Clip the two pieces of paper together using binder clips or paper clips. You could also tape them together around the edges.
Now slowly and carefully, cut around the shape of the profile in your photo and scrapbook paper together. Channel your inner kindergartener. Take your time to avoid mistakes. You need to decide, at times, where to cut depending on if there is hair sticking up due to bad hair days.
Now that your photos are cut out, its time to assemble your frames. I always take the time to use glass cleaner on the glass before putting in my display. Its quite satisfying to clean out the glass before finishing up your frame.
Place the silhouette over the background paper and position it to your liking as it will be seen through the glass. When you like the spot, use a bit of Scotch tape on the back of the shape to keep it from sliding around when you finish assembling your frame. Put the frame together and make sure its positioned properly. If you have a few silhouettes to assemble, put them next to each other to make sure the positioning of each profile matches the others.
Traditionally, silhouettes are a black shape on a lighter background. This makes an impact and looks great. I think a white shape on black could have as strong an impact.
You can also infuse some color and pattern into your display by using a white or black shape on a patterned or textured paper, fabric or a bold color. This could produce a traditional look with a modern touch, depending on the pattern you choose. Check out the scrapbook paper aisle at the craft store. There are so many choices!
While most silhouettes are of a profile, you could choose to silhouette a pet, an object or even a picture of a landscape. Just take a picture of whatever shape you want to use, or perhaps use a printout. Whatever colors, shapes or patterns you decide to use, this is a great way to bring a personal touch into your decorating for a little bit of time and not a lot of money.
About the author: Jennifer is a wife, mom and teacher. She loves to decorate, garden, and fix up things around the house. She feels quite comfortable with a cordless drill in one hand and pruners in the other. Jennifer blogs at The Home Daybook where she shared home projects on a budget. She’s always looking for ways to maximize the style of her home on a budget.
Have you tried this d.i.y. project?
I’d love to see your results! Send your pictures to Kristi at addicted2decorating[at]live.com
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