Thursday, December 3, 2009

Silhouette Gifts...


I love making gifts for friends and family! Here's one of my favorite frugal holiday gift ideas that is relatively easy to make and will be cherished for years to come!

1. Take a clear side view picture of your subject...Make sure that it is a perfect side view and that they are looking straight ahead and not down.  For very little ones, I've found it's sometimes easier to get a good profile picture while they are watching TV!

2. Size your photo down to the size you want and then print it out.

3. Choose paper that is the right size and color for your project.  (I chose black to make them look like traditional vintage silhouettes)  Paper that is slightly thinner is easier to cut accurately and sometimes makes a prettier image.

4. Place the printed picture on top of the colored paper, and staple (not too close) around the outside of the profile just to hold it securely in place.  Sometimes it's easier if you carefully trace the profile with a contrasting colored pen or pencil before you cut.

5. Carefully and SLOWLY cut out the image. (small sharp scissors work best)

6. To finish your gift, mat your silhouettes on a contrasting color paper and frame it!


These also make great note cards (scan and print them), scrapbook pages, and if you cut them out of fabric instead...you can make beautiful pillows, tote bags, and t-shirts with your sweet children's faces on them!  Also, try doing a full body silhouette of your little one.  Enjoy!

8 comments:

Margaret said...

This is a delightful activity that I can share with my adult children. We made many crafts when they were small and now that they are grown up it will be fun to spend time together creating.

Kathleen @ Measuring My Life said...

What a great idea and love the step-by-step instructions. Thanks for sharing!

Midnite Skys said...

Oh thank-you. one more gift down I paid someone to do this of my daughter!!

Vivianne's Vista said...

This is a wonderful idea! I have an empty wall that I didn't know what to do with. I think I'm going to try this and make it a family wall. Thanks!

Unknown said...

That is beautiful! I love the step by step directions. I remember my mom had these done for my brother and me when we were young.

I found you from MBC and am now following you.
Heather
Check me out if you have a chance http://ratherbechangingdiapers.blogspot.com/

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great project! I have made silhouettes also. My method involves printing the photo out and painting the backside (I'm lazy like that!).

I have some hanging up in my living room and everyone asks me where I bought them. TEE HEE!

Oh, I gave them as grandparent gifts last christmas too.

Ree said...

I would love to see how all of your silhouettes come out! :) Thanks for stopping by!

The Single Mothers Chronicles said...

Great gift idea - and what a pretty blog!
Swati
http://www.thesinglemotherschronicles.com