Make Silhouettes for Someone Special for Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day is around the corner! Sometimes its so hard to find that perfect gift for Mom, Grandmother, the loving aunt, or the precious moms of our grand babies! Why not make silhouettes for that special person for Mother’s Day? This silhouette project will be a sweet and heartfelt way to surprise someone and will be cherished for years by the special one who receives it. And it’s easier than you would expect!
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Materials needed:
- Profile photo of each child
- Black and white tagboard – at least 1 of each color per child (I suggest you have extra black pieces just in case you need them.) You can, of course, use two other colors if you choose (see example). I like the traditional black and while look.
- A good pair of sharp scissors (smaller sizes of scissors work best)
- Stapler
- 5 X 7 frame – 1 per child (or other size according to the size you are making). Click here for the frames pictured above or you can use any black 5 X 7 frame.
- Please Note: You can also use a smaller frame and adjust the size of the photo printout if you want smaller silhouettes!
- Scotch tape
Directions:
- Make a profile photo of each child. Make sure they are not looking too far to either side. You want a good sharp picture of their profile. Keeping them still for this might be the hardest part! You can do this anywhere but it works best against a blank wall for contrast later on when you are cutting. The color of the wall in my photo was not the best choice; a little too similar to his skin tone.
- Once you have your pictures you will need to print them to fit whatever size frame you choose. I used 5 X 7 frames so in the printer settings I reduced the size of the photo from 100% to 65%. Look at your photo preview to see how much of the page it covers (see the printed profile image). I printed them in grayscale for contrast.
- Staple your print out to a black piece of tagboard. Staple several times around because you don’t want it to move as you cut.
- Now cut around the photo starting at the chest and cutting around the face first. Go slowly and carefully. The slightest cut can make a difference in how the silhouette looks but don’t worry too much! You can print another copy and try again if you are not happy with it. This is the reason for having extra sheets of black tagboard!
- Once your silhouette looks the way you want it to take the photo frame and remove the insert. Trace around the insert on the white tagboard and cut it to the size you need to fit the frame.
- Position the silhouette on the white tagboard and use a piece of double sided tape or tape rolled up and applied to the back to adhere it to the paper. Do not use glue. You do not want it to cause spots that show through the front of the silhouette.
- Put it in the frame and you are done! Get ready to make someone’s day!
Making silhouettes for any occasion that you need a keepsake gift for someone who has sweet children in their life is a good idea! It’s not hard to do and they will love it! If you are looking for other gift ideas or family activities to try here are a few suggestions:
- A Mother’s Day Gift: A Cute Butterfly Planter for Someone Special
- Five Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts
- DIY Easter sign project (Make a sign for any holiday or season using different templates.)
- Make Everyday an Adventure
- Feed the Birds and Make Memories
- A Disney Day at Home
Have a great day!
Karen
Note: Content from Karen @whatagoodday.com. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. I’m happy for you to share my post, but please link back to this post. Thank you!
I love this idea so much!! It’s a precious idea!!
They really are so special!