by Samantha Conner
Although the stores are filled with everything from perfume to jewelry, nothing tops a handmade gift. Even if you have to make it yourself!
With that being said, the best handmade gift for Mom (or someone special) this year has got to be a silhouette. Silhouettes are all the rage right now. Surf the web or browse Pinterest, and you will find these vintage images are getting a modern make-over.
For Mom: A Silhouette
But without Photoshop or a degree in graphic design, these projects might look a bit intimidating at first. And yes- I know people have been making silhouettes forever! But when I googled the process and read how to do it the ‘old fashioned way’, I was a bit perplexed. How do you get a child to hold-still that long?!
So I decided to tackle the project in the way that made most sense to me. No complicated editing. Just simple steps that will help you create a timeless piece of art. There are probably more efficient ways. But this worked for us.
Here is what you will need:
-camera
-computer
-black card stock
-a pencil
I had my girls sit still for a minute (turn on the tv to help!) and took a photo of their profile. Having a window or light source behind them seemed to help illuminate their little faces.
Then I inserted the photos into a Word document and made each picture big enough to fill an 8.5 x11 document. I printed out the enlarged photos and then cut out each face.
And then I traced them on black card stock and cut those out.
To show off them off, I decided to place them on a newspaper covered background. So I used mod podge to adhere the newsprint to a piece of cardboard. And then I used mod podge again to attach the silhouettes.
And here is the finished framed project! But now I am thinking they may need bows.
There we go! Now they are finished!
Samantha Conner: In my “past life” I earned a degree in Education at TCU and taught elementary school. But these days, I am working as a super stay-at-home-mom with a serious craft addiction. During naptime, I am an avid blogger, runner, and nester. My blog is the place where I chronicle my journey in homemaking and sell my fabulous handmade bows, tutus, and hair accessories. Follow my crafting journey at craftytexasgirls.com
