Soooooooooo I told you about a fun little project involving silhouettes a few weeks ago. I found a brilliant explanation/version of this project in Nonpareil Magazine. Here is my post on Nonpareil. Here is the photo of the beautiful result:

I love the idea of this in the nursery. I also love the clever use of old frames spray painted to your liking!

Yesterday during nap time, I decided to take this on myself. You can, too (or you can email me and I’ll make yours for you!)

Here’s what you need for the project:

1. Profile picture(s) of whomever you are “silhouetting.” Here is Davis’:

This picture makes me feel like I could reach out and touch him!

2. Cool paper (a solid for the silhouette and a neat pattern for the background…or v.v. Be creative!):

My choice for the silhouette cut-out. Remember, our nursery is plum and grass green!

I was thrilled when I found these coordinating papers! I chose paper prints with variations of purple and green, of course!

3. Permanent Adhesive:

This stuff is the best – not messy, very effective.

4. A pencil with an eraser, some sharp scissors, and a steady hand.

5. A frame (I used an 8×10 plainie Janie frame from Walmart):

Here’s how you do it:

1. Cut out the profile of the picture you chose.

2. Place cut-out picture on the solid paper and trace the picture cut-out with a pencil:

A little hint: Make sure your solid paper is the same size as the frame you are using…or make sure the size of the silhouette will fit nicely on your background paper before cutting. Sizing these takes a bit of trial and error, patience, and a copier. You may have to blow up the original picture or decrease the size depending on how you want it to look.

(I used the matting to size it correctly so I’d have the right proportions.)

3. Cut out the traced silhouette on the solid paper very carefully and smoothly (here’s where the sharp scissors and steady hand come in!).

4. Make sure your printed paper is the right size for the frame you chose. I used an 8×10 and had 12×12 printed paper to work with, hence, I cut the 12×12 to fit the 8×10 frame. (Again, I simply used the matting to size and cut the paper.)

5. Use the permanent adhesive on one side of your cut-out silhouette. Mount it on the printed paper just so. I don’t think there are any rules here…centered, funkily placed, whatever you wish. Go for it!

6. Toss the matting and place the printed paper with your silhouette in the frame. Voila! (Note: I did not paint the frames…yet. I may paint them green. I’ll have to see how it all ties with the rest of the wall art first! If you do paint them, I’d prime them first and just use spray paint. Simple!)

Here are two of mine. I am going to hang one of everyone in the family, including our dog, Alice. They will go around a mirror above the changing table a la picture from Nonpareil!

Davis

Alice

Done and DONE! Try it and let me know your thoughts. Again, if you just want it done for you, let me know and we’ll discuss. I am happy to do it for you!

Adrianne