Framed Silhouette Art

Timeless and elegant, this personalized artwork will never go out of style.

Updated March 18, 2019
ANUSHA RAJESWARAN

This idea comes from our friend Anusha Rajeswaran of Fish and Bull. Capture your children, family members, or pets in this classic portrait style. If you're having trouble finding a good photograph of the whole family to frame, try this method of turning a basic profile snapshot into a unique art piece. Silhouette art is perfect for displaying in a nursery, on a gallery wall, or as a giftable keepsake for your loved ones. 

For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of handmade gifts and crafts.

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What you need

Materials
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How to do it

Step 1

Print out a photograph of the subject in the desired size. (Tip: If you don't have a printer, you can turn up the brightness on your computer screen and on a piece of paper, trace the outline of the photo on the screen.)

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Step 2

With scissors, cut out the outline of the person. To carve out smaller details, use a craft knife on a cutting mat.

Step 3

Lay the cutout photo on a black piece of paper and trace the outline with a pencil.

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Step 4

Cut along the outline on black cardstock, resulting in the silhouette. To cut a neckline, carve towards the bottom in a gentle swoop shape.

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Step 5

With scissors, cut a piece of ivory paper to fit the photo frame. (Note: The one pictured here is 4 by 6 inches.) Gently lay the black outline onto the frame in the opposite direction that you want it to face and lay the ivory paper over top to hold it in place. Optional: You can use glue to secure the black paper to the background paper, but it's not necessary. Attach the frame backing before displaying.

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