Paper silhouettes are such a fun and easy project to make. You only need a few simple supplies: pretty paper, scissors, and an outline or pattern (at least I need a pattern). Recently I experimented with some different shapes and papers to make some silhouettes for my home, just for fun.
This isn’t really a tutorial, because the process is pretty self explanatory. But to make my simple silhouettes, here’s what I used:
Materials:
A pattern or outline of the desired shape
At least two contrasting papers
Small scissors
A picture frame
3D sticky dots (to adhere the silhouette to the background)
For animal shapes, you should be able to look online to find some kind of free vector shape you can resize and print out. I found some here. (To make my son’s silhouette, there was a somewhat lengthier process which involved tracing a photograph). If you are able to edit vector shapes in a vector editing program (like Illustrator), you can resize them to the exact dimensions you’ll want. I printed mine in simple outlines (instead of solid black) to save toner, as you can see to the right in the photo below.
You can trace your pattern onto your pretty paper and then cut it out, or you may be able to print the outline directly onto your paper and save yourself the pattern step. (Remember you may want to use the reverse side of your cut shape to display so you don’t see any evidence of lines.) I just skimmed over any overly complicated parts to make a simpler shape.
A bright shape against kraft paper.
Try different kinds of papers — even just something from around the house. I tried newsprint here, on basic black.
The possibilities are really endless. I think these might start popping up all over my house.
