I grew up in Pennsylvania and one of my favorite weekend activities to do with my mom was go to area craft shows and local art fairs in Lancaster County. My mom was fond of folk art and she had her favorite vendors she visited year after year.
I was always fascinated with the booths that sold Scherenschnitte, the art of paper cutting design. I remember standing in disbelief that these women, with their tiny little scissors, could create something so intricate and beautiful. I would stand and peer over the shoulder of a Pennsylvania Dutch woman and watch her in awe.
When I became a mom, I was eager to have these perfect little silhouettes of my kiddies. As crafty as I am, I knew there was no way I could pick up some black paper and scissors and cut silhouettes freehand.
Here was my easy and budget friendly solution…
I took quick profile images of my kids and printed them out. It took some playing around with size to get just the right scale for my frames.
I wanted to be as precise as possible so I would know that the cute little nose, the hair cowlick, and that signature bow I captured in the image belonged to my kids.
After cutting with my sharpest scissors, I placed each image on a paper plate and gave it a quick coating of black matte spray paint, making sure not to saturate it and tear the paper.
I was looking for some added texture to my frames so I mounted each little silhouette on a piece of burlap, but these would also stand out and look gorgeous on simple white paper or any other background of your choice.
It’s not the intricate work of the ladies doing Scherenschnitte but for the price and ease, I just love these sweet little silhouettes of my kiddies.
Do you have another way of making silhouettes?
I have to do this for my Littles! Such a brilliant idea and so special!
I love this! I really want to try it for my son. I wonder if 7 months old is too small? I’ll have to try to get him to sit still that long! ???? thanks for the awesome idea!
Thanks! You never know, it may work out great at this age! Have fun!
This is a really cute idea! Simple and classy. I love it. I am already picturing my little one sandwiched between the dog and cats!
That you would be so cute! I should make one of my pup!! Great idea!
I love this idea! My mom still has one of these we did when I was in preschool. I’d love to get some of my kids over the years. Thanks for the motivation and idea!
Love the idea of doing them through the years! Would love to see the growth! Enjoy!
I love this idea! Such a simple way to preserve those precious little profiles 🙂
Thank you! I love them so much!
I love these!!!!! I am going to see if I can make some of my babes.
What a clever way to create a family “photo” wall!
Jen! These are so so creative! I love the idea of Mum’s having these of their children as they grow….to see how their silhouettes change! xo~D #beyouandthrive
Thank you! These little faces are so tiny…I think I may need to make new ones to compare how they’ve grown.
I did something very similar a couple of years back- other than using paper I traced the silhouettes on fabric & Modge Podged them on off white fabric, then ‘framed’ them with embroidery hoops…the hoops gave them a country feel…I like the black on burlap tho a lot! Gave me an idea to play with- Thanks!
I love the idea of using fabric and embroidery hoops! I’d like to make updated silhouettes in a few years…maybe I’ll try this method! Thanks for reading!
These are absolutely gorgeous and a project I am adding to my list for this year. A family member made silhouettes of my me and my brother when we were children but they were somehow lost in moves over the years. I loved them so much and I’m excited to do these for my kids. Thanks for the tutorial!
Glad you like them! Anyone can do this! I’d love to see your final project!