I was recently scrolling through Facebook (as I tend to do way too much – oops!) and saw a friend’s post about her daughter’s recent trip to Disney. As with all great Facebook posts, my friend included pictures, including a souvenir photo her daughter had made of her kids’ silhouettes. (Here is an example – isn’t that neat?)
This got me thinking about silhouette art and what a wonderful keepsake they make for you and your grandkids! While you can always take a trip to Disney to have one made, you can create one for a fraction of the price at home by following these easy steps! Before we get started, however, you will want to grab:
Materials
- Black construction paper or cardstock
- White or colored paper for the background
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue or adhesive
- A light source (optional)
- Decorative items like colored pencils, markers, glitter, stickers, etc. (optional)
1. Prepare your subject(s)
The first step is to decide on the subject of the silhouette, whether it be a portrait of your grandchild, an animal, a tree, or any other object. If you are doing a portrait, have your grandchild(ren) sit or stand sideways against a well-lit background.
2. Trace the silhouette
This step can be done in two ways:
- Option 1: Use a flashlight or another light source to cast a shadow of the grandchild or object onto the black construction paper. Trace the outline of the shadow with a pencil. (This method works best if you have a steady hand and a cooperative grandchild.)
- Option 2: If the light source method is too tricky, you can also take a side profile photo of your grandchild, print it out, and then trace the outline onto the black construction paper.
3. Cut out the silhouette
Carefully cut out the silhouette from the black construction paper. Please note that this step is best done by an adult or an older child as it requires precision.
4. Prepare the background
Take the white or colored paper and decorate it as desired. This is where you and your grandchild can get creative! Use colored pencils, markers, glitter, stickers, or any other decorative items to create a background for the silhouette. (Just remember to leave enough space in the middle for the silhouette.)
5. Glue the silhouette
Once the background is ready, glue the silhouette onto the background. Make sure it is centered and straight.
6. Final touches
Add any final touches to the artwork, whether it be a frame made of construction paper or writing a caption or a message.
7. Dry and display
Allow any glue or wet materials to dry completely before displaying the artwork!
Conclusion
Silhouette art is not only a fun and creative activity, but it also helps in developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Plus, it’s a great way to create lasting memories with your grandkids. Have fun, friends!