A few years ago I wanted to make a unique keepsake gift for my mom and mother in law(and myself).
Once I settled on making hand-cut silhouettes of my kids, I did what most people do:
I googled directions!

I found a few good websites, but I decided I was too lazy to set up a projector and trace out his shadow.
And I was too much of a perfectionist to do a hand drawn version.
So I looked at all the options and decided to try it my own way.
Here’s how I make silhouettes.

**Originally posted in December 2008**

Step One: Put your subject(kid, cat, dog, whatever) against a white or light background, and get a good profile picture.

Step Two(if you have Photoshop): Go into Photoshop and use the “Magic Wand” tool to select and delete the background.
I turned mine black and white, so the lines would be more distinct.
Then you can print(on white cardstock for best results) the back-groundless picture and cut it out.

Step Two(if you don’t have Photoshop): Print a copy of  the picture at a local store photo lab and cut out the shape.

Step Three:  Use the picture/shape you cut out as a template, and cut out the silhouette onto a piece of cardstock.
I used traditional solid black.  (Eyelashes are the hardest part…I suggest using little bitty manicure scissors.)
But you could do some really fun and funky stuff with all different kinds of crafting papers!

Step Four:  Mount it on a background(once again, I used traditional white).
Frame, and  you’re ready to give this keepsake!
(The only picture I have of this finished craft is the framed one in which you see my reflection. But you get the idea!)

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Want to see more of my crafty creations?

Check out the other 12 Crafts of Christmas:
Week One: Silhouettes
Week Two: Personalized Wall Clocks
Week Three: Glass Etching
Week Four: Fancy Fingerpaint Art
Week Five: Freezer Paper Stencils
Week Six:  Tie-Knot Fleece Blanket
Week Seven: Jewelry: Ribbon & Pearl Bracelet, Wool Ball Necklace, DIY Button Earrings
Week Eight: Chalkboard Paint Ideas: Glasses, Chalkboard, Candle, Love Box
Week Nine: Frugal Finds
Week Ten: Personalized Pendants
Week Eleven: Edible Edition