10 Easy Steps to Create a Silhouette

4.30.2012
I've had a thrift store frame just screaming for a pretty silhouette of my favorite munchkin for a couple of years now. For whatever reason I kept putting off the project, but this past weekend I was in the crafting zone and decided to go for it. It turned out to be super quick and easy. Here's what I did in ten easy steps:

Step 1: Take a photo of your subject's profile (If you are photographing a toddler it's best to do this candidly if possible - I took my photo while she was in the bathtub :))

Step 2: Open the photo on your computer and go to the print screen. Resize the photo's scale. I tried a few different sizes, but 30% worked best for the frame that I was using. 


Step 3: Print your photo and make sure it fits properly in the frame you have chosen:



Step 4: Place a piece of tracing paper over your photo and trace around the outside edge of the subject:





Step 5: On a piece of watercolor paper, trace the back insert of your frame:




Step 6: Flip your tracing paper over and center it on the shape you just traced. Trace over the your drawing to transfer the pencil lines onto the watercolor paper.




Step 7: Lighten your pencil lines with an eraser. You should be able to faintly see the lines, but you don't want them to be visible after you paint.



Step 8: Fill in your drawing using the medium and color of your choice. I chose watercolor paint (Grumbacher Indian Yellow). Use wide, even strokes for an even finish, but if you can see some of your brush strokes it's okay - it just gives it a painterly look.


Step 9: Cut out your shape

Step 10: Frame and hang!


From start to finish this entire project took me less than half an hour. I've been wanting to do this for ages and now I can't believe I didn't do it sooner - it was so quick and easy. Happy painting!

xo, Lauren

4 comments:

  1. Such a pretty, simple project... I made the one of our son so much more complicated!

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  2. looks great! I still need to finish my silhouette project! aahhh, someday!

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  3. I love this! She has such a cute profile too :)

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  4. Great project and the silhouette turned out so cute!
    Had to share: http://minipiccolini.com/2012/05/diy-watercolour-silhouette/

    ReplyDelete

 

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