How to Make a Framed Child's Silhouette

A framed silhouette is a classic keepsake and makes a thoughtful Christmas, birthday or Mother's Day gift. A digital camera, computer and printer make this centuries-old craft a snap.

Oval Frames With Black and White Silhouettes

Framed Child's Silhouette

Two homemade silhouettes of children have been framed in dark wood oval frames and placed next to several antiques including an old shoe insert and several old books.

Materials Needed:

  • digital camera
  • computer
  • printer
  • printer paper
  • black card stock
  • cream mat board
  • frame
  • craft knife
  • scissors
  • cutting mat
  • craft glue
  • black permanent marker or paint pen
  • ruler

Take Photo

Use a digital camera to take a profile photo of child; have the subject stand in front of a window or other light source to create a strong, clearly defined profile.

Print Photo

Upload image file to your computer and print photo onto standard printer paper to appropriate size for frame. Example: For a 5" x 7" frame, print a 5" x 7" photo or print a 4" x 6" photo if you'd prefer a slightly smaller scale silhouette. Tip: The smaller the image, the harder it will be to cut around facial features.

Preparing the Image for Printing

Print Photo for Child's Silhouette Project

Upload image file to your computer and print photo onto standard printer paper to appropriate size for frame. Example: For a 5" x 7" frame, print a 5" x 7" photo or print a 4" x 6" photo if you'd prefer a slightly smaller scale silhouette. Tip: The smaller the image, the harder it will be to cut around facial features.

Cut Out Silhouette

Place printed photo over black card stock and cut away background from printed image leaving only the subject's silhouette (Images 1 and 2).

Cut Mat

Use a craft knife to cut cream mat board to fit frame. Tip: Use cardboard backing included with frame as a template.

Cutting Mat With X-Acto Knife for Frame

Cream Mat Board for Framed Child's Silhouette

Use a craft knife to cut cream mat board to fit frame. Tip: Use cardboard backing included with frame as a template.

Glue Silhouette

Using a ruler, determine the center of mat and mark center. Apply craft glue to back side of silhouette (Image 1). Center silhouette, then gently press down and hold in place while glue adheres (Image 2). Tip: Keep glue away from silhouette's edges to prevent excess from squeezing out.

Label Silhouette

Use a fine-tipped permanent marker or paint pen to label and date the silhouette. Allow ink and glue to fully dry before placing in frame. Tip: Silhouettes don't have to be black; consider using colorful or patterned paper for a modern and playful interpretation.

Using a Marker to Put Name and Date on the Silhouette

Label Child's Silhouette

Use a fine-tipped permanent marker or paint pen to label and date the silhouette. Allow ink and glue to fully dry before placing in frame. Tip: Silhouettes don't have to be black; consider using colorful or patterned paper for a modern and playful interpretation.

Next Up

How to Make a Scratch-Off Card for Father's Day

Give Dad a break this year with a DIY scratch-off lotto-style card with prizes like breakfast in bed, a free pass from mowing the lawn and a car wash.

How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

How to Sew an Eye Pillow

Fill an eye pillow with flaxseed scented with lavender essential oil and gift to a loved one or enjoy a spa day at home.

Endlessly Customizable Layered Cheesecake Bars

Just one pan of these 3-in-1 cheesecake bars will fill your entire dessert tray or a Christmas tin for gifting. Get creative by swapping in your own fillings and toppings, or use our easy guide for the season’s most tempting flavors: Cookies ‘n Cream, Peppermint Patty and Pecan Pie. They all come from one pan and the variety is sure to please a crowd.

Gift or Enjoy: Endlessly Customizble Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Whether you're gifting them or serving them at a holiday party, we'll help you fill your Christmas cookie tray with ease. We’ve formulated one easy shortbread dough to be the base for three different cookie flavors. Cranberry-Orange and Toffee-Chocolate Chip are enticing and holiday appropriate, while Smoked Cheddar-Jalapeño offers an unexpected savory bite. Whatever their favorite flavor — this sweet or savory shortbread cookie recipe promises something for everyone.

Use This Easter Peeps Hack to Make Slime Without Glue

Only three ingredients needed. No glue necessary.

Homemade Christmas Cookies for Dogs Recipe

No pups on the naughty list here! Santa knows that all dogs are nice year-round, so they deserve a special homemade holiday treat. Chicken broth and sweet potato give these cut-out cookies the flavor of a holiday dinner, while nutritional yeast gives them cheesy flavor without adding any dairy products.

How to Make a Christmas Catnip Toy

Don't forget your furry best friend when making handmade gifts for the holidays. With just basic sewing skills, you can whip up a catnip-filled stocking-shaped toy as a surprise for your favorite kitty.

Make These Easy Easter Egg Bath Bombs

Mix up this spring DIY in a jiffy using plastic Easter eggs and some basic kitchen and bath supplies. Then sneak a few bath bombs into an Easter basket.

How to Make a Chenille-Stem Tabletop Christmas Tree

Create custom holiday decor with this chenille-stem pine tutorial from Stephen Brown at Glitterville Studios.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.