They say that everything old is new again.  And that is especially true of a vintage art form that is as fresh and current today as it was at the turn of the century.  The art of the silhouette.   It is difficult to look through a décor magazine, catalog or blog without running across at least one silhouette.  And the beauty of the silhouette is that although they can be purchased or even professionally created, silhouettes are just as easy to make on your own, creating an endless array of personalized décor possibilities.

There are numerous methods of creating silhouettes, but today I wanted to share a simple and easy method that just about anyone can achieve.

To start, take a photo of your subject.  If you desire to create the traditional look of a silhouette in profile, simply have your subject stand to the side in front of a good light source such as a window.  (This makes the silhouette easier to distinguish from the background.)

Next,  print out the photo to the desired size of your image.  Then cut out the subject.  Use your cut out as a template for the next phase.

Using adhesive vinyl, which is readily available at most craft stores, trace around the template on the vinyl’s backing paper – just remember to take into account that this will cause the finished silhouette to be reversed. Then cut it out.

Now you have a finished silhouette that you can stick to backing paper and frame.  Or, as in the case of the image pictured here, the silhouette was applied onto the glass of the frame, so that the backing paper can be changed out on a whim.

Try this easy method of creating silhouettes the next time you find yourself in need of some new wall art, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked!