Arts and Crafts: Silhouette Images

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

20 Sep 2006 05:19 AM

Your kids may have done something similar in school, but these are variations of the typical silhouette projects you've seen before. Have your child stand near a blank area of wall, in a profile position. Set up a lamp or shine a bright flashlight toward your child. You can certainly try the typical head shot silhouette, but you can also do a full body drawing or something in between.

Instead of a plain head shot or bust, you might want to try an action pose. Have your little cheerleader pose with arms up, holding pom-poms, or draw your little dancer's feet on tip toes. Your tiny tough guy can pose with football in hand, ready to make the long pass. You get the idea.

Adjust the light until your child's shadow is a lifelike size. Tape a large piece of paper, fabric, or poster board to the wall. Trace the shadow and cut it out. Mount it on contrasting paper, cardboard or fabric. You can go with black on white or vice versa, or you can use colored images or colored backgrounds -or both- for added interest.

You may want to use the whole image or parts of it. You may also want to cut it into separate pieces, frame the pieces, and hang them near each other for a cool graphic look. Your child can help you decide what looks best.

Once your child's silhouette image is complete, have him or her make images of other family members. You might want to stick to head shots, using colors that match your décor, and make a family gallery of silhouette portraits.

You can also create cool art work using silhouettes of items instead of people. A bat, ball, and mitt will make a great piece of artwork for a sports themed room. You and your kids can come up with ideas that will work anywhere. A teapot silhouette done on pretty floral print fabric with a solid background, would be perfect in the kitchen. Something like this would also make a great gift for Grandma if you add a nice frame.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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