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Home » tutorial » Colorful Silhouettes Tutorial

tutorial · April 27, 2010

Colorful Silhouettes Tutorial

Tatertots & Jello is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I love the silhouette revival that’s been going on!  I had some cute silhouettes that I had brought home from Disneyland many years ago. I thought it would be fun to combine my older silhouettes with new ones that are bright and happy looking.
before:
After:
I had them all on my mantle, but it was a little too crowded. So I did a little edit and put some of them on my console table too.
I am sure you have all seen the tutorials where you take a picture of your child’s profile, print it out and trace it onto paper and then cut the silhouette from that paper. 
I did mine a little differently. 
  1. I found pictures online of things I wanted to make a silhouette from — like the chairs, and the Eiffel Tower. I printed them off and then cut them out. 
  2. Then I traced around the cutout onto the paper I wanted to use for the silhouette. 
  3. Then I cut that silhouette out. I am sure either way would work. I did most of this project at night so this version worked best for me with no sunlight.
{I found these on Ethan Allen’s website}
I cut them out using small scissors. On a couple of the silhouettes I needed to use an exacto knife to make small cuts.
For the frames I used some Dollar Store ones I had around the house, a couple from Walmart and this one I found at the thrift store. They gave it to me for a quarter.
I also added a few little details to some of the silhouettes this doily to the woman’s silhouette:
To finish it off, I made a little pennant out of MAPS. I hot glued some buttons on it. It adds a little festivity to the mantle!

Now that the mantle is done, I need to work on getting the house cleaned up!
I am linking this project up to:

The Fabulous Beth’s — Ready Set Vignette Party!

And These other Amazing places. Go on over to see such creative energy:

And tomorrow I will start the How Does She Birthday Board Giveaway!
Don’t forget to enter to win one of 
TWO awesome scrapbooking kits from Bad Girls HERE!
Have a Terrific night and Tuesday!
XOXO
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Posted By: Jen · In: tutorial

Giveaway for the week: Bad Girls Authentic Vintage Art Supplies
Birthday Board Giveaway!!

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Comments

  1. hiyaluv says

    November 28, 2010 at 2:29 PM

    wowza! i adore the silhouttes:)
    good job!
    :)gina

  2. Crafty Niche says

    May 3, 2010 at 5:52 PM

    What a great tutorial!

  3. kirstin & jordan says

    May 1, 2010 at 4:15 PM

    LOVE these… the map bunting is the perfect finishing touch!
    We have a friday fun finds party that's still going- we'd love it if you'd link up. 🙂

  4. Kristi says

    May 1, 2010 at 1:49 AM

    Just wanted to let you know that I featured this.

    http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2010/04/weekly-faves_30.html

  5. Amanda says

    May 1, 2010 at 1:43 AM

    I love how you did these! Such a great idea using the patterned papers too, fabulous!

  6. michelle@somedaycrafts says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:26 AM

    I have to say that I love adding the color to silhouettes. I know they are the "in thing" right now, but sometimes I think they are boring (sorry)! Adding the color to them really makes me like them! If I ever make a silhouette, I am adding color or a patterned paper. Very cute!

  7. Krista@thegatheringplacedesign says

    April 29, 2010 at 2:04 AM

    LOVE!

  8. jen says

    April 28, 2010 at 6:33 PM

    hi jennifer – from another jennifer! – i love this – i've seen ones done in photoshop and i'm too impatient to take the time to do that — so this! so easy!!! i'm your copycat today. thanks for sharing.

  9. Relatively Ririe says

    April 28, 2010 at 4:27 PM

    This mantle is INSANE!!! I love it, all I can say is " I WISH " !!!

  10. Mom in High Heels says

    April 28, 2010 at 8:13 AM

    That is super cute! I'm going to have to try this. Thanks for the tutorial.

  11. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    April 28, 2010 at 8:06 AM

    What a great tutorial! I love this idea. The little chair with the mini blue barn star on it is an adorable touch and I am loving the map banner! You are amazing as always Jen!! Thanks for taking the time to link up.

  12. becca says

    April 28, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    dang it, now i've got to add this to my crafty to do list. i need a few of these for the staircase makeover i'm planning.

  13. Kristi says

    April 28, 2010 at 3:20 AM

    Hi there,
    This is my first visit at your blog and I love it! Love all your wonderful projects! We have a lot in common! And I'm definately going to make these silhouettes of my kids!! I know I'll be back 🙂
    Kristi

  14. Patrice says

    April 28, 2010 at 2:34 AM

    LOVE, LOVE LOVE. Favorite thing I have seen in a while! Love the polkadot chair and tower ones. It makes such a beautiful statement! I am going to be HOOKED now!

  15. Frugal Home Designs says

    April 28, 2010 at 1:41 AM

    Those are awesome. Great job.

  16. Leslie, the Home Maker says

    April 27, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    Love. Simply love!
    Thanks for the tutorial!!

  17. Tausha says

    April 27, 2010 at 9:00 PM

    Jen-loving this! I like your way to do it. I am thinking that your idea would look fabulous on my sofa table!! Thanks so much!! Also-you were fabulous on tv! (as always) hope you are having fun with the birthday stuff. Can't wait to see the pics of the whole event!!!

  18. MiMi says

    April 27, 2010 at 8:43 PM

    I NEED that Eifel tower one! I'm gonna make one. 🙂

  19. care-in says

    April 27, 2010 at 6:44 PM

    I'm curious about the candle sticks in the picture. I recently found a super beat up/distressed wooden candle stick and want to paint it but keep the distressed look. I thought about the crackle glaze (never used it though) but not sure how that would work…these candle sticks have knicks in them.

  20. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    April 27, 2010 at 5:17 PM

    Jen, this is a GREAT project!! I love how you gussied the silhouettes up. 🙂 The doily is a great touch!

  21. Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something says

    April 27, 2010 at 5:11 PM

    I loooove your mantlescape! It is absolutely delightful and full of charm! great job!

  22. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:26 PM

    I'm *loving* the doily addition! Great tutorial.

  23. Liz @ Sugarplum Creations says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    I LOVE your mantle. {I want a mantle, sigh.} Those silhouettes are just gorgeous. Love the pop to them!!!

  24. Deniell says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:11 PM

    awesome i love the idea! Totally going to do this with the frames i have!

  25. Heather @ Sugar N Spice Mostly Nice says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:10 PM

    Wow! The colorful backgrounds really make the silhouettes pop. Finally something I might have the confidence to try, ha!

  26. JenE says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:54 PM

    wow – what a great post! I have been looking for new stuff for my frames! Thanks for all the ideas.

  27. MommyNeedsCake says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    I LOVE this! We are working on my daughter's room and this would be so perfect in there. Thanks so much for sharing!

  28. Kelly at I Dream of Decor says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:34 PM

    thank you so much for the tutorial! I have been wanting to do this but hadn't found a tutorial that made it easy enough, I need to get to work on this one soon!

  29. Kristi says

    April 27, 2010 at 12:49 PM

    They're all so pretty! Thanks for posting this tutorial.

  30. A Busy Nest says

    April 27, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    Thank you for this tutorial! I have been looking for something like this, but never thought of this approach!

  31. Julie says

    April 27, 2010 at 12:23 PM

    I love everything about this! I will be copying this very soon. 🙂

  32. Katie says

    April 27, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    I love the silhouettes, but the map banner is my favorite!!!

  33. Barbara says

    April 27, 2010 at 11:01 AM

    Morning, You always make my days and give me a new challenge every time I come to visit. I look forward to my visits and even if I am in a hurry, I at least look.

    Thanks for being such a kind and sharing person.

    Barbara

  34. Mel says

    April 27, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    Stunning!

  35. Jennifer @ A Fine Romance says

    April 27, 2010 at 10:01 AM

    I love those! 🙂 Another fantastic post by you! XO

  36. Marie says

    April 27, 2010 at 6:19 AM

    Love, LOVE the silhouettes Jen! It used to be quite an art once upon a time. I was watching Cranford again the other night and Miss Mattie was swooning over the silhouette of her lost love. Oh my but we take so much for granted these days, like photos . . . we are so lucky!

  37. Meet Virginia says

    April 27, 2010 at 6:11 AM

    Ok seriously you are amazing! Can I just be you please…? jk!!

    ~Morgan

    Meet Virginia!
    Meet Virginia!
    Meet Virginia!

  38. Megan says

    April 27, 2010 at 5:03 AM

    gah! you are killing me! I can't wait to unpack and decorate!

    just lovely tutorial DAH-LING 🙂 tee hee hee

  39. Miss Anne says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:32 AM

    these are fabulous.
    i'm going to scour my house for photos worth silhouetting!

    and then i'm gonna get bargain hunting for fab frames like those!

    :)ty for the how to's!

  40. Kami @ Sweet Charli... says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:15 AM

    So cute Jen! I love them all! You did great today on Studio 5 again! You are such a natural!

  41. theUngourmet says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:13 AM

    I love these! I think my daughter would really enjoy making one for her room. I'll have to show her tomorrow. 🙂

  42. Mel Tales says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:13 AM

    Silhouettes have been on my to-do list for a while! I LOVE yours! Great job! I am SO ready to make mine after seeing yours! Awesome!

  43. { L } says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:05 AM

    Ohh, I'm all into the COLORS of your mantel right now! Your creative mind never slows down Jen! 😀 You're amazing. <3

  44. Jenglamgirl says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:04 AM

    P.S. I Love the BEFORE mantel.. and totally thought magazine WOW! I like the balance of hight low high (frame in middle) low again.. that is just me! both look great! 😉

  45. Jenglamgirl says

    April 27, 2010 at 4:00 AM

    Darling Jen… love all the colors the frames and silhouettes. I didn't know it was the easy to make a sillhouette… well it sounds easy.. I will have to try. You are so smart cutting pics. tracing and cutting again.. Love it. Love the mantil and those darling candle sticks.. to to cute! Hope all is well.. busy lady! Hugs, Jenn

  46. KRISTINA CIPOLLA PHOTOGRAPHY says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:51 AM

    UH where did my comment go…I hate my internet. But anyways, I LOVE THIS! I can actually do this, so I'm going to! lol… I love that you found the pics online. I love the one of the woman with the patterned dress….these would SO inspire me when I'm sitting in my "office" (family room) editing pics for hours and hours…give me something to look at and decorate my walls. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!

  47. Beckie says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:51 AM

    I have absolutely NO silhouettes in my house! What is wrong with me? I love your mantel….how much do you charge to come decorate ones home? lol 🙂 I'm serious. You are one talented lady!

  48. Amy @ Positively Splendid says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:19 AM

    I have been on a serious silhouette kick lately, too! Yours are absolutely lovely!

  49. Miller Racing Family says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:16 AM

    Wow, these are fabulous. I really want to do silhouettes of the kiddos once Lila gets here. Thanks for the ideas.
    Have a fabulous day!

  50. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:08 AM

    I had them done at Disneyworld when my kids were young…hmm, now where did I put those? I love the ones you created, clever. I also love those aqua and white candlesticks!

  51. Jenn says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:08 AM

    You are seriously so cool! How do you come up with all of this fun stuff that I have to do too!? My to-do list keeps getting longer everytime I get on your blog!
    Thanks for sharing how you made them!
    Have a delightful day!
    Jenn {redberrybarn}

  52. Rhonda says

    April 27, 2010 at 3:00 AM

    I love you mantel and all the silhouettes! Looks awesome. I remember doing silhouettes for a mother's day gift when I taught
    1st grade. Who knew they would be popular today?

    Have a great week girl!

  53. Blessed Mommy of 2 says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:52 AM

    LOVE it with the bright backgrounds! What a great idea. I am going to HAVE to add this one to my to do list!:o)

  54. [email protected] says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:40 AM

    I love how your silhouettes came out! especially the eifel tower!
    thanks for the how to's
    gail

  55. Sarah says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:40 AM

    OH, I just love silhouettes! I've been trying to get my kiddos silhouettes for a while now… and yours & a few others posts as of late are making me want to finish them up!! I can't wait! 🙂 Thanks for being such an inspiration, as always.

    Blessings!
    -Sarah

  56. Infarrantly Creative says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:39 AM

    Those are stinkin cute Jen. I had to reread twice that that was your mantle! It looks like something out of a magazine. WOWSERS!

  57. Delia says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:38 AM

    I LOVE silhouettes too! I plan on doing a silhouette craft this week. Thanks for some inspiration!

  58. southerninspiration says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:29 AM

    I do like the less crowded mantle….and those are just adorable! you are so, so talented!

    Suzanne

  59. Hattie says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:28 AM

    Well, clearly those are awesome and I feel the need to dig out my scrapbook paper now and make some ASAP! The chairs are my favorite! You did a really nice job 🙂

  60. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:20 AM

    These are great, Jen! I love the background and silhouette papers you used. I haven't jumped on the silhouette train, but I do love the ones you did of the chairs and Eiffel Tower. I could see doing the chairs {and maybe other furniture} and, maybe, one day when I get that home office, I could hang or display them in there!

  61. Jeanette says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:15 AM

    K, I want to know what DI you shop at that you can get them to discount anything. My DI are total sticklers and they sure don't have any frames for $.75!

    Also, I loved your "How many days til my birthday" I had to show it to DH because I put a reminder on his phone to buzz him once a week for about three months counting down to my birthday next week, but hey, it worked! He actually bought me a gift BEFORE my birthday this year instead of saying "Oh, I didn't get you anything yet, we will have to go shopping…" =0P

  62. Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:11 AM

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! They look amazing and perfect on your mantel. I really like the mix of fabrics, colors, and subtle textures and patterns. You have a gift, my friend!

    ~Amanda

  63. Nancy says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:07 AM

    Those turned out so cute! They look great on the mantel, too.

    Nancy

  64. Jane@Little House of Projects says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:58 AM

    It must be so fun for guests who come over to your house – there's always something new to look at!

  65. Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:57 AM

    Wow! I love how those turned! Especially the eiffel tower…nice job! 🙂

  66. courtney says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:52 AM

    i love it! if i can get my 1 year old to sit still, i am all over this one!

Hi! I'm Jen Hadfield. I'm a mom of 5 restoring an 1891 home in the heart of Salt Lake City. I love being creative and sharing simple ideas to make your life easier and more beautiful!

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