How to create a keepsake silhouette of your student, inspired by vintage cameos & silhouettes.
This post is sponsored by Cricut and contains affiliate links to their products.
I am new to the Cricut world. As an avid crafter, I have always admired them from afar-assuming I could not figure out how to make one work. But I was SO wrong.
I decided I wanted to try an introductory project, and this was the first idea that came to mind. I love vintage silhouette art; and already have a framed version of each of my kids from age 18 months. I hired an artist to make each of those for me, intricately cutting each detail into black cardstock.
Since Henry is entering kindergarten this year, I thought it would be nice to update his silhouette for the monumental occasion. Enter my new Cricut. A Cricut is a cutting machine, much like a printer, that has endless uses. You can literally make anything you can dream up; stickers, cards, t-shirts, art, toys, stencils, doormats, crafts, signs…
My choice: a Personalized Vintage Silhouette of my child.
Keep reading to learn how you can make one too!
Take a Photo of your student.
First, find a spot in your home that can provide a clear background. An empty wall is perfect.
Ask your child to stand parallel to the wall; keeping their shoulders and head perfectly aligned with the wall.
Take a few photos and choose your favorite. Pay most attention to the angle they are standing.
Extra tip: Wet down their hair to remove added distraction/cuts from the profile. Shirt collars are another feature that can add or distract from the finished product.
Upload the Photo into an Editor.
Now we need to remove the background from the photo (the plain wall). You can do this two ways: with Cricut Design Space or another photo editing app.
Cricut has their own photo editor, Design Space. It will remove backgrounds from images if you have paid access to their membership. If you do not have access to this, simply use your editor of choice. I use the phone app, Canva, most of the time for my photo/blog projects.
For my silhouette, I used Canva to remove the background.
To do so, upload the image into your Canva project; select the image; then tap the “Effects” tab. You will simply use the “BG Remover” option here.
Once the background is removed, you save the image by selecting “Download.” Then selected the “Transparent Background” option.
Once downloaded, you will have the final profile image added to your camera roll.
Upload the Profile Image into Cricut Design Space.
Cricut has its own app that will run your machine(s) from the convenience of your phone. You DO NOT need a computer to operate a Cricut!
Simply start a new project, and add the profile picture we created from Canva. It must have the translucent background to work. ((Again, if you have Cricut Access, you can use their background remover tool.))
Select the upload type, “Cut.” And then name your project.
Size the Image.
The image will appear on a grid screen with measurements. Drag the profile to the top corner and size it according to your finished frame dimensions.
I am using a vintage brass frame I picked up on Instagram from one of my friends, Stacy @dfarmmercantile.
Follow the app directions to load the machine & Cut.
Once the image is sized correctly, Cricut’s app will guide you through the steps: Selecting your cutting materials, Determining the tools and mats needed, and when to hit the “GO” button. I used removable Smart Vinyl in matte black.
Adhere sticker and frame it!
After the machine cuts out the sticker, peel it from the background. Adhere the silhouette to a framing background of your choice. I used an old book page.
Now style this sweet memento of your student; a keepsake to last a lifetime!
Buy a Cricut of your Own
If you would like to purchase a Cricut of your own, I have the Explore 3. They have bundles that are perfect for those just getting started, like me. Happy Creating!
Feel free to save images for later on Pinterest, and follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
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I love this idea, Stacey. So stinkin’ cute. I’ve been thinking about getting a Cricut for a while. I think I need to add one to my Christmas wish list.
I’m going to feature your project in my week in rewind post on Saturday. I think my readers will really like it too! Hope you are enjoying these last few weeks of summer!