DIY Silhouette Keepsake Ornaments. See how to create special Christmas ornaments with an old world charm, featuring silhouettes of family members or a cherished pet. You will look forward to decorating with these precious ornaments for many years to come.
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November Handcrafted Society
It’s time for another Handcrafted Society challenge, with unique projects to spark your imagination. If you are new to my blog, the Handcrafted Society is simply a group of bloggers who share a love for detail and craftsmanship.
This month our medium is music, so get ready for a wide range of projects from my friends. Be sure to check out the links and photos at the end of my post for more inspiration. For last November’s HS project click here to see my copper leaf and metallic ornaments.
DIY Silhouette Keepsake Ornaments
My project this month started with one sheet of music scrapbook paper, and from there evolved into the sweetest silhouette ornaments. This keepsake ornament set includes silhouettes of our two grand littles, one grand dog and our dog Moose. Of course you can use any type of paper, but I think the music paper looks extra Christmassy. See the supply list below to get started.
Supplies With Shopping links
- sheet music or scrapbook music paper
- white paper
- colored craft paper for silhouette
- scissors
- pen or pencil
- frames
- double sided tape or glue stick
- ribbon or string
Creating The Silhouettes
I know silhouettes are traditionally black, but why not try a Christmas color instead? As it turns out, I’m loving the red craft paper with the music scrapbook paper best. I know you’ll have fun experimenting with different colors depending on the type of sheet music you find.
To create the silhouettes you can use your cell phone to take profile photos of your kids, grandkids, dog or cat. If possible have your subject stand in front of a white wall facing either left or right and snap away.
Then take a thin piece of white copy paper, and trace the photo image over your phone screen to create a pattern. Keep in mind you will want the image to be small enough to fit inside your frame.
Once you trace the image, use small sharp scissors to cut out your pattern. If you have an old pair of curved manicure scissors, they will come in handy when cutting out the tiny details of the profile. Now place your pattern on your colored paper, and trace around it will a pen or pencil, then cut out each silhouette.
Assembling
The double glass frames are 2″x3″, so you will want to cut your background craft paper or sheet music slightly smaller to fit inside. Since the frames have glass on both sides, cut 2 rectangle pieces for each frame. One will be for the back and one for the front, where you will attach your silhouette. I like using double sided tape to assemble the pieces, however you can also use stick glue if you have it.
The little frames come with a chain that you can attach for hanging on the tree. To me the chains are a little bit too shiny, so I’m using ribbon for a softer look. One last little detail worth mentioning, is adding a name and date to the back of the ornaments.
Can you guess what the best part of the project is? The ornaments will be a Christmas gift for my daughter and SIL for their family’s tree. I just know they are going to love them! The one of Moose, I’m keeping for our tree of course. 😉
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!
Thank you so much for visiting today. If you’re ready for more music projects, keep scrolling to see what my Handcrafted Society friends are sharing. All you have to do is click on the image or blog name to view their full post.
Cheers!
Oh, Michelle, I’ve always been a sucker for silhouettes! And these are adorable. That’s a great tip about manicure scissors. Thanks for the great inspiration!
Thank you Diane! I love silhouettes too, but this is my first time to make them. I’m hooked now, and can’t wait to make more!
Michelle – This such a special idea. I have been making a keepsake gift for my little grandson to give to his Mom and Dad for Christmas each year. I’m going to do this project for them this year. It’s so precious! Thank you for the inspiration.
That is so sweet Lynn! I’m so happy your going to made one of you grandson! Hugs!
How adorable, Michelle. These would make a lovely gift too. You are always so inspiring.
Thank you so much Tammy! I’m so happy with how they turned out!
I cannot handle the cuteness, Michelle! I’m so excited to try one with Piper. Fingers crossed she stays still long enough for me to take her picture. It’s going to be the perfect addition to our tree and what a fabulous gift idea too. Hugs, CoCo
Haha I love the puppy dog silhouettes as much as the ones of the kids! A silhouette of Piper will be so cute on your Tree! Hugs!
Michelle, these are just darling! I love how you used your phone and traced the images, brilliant.
I am going to make a few of these. I also love how you replaced the chain with the green velvet ribbon, it really makes them look classy! Thanks for being such a big part of the HCS, we would be lost without you.
Thank you Wendy! That little ribbon makes a huge difference! 😊
Michelle, this is such a lovely idea! I adore silhouettes, but I have never attempted to make one, so I was glad to learn how you did this! I’m looking forward to trying this sometime! I know your family members will be thrilled to receive these as a gift! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Donna! This was my first time to make silhouettes, so if I can make them, you’ll have no problem my friend!
Gosh Michelle! These ornaments just have my heart for so many reasons. It’s so lovely to see you incorporated different colors for the silhouettes. Also its so darn cute that you included a silhouette of your dog. There is so much inspiration here. Always fun seeing what you make for the HCS!
Thanks so much Anna! I love these HS challenges!