Everyone is asking me how did I make the silhouettes of my boys. I wish I could say it was easy ... it some research. But good for you, I did the research and you too can have the silhouettes!
DIY AT-A-GLANCE
- Photograph your child or pet's profile
- Decide the color and size you would like (mine are mounted on 24x36 plexiglass acrylic but the vinyl faces measure 22x30)
- Determine the direction you would like the silhouette to face. This is important because it determines which side is the sticky side - and you decide if you'd like to install the vinyl on top or behind the plexiglass. I adhered it to the top.
- Email your digital photo to www.vinylsilhouettes.com
- Await the arrival of your vinyl silhouettes :)
- Order your plexiglass acrylic from www.eplastics.com. They come in large sheets that you purchase and the company cuts them to the size you'd like. I used the 1/2 inch thick...http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plexiglass_Acrylic_Sheet_Clear/PLEXIGLASS-ACRYCLR0-500CCM24X48
- I rounded my corners at a quarter (as in the coin) curve.
- And you will need 4 holes drilled into the corners of the plexiglass. HELPFUL HINT: send them a photo of my silhouettes and that will help them understand what you need!
- Now you have to order your hardware...http://www.systematicart.com/DL-24-SF6-sku/112/Standoff---(Matte-Finish)---Medium.html. You will need 4 per silhouette.
- When everything arrives, prepare to adhere the vinyl to the plexiglass. Make sure you have a big working space and you aren't interrupted and beware of flying hairs - they'll get trapped under the vinyl and once it's stuck on - IT'S ON!
DIY, THE LONG VERSION
First you take a digital photo of your child or pet's silhouette. I used my front door as a dark background for my 3 year old and a dark pillow for the background for my 6 month old (can't find that photo).
After taking the digital photo, I sent it to www.vinylsilhouettes.com and worked closely with Ryan to perfect the exact size I wanted which was 24x36. But when you stretched the faces in that size, they became distorted therefore Ryan had to tweak it just right so I could have a 22x30 silhouette and a normal looking person! But my plexiglass acrylic is 24x36. You have to decide the color and size you would like the vinyl. Also decide which way you will want the profile facing. This determines which side is sticky which also determines which side of the plexiglass you are adhering the vinyl to. I did it on top of the plexiglass.
Now, you must order the plexiglass acrylic from www.eplastics.com. They come in large sheets that you purchase and the company cuts them to the size you'd like. I used the 1/2 inch thick...http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plexiglass_Acrylic_Sheet_Clear/PLEXIGLASS-ACRYCLR0-500CCM24X48. I also rounded the corners in a quarter (yes, the coin) turn. Remember to ask them to drill the 4 holes in each corner for the hardware.
Onto ordering the hardware! http://www.systematicart.com/DL-24-SF6-sku/112/Standoff---(Matte-Finish)---Medium.html You'll need 4 per silhouette.
So now you sit back and await the arrival of all the goods...then it's go time! So everything arrives. Clear EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY out! I suggest being alone, uninterrupted and fully engaged to concentrate. I'd also suggest all pets move out of the area and do not adhere the vinyl to the plexiglass on the floor. The plexiglass is a magnet for fuzz and hair etc. There are also strict rules about taking care of the plexiglass - no Windex! So if stuff gets on it, wipe it with a soft, non-shedding cloth. Hairs fly everywhere and can get trapped under the vinyl. Not a good look. And once that vinyl is down, it's down! It's no decal, people! I actually think I have a air trapped and no one would know but I do! :)
I loved this project and I still love it 3 years later! So I hope it's a success for you as well!
Totally going to try this with the dogs and Seamus!
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