Paper silhouettes are really fun and easy to make. You can make them using photographs of people or animals, or anything you like really. I am planning to make some silhouettes of my family and friends to use as table settings over Christmas.

They would be great for any occasion or event though. It is something that they can take home and keep as well. These are also great fun to do with children. You only need some simple materials and equipment.

Start by selecting a photograph of your choice, and sticking strips of masking tape across the back of the photograph, so that the tape overlaps on each side.

Then place a sheet of tracing paper over the top of the photograph. The tape should hold the tracing paper in place. Then carefully draw around the profile of the photograph.

Next, rub the reverse side of the tracing paper with a HB pencil.

Now, secure the tracing paper onto the black paper using the masking tape. Then, ensuring that the HB pencil is sharp, use it to accurately draw around the traced lines.

Next, cut out the silhouette with a sharp craft knife. Start at the back of the head and work around. Ensure that you move the paper to get clean cut lines all the way around.

Hold the knife as upright as possible to make sure that you are only using the point to cut. You can also do this with the small sharp scissors if you don't have a craft knife and cutting mat.

Then continue to cut out the facial features of the silhouette and separate the silhouette from the rest of the black background. Finally glue the silhouette onto some mounting card or paper, and display it in a frame. These silhouettes would also look good on a Birthday card.