DIY: State Silhouettes

We move a lot.  By a lot, I mean 5 states/moves in almost 8 years of marriage!  We have come to embrace our moves and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and explore new places.  We never expected that this is where our life path would lead, but I am so grateful that it has.   You learn a lot about yourself and a lot about each other when you have to rebuild a new life every few years!

I knew when we moved into this home in Texas that I wanted to create something to celebrate all of our moves.  I thought about getting a map of every city to frame, and then I got lazy and didn't want to track down the maps.  So, here is what I came up with...

State Silhouettes

This project was simple, inexpensive, and quick.  It packs a punch because of the colorful scrapbook paper against the black silhouettes.

I started out by finding five frames.  I used three that I already had, and purchased two at Goodwill for $1.99 each. 

 I painted them all out in an off white paint (free sample paint I received  from Valspar).  I painted two coats and then distressed the edges and corners.

I then googled "____ State Silhouette" and several images come up.  Simply print one out on regular paper, cut it out, trace that image onto cardstock, and cut it out again.  Repeat with all of your states or images. 

Tip:  Make sure to trace your image upside down, so the pen doesn't show on the side that will eventually face out.

I picked out 5 different patterns of scrapbook paper that would fit in my home, inserted them into the frames, and taped the silhouettes to the top.  I added some picture hangers to the back and voila!

I decided to put them in my newly painted kitchen to add a little pop of color (not in order of moves though-too predictable) and I thought they would be a good conversation piece.  They definitely turned out to be as I hosted a get together recently, and they were the first thing people commented on! 

Cost breakdown for all five prints: 

Scrapbook paper:  $1.65

Frames: $4.00

Cardstock:  $1.20

Paint:  Free

Total:  $6.85

These state silhouettes aren't for everyone, but you could easily change the silhouette to something important to you!

Linking up with:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

http://www.makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/

http://itsacraftylife.blogspot.com/

http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

http://www.elements-interiors.net/

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/

http://bornagaincrafter.blogspot.com/

http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/

http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com