1. Photograph your family members -- pets too! -- in profile against a light background (this creates a high-contrast photo). Keep the distance between you and your subjects the same for each photo so that the scale is consistent.

2. Print each photo in greyscale on white paper. Tape a piece of tracing paper to each printout. Using a pencil, trace the silhouette, including fine details such as eyelashes and wisps of hair to create visual interest.

3. Tape or staple each piece of tracing paper to a piece of black card stock; using an X-acto knife or scissors, carefully cut out shapes.

4. Glue silhouettes to background paper using an acid-free photo-safe glue stick. If background paper isn't sturdy, use the same glue stick to mount background onto white card stock.

5. Trim backgrounds; fit into frames.

Take a look at a larger image of the finished project.

This story was originally titled "Shadow Play" in the July 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!