Make & keep
Make a portrait stencil from a strip-copy silhouette
Use a traced copy as a reusable stencil for a paper collage or fabric test.
A stencil converts a recognisable portrait outline into a repeatable shape. It is a creative interpretation: trace from a copy, preserve the untouched image, and retain enough internal detail that the person does not become an anonymous cut-out.
Simplify the outline
Trace the head and shoulders onto thin card. Add bridges wherever an enclosed area—such as the space between arm and body—would otherwise fall out. Keep the nose, hairline or distinctive clothing as a few broad marks rather than many fragile slits.
Cut and test
Cut on a self-healing mat with a craft knife, directing the blade away from your hand. Test the stencil with a dry brush on scrap paper. If the edges blur, reduce paint or use a sponge with a light tapping motion.
Keep the key
Store the stencil flat with a note identifying the copied strip and the date it was made. Do not label the person from appearance alone. If the stencil no longer reads as a portrait, restore a larger identifying contour or add a caption beside the print rather than adding more fragile cuts.