Silhouette Portrait Commissions

A child’s portrait. A classic tradition. Each made by hand.

Made by Day silhouette portraits are stitched fabric heirlooms — drawn from a single photograph of your child and built up in layers of fabric, and hand embroidery. Each one is made to order, made once, and made to last.

A decorative picture frame with a silhouette of a person's profile on fabric, framed by floral and crown patterns, held in a person's hand.

Not a print. Not a digital file. A hand crafted object.

The silhouette portrait is one of the oldest forms of portraiture — popular in the 18th and 19th centuries precisely because it captured something essential without requiring an elaborate sitting. A good silhouette is immediately, unmistakably a specific person.

These portraits work the same way. Your child's profile is cut in deep-toned fabric, then stitched onto a ground of cream or ivory. The result is quiet and graphic at once — the kind of thing that looks at home above a crib, on a gallery wall, or tucked into a shadow box frame.

Every commission begins with a photograph. You send it; I do the rest.

3 ways to commission

The Simple Silhouette — $48


A cut-fabric profile mounted on an oval fabric backing. No embroidery. Ships flat and ready to frame or use in your own project.


Best for: DIY makers, gifts, or trying the style first.

Turnaround: 2 weeks.

The Classic Portrait — $145


A 5×7 stitched silhouette portrait on a stretched fabric panel, ready to display or frame.


Best for: most families, sibling sets, and gifts.


Turnaround: 3–5 weeks.

The Heirloom Portrait — $265


An 8×10 stitched portrait with more room for background detail and presence.


Best for: nursery walls, gallery walls, and keepsake pieces.

Turnaround: 6–8 weeks.

How it Works

1. You send a photo

A clear profile photograph — phone photos are fine. I'll let you know if I need something different.

3. I get to work.

Once approved, I prep, cut, and stitch your portrait. I'll share progress photos along the way.

2. I send a preview.

Before any stitching begins, you approve the silhouette shape and fabric selections. This is your chance to ask for adjustments.

4. Your portrait ships.

Carefully packaged, with care instructions and a note about how the piece was made.

What makes a good photo?

You don't need a professional photo — just a clear profile is needed.

Here's what works best:

  • A true side profile (not three-quarter)

  • Good light, no harsh shadows across the face

  • Hair worn as you'd like it captured — pulled back or loose, both work

  • Any phone camera is fine; the photo doesn't need to be high resolution

If you're not sure whether your photo will work, send it anyway. I'll tell you honestly.

Reserve your spot

I'm currently taking a small number of commissions for the summer season through to the fall. Waitlist spots are held by inquiry — no payment required until we've confirmed your photo and agreed on the details.

I spent years as an art historian studying beautifully made objects — how they're constructed, what makes them last, why they matter.

These portraits come from that same place. They're not novelties. They're not fast. They're the kind of thing you make once and keep for a long time.

If that's what you're looking for, I'd love to make one for you.

— Sarah, Made by Day