Home » Parties » DIY Photo Booth Props & Free Silhouette Cut File

DIY Photo Booth Props & Free Silhouette Cut File

Gearing up to DIY your own photo booth props using your Silhouette machine? You’ve come to the right place!

When planning our Costume Party for this Saturday, the idea just seized me: this is the perfect opportunity to create my own photo booth!

I mean, who doesn’t love a photo booth complete with goofy props and cliche Charlie’s Angels poses?

Who doesn't love a photo booth? via thinkingcloset.com
Photographic evidence of my love of photo booths from Haven & Fl Blog Con ’13

And then, when I received a most-amazing-package-of-goodies from Silhouette full of their *specialty media, I thought: this is fuel to my photo-booth-creating fire!  And I set to work to DIY my own props.

DIY Photo Booth Props - - Tutorial and free cut file via thinkingcloset.com

Here’s the full tutorial, so you can incorporate a photo booth into your future wedding or parties!

Photo Booth Props Tutorial:

Step 1.  Create your designs.  In scouring the world-wide-web for ideas for my photo booth props, I came across a really helpful resource from the blog, Oh Happy Day.  Jordan shares several posts with free printables of photo booth props she designed, and here’s the one I used.  Since this is a pdf file, I used a free pdf to jpg converter to then copy and paste the pages I wanted to trace into Silhouette Studio.  (I pulled the small mustache, top hat, monocle, trendy glasses, and my personal fave, the Batman mask).  The best part is that the props are already sized properly, so I just adjusted my page size to “Letter” in my Page Tools window and fit my copy-and-pasted page to that size prior to tracing.

Then, I found free clip art files for the other 9 props I wanted to create.

Free Cut File

I’m happy to share those diddies with y’all today to save you some precious time. You can download your free cut file by clicking HERE. {Fine print: these designs are for personal use only and are not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!}

Photo Booth Props! Free Cut File available for download via thinkingcloset.com

Step 2.  Cut your designs.  So, I actually used three different types of specialty media for this project: chipboard, adhesive-backed cardstock, and double-sided adhesive.  And I used ZERO glue to assemble them.  Three cheers for less mess!  Hip hip….

First, I cut all 14 shapes out in chipboard to give my props a sturdy foundation (I want these puppies to last through many a hoppin’ party).  I actually used an old blade for this step because I’ve found that cutting cardstock dulls the blade rather quickly…so I just used a higher blade setting to get a clean cut.

Silhouette Chipboard via thinkingcloset.com

Cutting Silhouette Chipboard via thinkingcloset.com

Then, I divided my props into two groups:

Adhesive-Backed Cardstock

Adhesive Backed Cardstock via thinkingcloset.com

The first group would use adhesive-backed cardstock in black (top hat, Batman mask, monocle, 2 mustaches, pipe) with a few embellishments in white (top hat and monocle).

The adhesive-backed cardstock was super easy to work with!  In fact, I really wish I had used this material when creating Justine and Andrew’s wedding scrapbook!  It would have made the process so much more speedy.

It took me just a few minutes to cut the shapes in black and white and stick them to my chipboard pieces.  Easy peasy.

Applying adhesive-backed cardstock to chipboard to create photo booth props! Via thinkingcloset.com

Photo Booth Props made out of chipboard and adhesive-backed cardstock via thinkingcloset.com

Double-Sided Adhesive

The second group would use double-sided adhesive in order to be glitter-ized and flocking-powder-ized (yes, those are words): the 5 sets of glasses, bow-tie, pouty lips, and crown.

Double-Sided Adhesive Starter Kit from Silhouette

I was really eager to try this material, especially after hearing great things about it from my friend Meredith at unOriginal Mom (check out her glitter monogrammed pumpkin project using double-sided adhesive here).

So, I followed the instructions in my idea book, positioning the sheet of double-sided adhesive white side up on my mat when cutting.

Cutting Double-Sided Adhesive with a Silhouette Cameo

I even got to use the handy dandy spatula tool that came with my kit to gently lift the cut-outs that remained on my mat.

Spatula Tool - - great for cleaning those excess cut pieces off of your mat.

I weeded out the designs so they match my chipboard cut-outs.  Then, I was ready for the fun part!

The process of creating DIY photo booth props. Pieces cut from chipboard and double-sided adhesive.

Step 3.  Bling it on!  So, I decided to work outside for this part because when it comes to glitter, we all know this to be true.

I laid a fresh piece of newsprint down on my surface in between each prop to help make clean-up easier.

  • First, I removed the yellow liner from the back of one of my double-sided adhesive cut-outs.  The tricky part is making sure you remove just the backing and not the adhesive along with it.
  • Then, I applied the adesive to the corresponding chipboard cut-out, carefully matching up the two designs as closely as possible.  I gave it a good hard press.
  • I slowly peeled off the white liner, ensuring that the adhesive had transferred to the chipboard.
  • Glitter time!  Next I sprinkled my glitter all over the adhesive or “liberally” as my instruction guides put it.  (I tend to have a liberal stance toward glitter, don’t you?)
  • Then, I used the paint brush that came with my kit to first brush the glitter all over the adhesive, making sure it was well applied, and then brush away the excess.
  • After, I was able to fold the newsprint in half and carefully pour the excess glitter back into the container for next time.

Using double-sided adhesive and glitter to create DIY photo booth props! via thinkingcloset.com

Then, it was onto a fresh sheet of newsprint and a new prop!  I used both the extra-fine glitter that came in my kit as well as the regular “chunky” kind that one gets at craft stores.  The former definitely covers the surface area better, but they both look fantastic in my opinion.  I even ventured into flocking powder for the first time since that came with my kit.  It left a fuzzy, velvety finish in some bright n’ bold colors, and I’m definitely a fan!

Using flocking powder to create DIY photo booth props! via thinkingcloset.com

If I were doing this again, I would have first started with the flocking powder, then moved onto the fine glitter, and finished with the chunky glitter…but only a perfectionist like me is going to be bugged by the flecks of glitter in the flocking.  #perfectionistproblems #imworkingonit

Step 4.  Glue your designs to wooden dowels.  I picked up some extra-thin wooden dowels at Jo-Ann’s for 29 cents a yard.  (They were so thin, I could cut them in half with Cutco Super Sheers.  I’m sure clipping sheers would work, too.  Or your brute strength.)  I painted them black and sealed them with Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac Spray.

Pick up sticks! or sticks for your DIY photo booth props!

Then, I just glued those suckers onto the prop cut-outs, alternating between orienting them on the left and right sides.  The flimsiest prop is definitely the monocle, and that needed dabs of glue in three spots to stabilize it, but everything else was smooth sailing.

And there you have it!  14 prop pieces, cut, assembled, and blinged out thanks to some specialty media…just waiting for some cheesy smiles and the flash of the photo booth camera to bring them to life!

DIY Photo Booth Props - - Tutorial and free cut file via thinkingcloset.com

DIY Photo Booth Props - - Tutorial and free cut file via thinkingcloset.com

And I may have given them a test-run.

DIY Photo Booth Props - - Tutorial and free cut file via thinkingcloset.com

It doesn’t take much to entertain me.  {Smile.}

Photo Booth Backdrop

I even created a backdrop to go along with our Photo Booth…and it was both easy & inexpensive.  Check it out:

Create your own Photo Booth Backdrop using Plastic Tablecloths from the dollar store! Shockingly easy and inexpensive. via thinkingcloset.com
Photo Booth Backdrop Tutorial

More Specialty Media Tutorials & Freebies

DIY Chalkboard Projects Round-Up | The Thinking Closet
D.I.Y. Birthday & Anniversary Calendar | The Thinking Closet
Halloween Party Treat Bags - - Tutorial on How to Create Custom Labels. Free Cut File included! via thinkingcloset.com
Halloween Party Treat Bags

This is Lauren, signing off.

Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post; however, I received free product in exchange for an honest review.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, I may receive a small commission.  Please rest assured that as always, I only recommend products that I use and love.  And I seriously heart my Silhouette Cameo!

| | | | |

184 Comments

  1. Hi, I’m trying to download the free cut file for the silhouette (the photo booth props) but it won’t let me download. Is that .studio extension specifically for the silhouette software. I have that on my computer but it still won’t open. Any suggestions on maybe why it’s not?

    1. Heather, thanks so much for alerting me to this issue. I actually ended up calling up box.com today to get it figured out, and it looks like it’s an issue on their end. Off to email it to you at the me.com address! Let me know if it doesn’t come through. (And yes, the .studio file can only be opened in Silhouette Studio.)

  2. Here come the belated comments from your sistah. 😀 Again, better late than never! I love this photo booth idea. And I especially love that you did it for a costume party…photo booths don’t only have to be at weddings. In fact, for my surprise bday party last year we ended the night with some photo booth action! I also don’t think I’ve ever seen a batman mask before, and that’s awesome. Plus, you look AMAZING in orange by the by.

  3. Pinned this to my Pinterest Wedding Board! You never know when you might need something like this in the future!

    Adorable props and you model them so well! xxoo

    1. Ha ha. Thanks! Those glasses always cracked me up for their ineffectiveness; they do look cool, though, you gotta give ’em that!

    1. Marilyn, I have now tried the chipboard, double-sided adhesive, glitter, printable silver foil, printable tattoo paper, and adhesive-backed cardstock…and I’m seriously loving them all! But of them all, I’ve now used the adhesive-backed cardstock and double-sided adhesive on multiple projects, so those seem to best suit me and my crafting tendencies. But I also just haven’t had the time to dive into the others yet, and I know they’re going to be just as fun. Ahhh! So much crafting to do, so many fun supplies, so little time. But instead of freaking out about it, I’ll just advise you to consider your upcoming projects or what mediums feel most like YOU. You may want to create cute kraft paper labels for sealing up baked goods or clear sticker paper for labeling glass jars with spices…the possibilities are endless. You know where to find me if you have more specific questions. 🙂

      And the last day of the 30% off promo is today (Thursday), but free shipping runs through the end of the month if you can’t decide right away.

      P.S. Apologies for this spastic response! I don’t know what came over me. Decisions over favorite Silhouette supplies clearly does something wacky to me. Ha ha.

    1. I’m already thinking ahead to Christmas gifts, too, Stacie! Can never start brainstorming too early.

  4. Oh my word! The Silhouette products are just never-ending! I would LOVE to try these out!! Okay, this is what I’d love to win – of course the Portrait or Cameo, the adhesive kraft paper, clear sticker paper, temporary tattoo paper, printable cotton canvas, the chipboard, the printable silver foil, the printable magnet paper and the double-sided adhesive. Oh, that’s probably everything! LOL. I have so many ideas!!! Come oooonnn Silhouette!!!
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

      1. Ha ha. You two are too funny! But I’m with you 100%. It’s all pretty fabulous and the ideas for each material are never-ending. Why choose one? Choose them all! 😉

    1. Ha ha. I love the idea of a household covered in clear stickers. That makes me smile! (And the label-lover in me can relate, Mindy.)

    1. Agreed, Ellen! I’ve heard that it’s a great substitute for face-paint (lasts longer, can be more precise, and who doesn’t love a fake tattoo?).

    1. You’d love it, Wendi! I could seriously sing it’s praises all day long. (Oh wait, I sorta already do. Lol.)

    1. The glass etching starter kit pretty much rocked my world…and I already have etched Christmas gifts in the works.

    1. Girrrrl, you know you and Alex have a standing invitation to come and visit us anytime, for any party or ordinary day. In fact, just having you two in our household would be an instant party, I am sure of that!

    1. Ha ha. Thanks, Maaike! If I could have grown up in a different time than the 80s and 90s, it would have been the 50s and 60s…and then I could have worn cat-eye glasses for realz! 😉

  5. I don’t have a silhouette, so any material would be exciting to try. But right now, the foil sounds great for some Christmas decorations!

  6. I had a photo booth at my daughter’s last birthday party and we had so much fun with it! These props would have been perfect for that event! I’m hopping over from Inspire Me Please (my link up was #9 Orange and Chocolate Halloween Cookies)

  7. I would love a Silhouette so I can finally create some of your amazing ideas! I’d also use it for my events (I’m currently getting my bachelor’s in Hospitality Management with a focus in Conventions, Meetings, and Event Planning). This would give me a wonderful leg up on the private events I currently consult on.

    1. What a great bachelor’s degree, Heather! Yes, a Silhouette machine would be a perfect right-hand woman for event planning!

  8. You know, I want a Silhoutte so much, that I’m not going to be picky over “the best” special media product! I like them all!
    And I thought I was already cyber-stalking you much more than I was…I hadn’t even liked your page on FB from my personal page until tonight! (Shame on me!) 🙂
    No, really…I want to win…

    1. Ha ha. I’m complimented by your cyber-stalking, and no worries about the FB page! Honored by the follow (I’m already following you – – I think from the pre-Haven FB book group list). Hoping you get that Silhouette soon, Brooke. You’d churn out some seriously awesome creations, I just know it! Best of luck!

    1. It’d be a heap of fun at a holiday party, for sure! You could even create some holiday-themed props like reindeer antlers and Santa hats! (Now, you’ve got me thinking of my next batch of props….) Thanks!

    1. Thanks, Jennifer! And how fun that you want to have a photo booth at your son’s birthday! Instant entertainment.

    1. You are special, Claire! And it was so much to snap those photo booth pics with you at FLBlogCon’13. I’m already looking forward to the fun times we’ll share at our next hang out. 😉

  9. Ooooooh Printable Cotton Canvas & Printable Silver & Gold Foil sound really nice to work with! Thanks for this! keeping fingers crossed!!! 🙂

    1. You’re welcome, Meg! Great picks, too! I’m itchin’ to try out the printable cotton canvas, and I’m already a huge fan of the printable foil. Hope you get to try your hand at them soon!

  10. Thank you for the giveaway, Lauren.
    I would really like to try the magnet paper.
    I don’t have a silhouette, but it looks fun and easy to work with!

    1. You’re welcome, Ana! And yes, the Silhouette really is so much fun – – it opens up a floodgate of crafty inspiration. The hardest part is knowing where to start first!

    1. Thanks for being my test-run buddy and snapping these pics before we totally lost the light! You’re my hero! (And not just for that.)

  11. Lauren, stop!! I can’t believe how awesome these props are!! You are a genius. Pinning and sharing on my FB page tomorrow. And I’m hoping to win a Silhouette!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

    1. No, I won’t stop! Ha ha. Not until you get a Silhouette of your own, my creative friend. I can only imagine what you’d whip up with one.

      Thanks for the pin and share-love, friend. You’re the best share-er I know! Hugs back.

    1. You’re welcome, Debi! The adhesive-backed cardstock is pretty stellar to work with, I must say! Great pick.

    1. Lol. Thanks, Abby! This was an exceptionally fun project…it brought out the thespian in me working with all these “props”!

    1. I think DIY tattoos would be perfect for a kid’s birthday party! I thought that many times while playing with the tattoo paper this weekend (tutorial coming Monday).

  12. Lauren, those are so cute and turned out so well! Just in time for all the holiday parties coming up! they will be a definite hit! I just know it! Good thing you gave them a test run- you gotta make sure they work properly first!

    1. Oh yeah, wanted to make sure they were actually fun, and not just fun looking. Ha ha. But they get the ACTUALLY FUN stamp of approval in my book!

  13. Well hello there, Lauren! I’m was so happy to see this post, it really looks like you had a ton of fun at your party! That photo booth was an awesome idea! 😀
    As for your Silhouette question: I think I’d most like to try the adhesive backed cardstock. The possibilities are endless there!
    Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway, I hope someday to own a Silhouette, I’m actually DYING to get one, so here’s to hoping! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    1. Hello, Andrea! Thanks for your detailed response. We had our party last night, and it was quite a fun time. Can’t wait to share pics from the event later this week! And the adhesive-backed cardstock was SO easy to work with; perhaps the easiest of all the Silhouette mediums I’ve tried, so great selection, Andrea! Thanks for entering the giveaway, and I hope you get your creative hands on one sooner than later, girl.

  14. Sooooo cute! I hosted a Mary Kay party, and turned it into an actual fun girl’s night with a photo booth, since I didn’t want it to be like a “you-must-buy-something” party. I purchased a few props from random places like Hobby Lobby and Dollar Tree, but this is even better, making your own!

  15. I want one of these sooooo bad. I hope the Lucky Clover will come my way. I have my fingers crossed and toes.

    1. I know that feeling, Maria! That’s where I was at about a year ago. I had just seen SO many amazing tutorials, I thought, “I’ve gotta get my hands on machine.” My lucky clover came in the form of a Christmas gift…hoping yours comes in a giveaway soon!

    1. Aw, shucks. You’re too kind, Heather! And thanks for entering in the giveaway fun. Fingers and toes crossed!

  16. I love the adhesive cardstock… it would be great to make props for my twin nephews superhero party come February!!! thanks for the chance to win!!!

    1. You’re welcome, Savanna. And I love that you’re already thinking ahead to your nephews’ superhero party; sounds like a really fun time, especially if props are involved!

  17. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! im dying for a silhouette…the possibilties are endless. love you blog and how detailed you are with your tutorials. keep it up girl!

  18. i would LOVE LOVE to try the chipboard and the magnet paper…..and the temporary tattoos and the clear labels.

    1. The inspiration with those mediums is never-ending, isn’t it, Lesley? Hope you get a chance to test-run them!

    1. Thanks, Glenna! It was hard to stop at 12 actually…but think it ended up being a good variety of props. After last night’s party, they are tested and approved! Ha ha.

    1. Aw…yes, I wish you had been here, too, Sharon. I know we’d have been giggling for hours on end. And thanks for the vote of confidence with the party. We had a fantastic time last night – – can’t wait to share pics later this week!

    1. Being a Batman fanatic makes you actually the coolest kid on the block in my book – – and anything but a nerd. (We’re slightly Batman obsessed over here. So, knowing you are, too, makes me love you all the more, Jenna!)

  19. Ahhhhh We had a photobooth at an event last weekend and it was the first time i’d used one and it was awesome!!! Now I’m slightly obsessed with all things photobooth-related.

    In other news, I’m hoping to randomly find a Silhouette on the footpath one day, as I will never be able to afford one, and then I’ll be able to join in on the prop making fun!

    1. Hoping a Silhouette comes your way, Annabel, either through a magical footpath or giveaway!

      (And I’m delighted to know you’re as big of a fan of photo booths as I am. Yay!)

  20. I think personalized temporary tattoos would be so much fun to make with my kids.

    Thank you for the chance to win!

    1. Ha ha. I am rather happy most of the time. (Except when I got to the dentist. Or the DMV. Or when my flight is delayed.) But most of the time! And especially when I’m making things with my hands or riding bikes with my hubby. That’s when I’m most happy!

      Thanks for popping over, Marni! Love your blog!

  21. I CANT wait to try the temporary tattoos! how cool would it be for son to go as daddy for Halloween?!? complete with matching tattoos and all!!! 🙂

    1. Oh my gosh, Amy – – great idea! You could even use the tattoo paper for faux facial hair! Brilliant!

    1. What a kind thing to say, Taramarie. I’m so touched to have you in it for the long haul! That is what inspires me to keep on sharing my best work!

    1. Tanya, I mentioned it briefly, but it might be easy to miss – – because the freebie props from Oh Happy Day were already sized properly, I just used those as a guide for my new ones. But you could always just use the ruler tool in your Designer Ed. to make sure the glasses were actually sized for a regular human-sized face!

  22. Pick me!! Pick me!! I would love to win so I can make some props as well. I’m getting married soon and one of my top must haves is a photo booth and this would be great so I can DIY my own. 🙂

    1. Congrats on your upcoming wedding! So exciting Jamie! And a photo booth at your wedding would really amp up the fun factor. Here’s to hopin’….

    1. Thanks, Gypsi (coolest name ever)! Yes, the adhesive papers are sort of rocking my world right now…. Hoping you get to try them!

    1. That’s how it went for me last year, Kimberly! I entered a million and one Silhouette giveaways, didn’t win any, and must have mentioned how much I wanted one enough to my hubby that he surprised me with one for Christmas. It was worth every penny of our money and then some!

    1. You would rock them so well, Candace – – I can almost see it now! And I, too, am lamenting the fact that we don’t live closer. The fun factor in my life would be THROUGH THE ROOF if Candace could come over to play!

    1. We had our party last night and these props were put into action, and they are still going strong. The flocking is on there REAL good (haven’t noticed any coming off) and of the glitter, the Silhouette brand glitter probably stays on best because it’s so thin…I’ve noticed some flecks of glitter here and there, but nothing too crazy. I’ve used spray shellac on glitter before to “seal” it and might consider doing that with these just to preserve them for the long haul. Overall, I’m really impressed! This adhesive is my new favorite product!

    1. Laura, what a sweet comment! I’m so delighted to know you get new ideas during your visits here to The Thinking Closet. That seriously motivates me to keep creating quality content for my awesome readers.

    1. My thoughts exactly, Kenley. The Batman mask was the first one my husband reached for last night. Can’t wait to share party pics later this week!

  23. I am super excited about the printable canvas ! It would be a great way to make holiday gifts for the grandparents!

Your comments make my day!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *