Scherenschnitte is Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art while Silhouettes come from France. Both art forms rely on what the eye sees to form shapes.

The Pennsylvania Dutch carved their lives out of the Pennsylvania wilderness, relying on their skills and faith. Their appreciation for decoration evolved into the art of Scherenschnitte. Flowers and Tulips symbolized faith in oneself and the Holy Trinity. The star symbolized good luck, success, and happiness; and the Heart, of course, represented love.

The name "Silhouette" comes from Etienne de Silhouette (1709-67), the infamous controller-general of France, who amused himself at drawing room gatherings by cutting portraits from paper. Cameras were not affordable or readily available at that time.