I am so happy to share with you my short video, Simple Steps to Create a Mixed Media Self-Portrait.
There’s something quietly powerful about creating a self portrait when you let go of perfection and simply work with paper, texture, memory, and paint.
In this short video, I create a small portrait using a childhood photo as my starting point. I talk through what I’m choosing and why. Not just visually, but emotionally. The papers. The fabrics. The little decisions that begin to shape the feeling of the piece.
It’s not so much a technical lesson as it is an invitation.
An invitation to slow down.
To notice.
To let your materials speak.
Even if you never make a portrait beyond this one, I hope the video reminds you that creativity does not have to be large or complicated. Sometimes it begins with paper, glue, and a few quiet minutes at the table.
Watch the Mini Self Portrait Video Here
You’ll be taken to a simple sign up page where you can enter your email, and I’ll send the video straight to your inbox. I love sharing these small creative offerings directly, and this way you’ll also receive future studio notes and gentle inspiration from me.
What You’ll See in the Video
Inside the mini portrait video, you’ll see:
• How I choose materials that hold personal meaning
• How I begin with a simple base layer
• How layers build slowly, without rushing
• How imperfection actually adds life to the piece
This is not about drawing skill.
It’s about willingness.
If faces have ever felt intimidating, this small project is a gentle way in.
Why Self-Portrait Collage?
Creating a self portrait in collage form is less about likeness and more about presence.
You are not trying to “get it right.”
You are layering parts of your story.
A scrap of an old letter.
A piece of fabric that feels like home.
A color that carries a season of your life.
When you begin layering these pieces together, something shifts. The portrait becomes less about how you look and more about how you feel. About what you carry. About what is ready to be seen.
Collage is forgiving. If something doesn’t feel right, you respond. You layer over it. You soften it. You adjust. Nothing is wasted.
And that mirrors how we live.
New to Mixed Media Collage?
If you’d like to create along with me, here are a few simple reminders as you begin:
1. Don’t overthink it
Start tearing or cutting without planning the whole piece. Let one material lead.
2. Gather what you already have
Old book pages, wrapping paper, fabric scraps, dried leaves. You do not need special supplies to begin.
3. Work in layers
Start with a base. Add texture. Add color. Pause. Respond. Let it build slowly.
4. Use what works
A glue stick is perfect for paper. Gel medium works well for heavier items. Smooth things down gently and keep going.
5. Let it be imperfect
Ripped edges, uneven lines, slightly off placements. These are part of the character of collage.
6. Add something personal
A word. A symbol. A small piece of handwriting. Let it carry meaning that only you fully understand.
Most importantly, let this feel like time with yourself.
Not a performance.
Not a test.
6. Embrace imperfection
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to look ‘perfect,’ but collage, especially self-portrait collage, is about the journey. Imperfections make it unique and more authentically you. Those ripped edges and uneven lines? Embrace them!
7. Finish with a personal touch
Once you’ve built up your layers, think about adding personal elements. This could be a word, a favourite symbol, or a little doodle. It’s those finishing touches that make the piece extra personal.
Most importantly, have fun with it. This process should feel freeing, not rigid. If you’re kind to yourself and open to exploration, you’ll be amazed by what you create!
If This Sparked Something in You…
If creating this small portrait stirs something deeper, curiosity, tenderness, even a little fear mixed with longing, I want you to know you’re not alone in that.
Many women feel drawn to faces but hesitate to begin.
That’s exactly why I created Personal Portraits.
Personal Portraits is a self paced, pre recorded mixed media workshop where I guide you step by step through creating a layered, expressive portrait using a special photo of yourself or someone meaningful to you.
You do not need to know how to draw.
Inside the workshop, I show you simple photo transfer methods so the face is already there on your surface. From there, we work in layers.
You’ll learn how to:
• Blend collage and fabric so they feel embedded rather than pasted on
• Soften edges with paint so everything feels cohesive
• Build skin tones in an approachable way
• Integrate meaningful materials without overwhelming the face
• Adjust when something feels off instead of starting over
It is designed to be calm and doable.
You can pause, rewind, revisit, and move at your own pace.
And yes, it is open now.
If you’ve been quietly wondering whether you could create a portrait that feels like you — not perfect, but honest — this might be your next step.
👉 Learn more about Personal Portraits here
You don’t need confidence to begin.
You only need a place to start.
Stay Connected & Inspired
If this post or the video resonated with you, I’d love to stay connected. You can subscribe to the Creative Delight Studio newsletter for reflections, creative prompts, and updates from my art table.
Wherever you are in your creative journey, I’m so glad you’re here.
With paint on my fingers and gratitude for your courage.
I live and create on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg peoples, lands that remain under their original stewardship. I honor their enduring connection to this place and their care for it over generations.
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