Make Your Own Mini Self Portrait
During my 2025 fall quarter sculpture class, we were given a unique assignment—to create a life-sized abstract self-portrait using any material of our choice. Each student approached the challenge in their own way, selecting materials such as wood, metal, papier-mâché, and more. I knew from the start that I wanted to work with fabric—it has always been one of my favorite mediums, allowing for both softness and complexity in texture and form.
The Foundation
To begin, I needed a structure to support my piece. I started with a flat, circular wooden base with a pole attached to it, ensuring stability as I built upward. From there, I shaped the figure using quilt tops, layering them to provide depth and substance.
Symbolic Elements
To make my sculpture truly personal, I incorporated elements that carried meaning for me. I hand-embroidered patches and crocheted details, weaving symbols of my identity into the fabric. Additionally, I used iron-on transfer paper to print and transfer images of my eyes and nose onto the textile, grounding the portrait in a recognizable reflection of myself.
One of the most distinctive aspects of my piece was the hair—I’ve often been told that I’m a “ray of sunshine,” so I translated that sentiment into my sculpture by forming radiant rays extending outward as my hair. While this element felt natural to include, other aspects of abstraction were more challenging.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
At first, I struggled to represent myself abstractly. I wanted the portrait to encapsulate my essence without relying on traditional realism, but I found it difficult to decide which features to exaggerate or stylize. In the midst of this uncertainty, I happened to run into one of my high school gifted art teachers, someone who had guided me in my earlier artistic journey. Seeking her insight, I asked what she thought my piece might need.
She suggested I add a heart—an element she felt was a crucial representation of who I am. Her perspective resonated with me, so I incorporated a glowing heart into the front of the sculpture, symbolizing warmth, kindness, and the emotional depth that others see in me.
Final Reflections
This piece is one of my proudest artistic accomplishments. Though the process was detailed and complex, everything began to fall into place once I discovered the right approach. The combination of textiles, hand-stitched details, personal imagery, and symbolic components resulted in a sculpture that felt undeniably mine.
The experience of creating this portrait taught me that self-representation in art isn’t just about physical likeness—it’s about conveying personality, history, and the intangible qualities that define us.
Mini Self Portrait by Ryan “Stirling” Botts
Mini Self Portrait by Dylan Sanders
How to make your own mini me
1. Choose Your Shape
Decide on a shape that best represents you. This can be a direct reflection of your body or a shape that embodies your personality.
2. Cut Your Fabric
Select a fabric of your choice.
Cut two identical copies of the shape you decided on.
3. Sew the Shape Together
Place the two fabric pieces together.
Sew around the edges, leaving a 1-inch gap open for stuffing.
You have two options:
Hidden seams: Sew the pieces with right sides together, then flip inside out before stuffing.
Exposed seams: Sew the pieces together with the edges exposed for a raw, textured look.
Perfection isn't required—this is art! Your sewing technique doesn't have to be pristine.
4. Stuff the Shape
Use fabric scraps, stuffing, or any soft material to fill your shape through the 1-inch gap.
Once stuffed, sew the gap shut.
5. Create the Face
Add a face to your shape! The face can be:
Two eyes, no eyes, or seven eyes—get creative!
Use found objects like buttons, beads, or scraps to form facial features.
Attach them by sewing or gluing them onto the fabric.
6. Customize the Body
Modify your shape by adding or removing features:
If you want wings, add wings!
Want extra limbs? Go for it!
Incorporate a mix of symbols that represent you physically or personally.
7. Experiment & Have Fun
There are no strict rules—let your creativity lead!
Try different materials, textures, and techniques to make the portrait unique.
8. The Meaning Behind Your Mini-Me
This project is about creating a representational self-portrait—a small version of yourself that embodies your identity.
Whether abstract or literal, your piece should reflect who you are, using shapes, colors, textures, and objects that symbolize different aspects of your personality.
Allow yourself to play and explore—this isn't just about the final product, but the process of translating yourself into art.
Let me know if you want any more tweaks! I love this concept—it's such a personal and creative way to express identity. 💫🎨
all add that the found objects dont have to be traditional sewing supplies. give other examples that are more outside of the box
That’s a great point! Here's the revised version with a section highlighting unconventional found objects:
Creating a Textile & Found-Object Self-Portrait
1. Choose Your Shape
Decide on a shape that best represents you. This can be a direct reflection of your body or a shape that embodies your personality.
2. Cut Your Fabric
Select a fabric of your choice.
Cut two identical copies of the shape you decided on.
3. Sew the Shape Together
Place the two fabric pieces together.
Sew around the edges, leaving a 1-inch gap open for stuffing.
You have two options:
Hidden seams: Sew the pieces with right sides together, then flip inside out before stuffing.
Exposed seams: Sew the pieces together with the edges exposed for a raw, textured look.
Perfection isn't required—this is art! Your sewing technique doesn't have to be pristine.
4. Stuff the Shape
Use fabric scraps, stuffing, or any soft material to fill your shape through the 1-inch gap.
Once stuffed, sew the gap shut.
5. Create the Face
Add a face to your shape! The face can be:
Two eyes, no eyes, or seven eyes—get creative!
Use found objects to form facial features.
Attach them by sewing or gluing them onto the fabric.
6. Customize the Body
Modify your shape by adding or removing features:
If you want wings, add wings!
Want extra limbs? Go for it!
Incorporate a mix of symbols that represent you physically or personally.
7. Experiment & Have Fun
There are no strict rules—let your creativity lead!
Try different materials, textures, and techniques to make the portrait unique.
8. Unconventional Found Objects
Your materials don't have to be traditional sewing supplies! Look around and use unexpected objects to bring your mini-me to life.
Some outside-the-box materials you can incorporate:
Old jewelry (broken earrings, chains, charms)
Bottle caps (great for eyes or texture)
Wire or springs (can create unique shapes and movement)
Keys (symbolic and visually interesting)
Scraps of handwritten notes or fabric with writing
Dried flowers or leaves (natural elements add personality)
Pieces of old clothing (something sentimental or nostalgic)
Small toys or figurines (quirky and fun details)
Zippers, snaps, or buttons (not just for function, but aesthetic)
Feathers, beads, or even parts of broken objects
9. The Meaning Behind Your Mini-Me
This project is about creating a representational self-portrait—a small version of yourself that embodies your identity.
Whether abstract or literal, your piece should reflect who you are, using shapes, colors, textures, and objects that symbolize different aspects of your personality.
Allow yourself to play and explore—this isn't just about the final product, but the process of translating yourself into art.
I hope you enjoy making your mini self portrait as much as I enjoyed making the life sized me! Take a picture of your mini me and email it to me at taryn0davidson@gmail.com. I’d love to see what you create!
