• Before you begin, explore Bisa Butler’s work here.

• Choose a subject who you believe deserves recognition. What character traits make them worth celebrating?

• Sketch a line drawing of your subject on paper, then trace it onto a light-colored fabric or paper. For your initial sketches, consider using a photograph for reference.

• Simplify the key shapes, identifying the highlights and shadows that define the contours of your subject’s face and figure.

• Choose a color palette inspired by the mood you want to portray. Create a key that shows the colors, patterns, and tones you’ll use, noting what each one represents.

• Cut and arrange the fabric or paper, using the shapes in your line drawing as a guide.

• Use the darkest, most saturated colors in your key for the darkest shadows in the portrait, and the lightest colors for the brightest highlights.

• If you’re working with fabric, stitch by hand or use a machine. If you’re working with paper, glue on one layer at a time.

Peter Yuscavage’s students in Jersey City, New Jersey, made the works shown here. Click below to see more examples by students from around the country!