Take a digital photo of yourself. Enlarge the photo to take up most of the space on a standard 8-1/2 by 11-inch piece of paper. Print a color copy of the photo on regular copy paper, not photo paper.
Cut small pieces of paper in colors that correspond with the colors in the photo. You can use a combination of randomly cut sections and pieces that are precisely cut for small features like eyebrows, or make a more abstract portrait by using all random shapes.
Glue the bits of paper onto the photocopy, filling in one section at a time. For example, fill in all of the hair, the ears, the neck and complete the rest of the features in the portrait. Allow the glue to dry completely before displaying the paper mosaic.
Draw a sketch of yourself directly on the object onto which you wish to create your mosaic. Use a hand mirror to help you see your features as they actually are or, for a more interpretive project, draw your face as you believe it to look.
Arrange the mosaic tiles by color, choosing which colors you want to use for your hair and facial features.
Spread a thin, even layer of tile adhesive on the back of each mosaic tile with a plastic knife. Press it onto the surface firmly and wiggle it slightly to make sure the entire back of the tile is in contact with the surface. Place tiles approximately 1/8 inch apart and fill in as much of the space as possible with full tiles.
Shape tiles with the tile nipper to create small or odd shapes. Adhere them to the surface with adhesive. Fill in the entire portrait with tiles and allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Spread premixed grout over the tiles. Hold a 1-inch rubber grout float at a 45-degree angle and push the grout into the cracks between the tiles. Wipe off excess grout with a sponge and plain, clean water. Allow the grout to dry and remove any haze with a clean, soft cloth.