"Mirror of Erised" Mixed Media Art Tutorial

Welcome back, friends, to Day 2 of Harry Potter inspired art! Yesterday, we did a simple chalkboard art piece to honor Snape’s enduring love for Lily. Today, we’re going to create a mixed media “Mirror of Erised.” So, grab your supplies and let’s get started!

You will need:

8×10 canvas or canvas panel (these are cheap to keep on hand)
Acrylic paints in the colors of your choice (these are my favorite “student grade” paints)
Cardstock in the color of your choice
Mod Podge
Paint brushes and/or sponge brush
Scissors
Pencil
Black Micron artist pen or extra-fine Sharpie (black)
Sharpie Marker (white, water-based)
Mirror of Erised PDF

Step 1: Paint the background of your canvas in the color of your choice (I chose Naphthol Crimson…not exactly Gryffindor red, but it’ll dry closer to the right color). Allow to dry.

Step 2: Trace PDF image of the mirror onto your cardstock paper, then cut out. Arrange the mirror cutout in the center of your canvas.

Step 3: Adhere the mirror cutout to your canvas with Mod Podge. Allow to dry. (Yes, there may be wrinkles in your papers. Embrace the wrinkles – mixed media is fun and whimsical, not perfect and boring!) 😉

Step 4: When canvas is completely dry, begin drawing or painting in the details of the mirror. I chose to sketch the lines in with my black pen. I made them wonky & whimsical to give it a sense of mysteriousness (is that a word?). If that doesn’t suit you, then feel free to completely trace the PDF on your piece using a ruler to make sure the lines are straight.

Step 5: Add your favorite quote inside the mirror. Just type it up in Word and print it out (I used the Triumph Tippa font, size 30) cut it down to size and Mod Podge it to your canvas. And obviously, I chose the words of Professor Dumbledore in The Sorcerer’s Stone: “It doesn’t do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” Allow to dry.

Step 6: Finally, using your black pen, outline your quote with wispy, uneven lines to make the words pop.

And there you have your very own “Mirror of Erised” to remind you to live life to the fullest!

P.S. I’d love to see your completed pieces! Follow the Masterpiece Society on Instagram and when you post your pic, tag me so I can repost it! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #masterpiecesociety.

Come back tomorrow and we will play around with doodle lettering!