Over the summer I bought three round mirrors on clearance at Target for $3.24 each. They have been collecting dust while I was figuring out what to do with them--the deal was too good to pass up even though I did not have a plan.
Over the holidays, Xaver and I went to several thrift stores looking for good things to alter, stuff for our house, etc. It is silly that I was dropping off loads of stuff to get rid of in the back of the store and then going inside to buy more stuff but hey, it was an efficient visit to each thrift store!
In Salvation Army, Xaver spotted several tubs of silverware, each sorted by type, on sale for 5 for $1. Once we saw the knives, we knew they would be perfect for the mirror! I've seen mirrors like this created with plastic spoons but honestly they look like plastic spoons on the finished mirror and I wanted something a little more unique.
Here's how to make it:
Use epoxy or hot glue to adhere the flat part of the knife to the back of the mirror. I tried E6000 and it did not work so well.
Once all the knives are in place, cut a piece of wood or chipboard to to the size of the mirror to cover them. This "sandwich" will help make the mirror sturdier. I tore the back off one of the other mirrors and glued that to the back of the first mirror.
Next, tape off the center of the mirror to prep for painting. I wove wire around four of the knives to make a "X" across the back of the frame to create hanger. Once the mirror is painted, the wire will not be noticeable from the front anymore.
I used Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Paint & Primer in Aged Copper to paint the mirror--two coats is all it took! The paint has a glittery shimmer in it that I thought was really cool. It adhered really easily to the plastic and metal too--my new fave spray paint!
Supplies:
- Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Paint & Primer in Aged Copper = $7.69
- Mirrors @ 2 x $3.24 = $6.48
- 50 knives from Salvation Army = $10
- Wire = $1.99
- Cardboard, tape, screwdriver, hot glue not figured into cost
TOTAL = $26.16
I saved over $100 making the mirror myself! Hope you're inspired to make something crafty AND thrifty this week!!
Jennifer
What a great project! It looks very upscale, and to think that you invested just over $25. Good Job.
ReplyDeleteHey that is sooooo cool!!! I have a perfect spot for a mirror like that. Fab as usual Jen.
ReplyDeleteCool and recycling!
ReplyDeletewow you are so amazing at the stuff you think up!!! Love it - Nancy H
ReplyDeleteThis is the best sunburst mirror EVER!!! I hope you tried out for the show on hgtv is it? The one that Christie T is doing. I can't believe I didn't think to mention it to you but hopefully someone did!! I know you could make it onto the show! You would kick butt!! xoxo
ReplyDelete