7.23.2009

Mirror Adjustment

Thank you all so much for your kudos on my curtains! I am so happy with them, and I feel like a whole new world is opened up to me, now that I am not so afraid of the sewing machine! Yippee!

A new challenge: I recently bought a beat-up mirror for $10 at a thrift store. It is round, and so I had hopes of making it look something like this:

Or maybe like the one over the fireplace here:

Or even the gorgeous mirror above the bed in my inspiration photo from the amazing designer Heather Chadduck:

Sadly, right now the mirror looks like this. And yes, that is me in my bare feet in my oh-so-glamorous garage. One of these days I am going to puncture something.

Right now, the mirror's frame is made of what appears to be plaster. I am thinking it was a builder's special awhile back, then got abandoned. But I have hope!

What I'd really like to do is add some dimension to the frame. Something to keep it from looking flat and boring. And of course I would paint it. But how do I add the dimension so that it looks like the other mirrors in this post rather than, well, how it looks now? Trim? Nailhead details? Something else that I could glue to it? What do you think?

If anyone has any brilliant ideas, or knows of some cool product that would help me on my quest to bring life to this boring mirror, please share!

And please don't judge me by my garage.


57 comments:

Heather said...

Hmm, I like the nailhead trim idea, or if you could find a way to bulk up the frame and make it wider. I can't think of how at the moment...

duchess said...

Bet it will turn out great.
Don't even get me started on my garage - it's horrible.

Amanda said...

maybe you could get a round unfinished frame thats slightly smaller and mount it on top and then paint the same color?

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I have no idea. But I like where you are heading! Make sure to update us on your progress!

vintage girl at heart said...

Ooh Amanada's idea is a good one!!
When I am stumped I troll Hobby Lobby for inspiraton, Home Depot or Lowe's is fun too!!!
Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Kristy said...

I like the idea of nailhead trim, whether you use it on its own, or put it on the frame just for the dimension and then paint the whole thing.

I wonder if there are other things you can add, and then paint over? Maybe rounded buttons? Or, you know how craft stores sell those little wooden pieces (I'm not really sure what people actually use them for) - could you use those?

Good luck!

Miss E said...

I'm so not crafty so I will not make any suggestions....

but I can't wait to see what you do! :)

phillips phamily said...

There has to be something at the dollar store that you could buy in a pack of 100 to glue on and then spray paint...hmmmmmmmmmmm?

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

I don't know how big your mirror is (or if this would work at all) but what about separating the mirror from the plaster and mounting it on a cheap wooden charger or serving tray spray painted black? Love the nailhead trim idea too. Then you'd be all ready for Censational Girl's party huh :)?

The Little Red Shop said...

Okay...here is a thought if you want a pretty much free-trick the eye-somewhat time consuming...idea. I believe that I have an old round gold-leaf frame which...when turned over...reveals that it is made from stacked paper! So, cut strips of cardboard to the the depth you want (you can create a mitered look by cutting different depths.) Cut them long or short enough so you can nicely wrap them around the frame...glue each section at the base...and to each additional section...and clamp during drying time. Does that make sense? I would start with the outside. Then you could wrap the new "frame" with papier mache and paint black...or...I don't know what...or you could cover it in papier mache and gold leaf..and or black paint...

I have a 1940's Federal repro mirror...you could also use 3/4 inch wood beads from the craft store...attach where desired and paint gold....

Cool! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

So, what do you think????

: )

Julie M.

Jodee said...

Can't wait to see your mirror makeover!

Bluebird said...

nailhead would probably be good, but then i really don't know what i'm talking about. you could go really crazy and glue a strand of fake pearls/beads around the inside or outside perimeter and spray paint afterward. but personally, i really like the simple clean lines of the frame- especially if painted black. it would be a modern take on a classic idea. no matter what, you're the Queen Bee and it will be awesome! (no judging here: dirty house and i'm sitting down for a slice of chocolate cake!)

Annie said...

I wonder if a cross-stiching hoop slightly larger than the circumference of the mirror might work? Although, you probably would want something without such a sharp edge.... But YOU could probably still make THAT work! LOL Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Unknown said...

My first thought...(but I'm unsure what this stuff is made from...) is to use one of those ceiling medallions-aren't they sometimes made from plastic these days instead of plaster? Then somehow cut out the center to allow for the mirror....that would bulk it up and give it some architectual interest??
I'll be interested in seeing what you end up with :)

Shell in your Pocket said...

I am sure some way you will make it beautiful and stunning~

Can't wait to see!
sandy toe

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Love your bedroom.The mirror is going to turn out great. What about some fabric braid trim hotglue, and then painted over, that would probably be the most economical option. Whatever you choose, I am sure it will be great. Jackie

Anonymous said...

I had a beautiful mirror that was my husband's grandmother's. It was broken and bits of the design around the frame had come off. I took it to a lovely lady who repaired such things. She took Elmer's glue and swirled a design to match the unbroken part of the frame. When the glue dried. I was able to repaint the mirror, which was gold and could not tell where it had been broken. The glue must be very thick.
QMM

Anonymous said...

What about one of those styrofoam rings covered in leather and then with nailhead? OR you could hot glue layers of seashells.
Tracy

the undomesticated wife said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
the undomesticated wife said...

Venetian plaster!!! That would give it cool dimension and texture, and then you can paint over it.

Anonymous said...

What about really thick cording, like you would use to do the edging of a pillow? You could cover it in black fabric, and then glue it down around the circle of the frame. Or you could do the cording or some thick rope, and then do paper mache over the top, and then paint it.
- Angie

Darlene said...

No idea but I can't wait to see what you do with it.

Jenni said...

I love Amanda's idea, if you could find a frame around the same size. The nailhead idea is also a good one. I am trying to think...you could add some kind of wooden embellishments all around the mirror before you paint it? Or just some amazing wooden piece to the very top? I am so not coming up with anything useful here...But I know it will look great when you're finished! I can't wait to see it! :)

Angie said...

You can but some small wood appliques to put on it from Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I think it would really add some detail and look great!

Free Art Printables said...

I say go for wood appliques and put them around the perimeter. It would add great dimension!

Every Day Blessings said...

Tonight I was looking at the Country Living magazine and In the July 09 issue they have a round mirror that they painted spoons and it is really cute. On page 57or 59. Also you could go to the web site and look at makeover projects and there it is. It is cute and you really can't tell that it is painted plastic spoons unless you look closely. it might be something to look at.
Hope this helps or gets you started.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Do you own a jigsaw? Or know anyone who does? You could get some cheap wood and have it cut in cocentric (I'm not sure I'm using that word right) circles. you know, big letter O's, that start the size of the mirror and then get bigger. Then, just glue them on and paint the whole thing. Make sense? Don't leave us hanging.

june@craftyniche said...

Your mirror will look so cute when you are done with it! I like the nailhead trim idea.

Amy said...

I have no idea what to tell you on the mirror.....However, it is really funny that you posted that because ever since your last post about your cutains, I have been looking for a round mirror like the one in the picture. I did not find round...I found oval, and I am posting about it later today. Your whole bedroom inspired me. Check it out later...and I'll be thinking about that mirror.

Wendy said...

Can't wait to see what you do with it!

Jboo said...

Have no real suggestions -- there are already a lot good ones. Am also looking for a round or oval mirror for over my fireplace! Can't wait to see what you come up with -- am sure it will be gorgeous!

Have a great weekend.

Janet

Anonymous said...

I would look at the trim at Lowe's, Home Depot and Michael's. They all have things that might work. I see a lot of potential in the mirror and I know it will look great.

Gretchen

Lana said...

No bright ideas here, but I can't wait to see what you do with it! I know it'll be great!

Genny said...

I'm sure whatever you do to the mirror will be cute...:)

I've got a mention of you and your curtains over at my blog today.

Happy Friday,
Genny

Joanna said...

I am liking the idea of the unfinished frame and attaching it and painting it. I think that would be the easiest route.

I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Rachel said...

Not quite the more traditional route, but what occurred to me, was to take mosaic tile...the stuff on the mesh backer? You can cut it, and put it on there..Or, get those pebble tiles, cut them, and put them on it...nature, and grouting...

oh! Seashells. That might work too. It'd be a bit more...natural, perhaps. But it would be pretty...

I know, I'm reaching...

Tammy said...

Hmmm how about you use some mud. Reinvented at one time used a stencil and put joint compound on the walls to give it some dimension. Once painted it looks as if it was plaster. You could do the same thing on the frame. Or you could cut some circles out of veneer or thin wood and then hook that on the front. Once painted it would be unnoticeable.

can't wait to see what you do..
~tammy

Desiree said...

It seems like using trim would be difficult because the mirrors edges are round. Perhaps you could find one of those styrofoam wreaths as a starting point and put batting around it and fabric? I don't know where I am going with this really but good luck! I am sure whatever you do will look amazing! Keep us posted.
-Desiree

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

What if you mounted the mirror on another large circle...perhaps the top of one of those decorater circles, or cut one from a sheet of plywood. Mount your mirror on there. Maybe using Liquid Nails. Then you've got some dimension and a frame for the mirror. Paint it up and add nailhead around the mirror part. You know those round ceiling decorative things...that people install around lights? Maybe Home Depot has some and maybe they can add in trim-work of your mirro.

Sunny said...

I was thinking of something in my mind's eye to be like a ceiling medallion glued to the front of this frame around the mirror. I just couldn't think of what the word was and then "ceiling medallion" was in another comment and I was like, Oh, yeah! that's what I was thinking! Can't wait to see!

Tasha said...

I have no suggestions, but love your ideas! You get some great finds :)

Unknown said...

You could cover it with shells, if you wanted, but if you're trying to make it look like the inspiration pictures...hmmm. What about some sort of ceiling medallion attached over the frame? Or you could cut some concentric circles out of plywood and glue them on? Just some ideas, have fun with it!

Rebekah said...

I am also guilty of the barefeet in my garage thing. I try not to think about how gross it is.

That desk in the top photo is TO DIE FOR!! Maybe someone on my street will decide to chuck one just like it out on trash day. (HA!)

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

Looks like you've got some great ideas here...can't wait to see what you do with it!! I love round mirrors. I have one from Hobby Lobby in my powder room and get more compliments on it than anything else it seems!

P.S. If it makes you feel any better, your garage puts my garage to shame.

Southern Fried Gal said...

I'm in the middle of adding texture to my dining room walls with stencils and wall mud (started back in August - almost one year undone - oh my!) and so that's the idea that's in my head for now. Can't wait to see how it turns out - will be beautiful I know!!!

Its So Very Cheri said...

I gave you an award. Go to my blog to check it out Its So Very Cheri

Cheri

Unknown said...

My idea is using the "woodsies" like JUST A GIRL used on her tissue box...check it out! :)

http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/2009/06/pretty-tissue-box.html

Mandi Shandi said...

The only thing I can think of right off, is the medallion type of thing that is around ceiling fixtures and chandeliers. I assume they already have a hole in the middle since they are mounted around a light fixture. Or, you could try HL's unfinished wood section. The stuff they have there always amazes me. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Mamajil said...

No ideas at all....but I am curious to see what you end up doing....keep us posted!

Anonymous said...

i enjoy your projects - can't wait to see what you come up with on this one! wondering the aisles at lowes couldn't hurt for some inspiration!!!

Jessica Ryan said...

Hoping on over from A Touch of Country... I am a huge fan of spray paint... you could paint it black or dark brown like a natural wood color and then brush over with gold leaf... you could find some inexpensive pottery, break it and piece the pieces over it like tile... another thing is decoupage. You could find a lovely wrapping paper, or wall paper remnant and cut out small squares and decoupage them on to the frame, layering the pieces over each other to give the appearance of depth and texture.

I love mirrors. It's amazing how a piece of glass in a frame can do so much to a home!

Amanda said...

I LOVE al those pictures!!! Your will be perfect I am sure!

God bless~
Amanda

Ms. Tee said...

I wish I knew what to do with the mirror! Whatever you do, it'll turn out great, I'm sure :)

Unknown said...

I know you will do something brilliant. You always do. Always : ) Can't wait to see it : )

Sh@ron said...

Looking at the first photo which shows different sized molding moving out from the mirror. I would try to use a small diameter rubber tube glued around the mirror if it works then I would move outward with the same size, then outward with a larger size and paint it all black.You can also buy a coil($5) of flat reed to shape around the edge.

Anonymous said...

Great post as for me. I'd like to read more concerning that topic.
By the way look at the design I've made myself Young escorts

Anonymous said...

It is rather interesting for me to read this article. Thank author for it. I like such themes and anything that is connected to this matter. I would like to read more soon.