DIY Modern Sunburst Mirror

<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/12/never-met-sunburst-mirror-i-didnt-like.html" target="_blank">It's no secret</a> that my love for sunburst mirrors runs long and deep - especially chunky antique ones in gold tones. So when it was time to figure out a mirror for the <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">Pax makeover project</a>, I thought nothing but a gold sunburst mirror would do to help break up all that dark gray paint.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0470.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0470.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I looked around for something to buy quickly because we were short on time, but it was important to me that the mirror fit the back of the vanity space perfectly (about 36" square was just right). It was obvious pretty quickly that the only (affordable) option would be to make something myself. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/248823948135909697/" target="_blank">This image</a> has been in my mind for a long time and I thought the look would be perfect for this project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0543.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/aaDSC_0543.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Here's how I tackled this DIY for about $75 in supplies:<br /><a name="more"></a><br />Depending on how big you want your mirror to be, you'll need to buy a lot of small wooden dowels from the hardware store. I used 55 dowels and I had leftovers. I bought 30 of the smallest size, 15 of the next size up and 10 of the size just bigger than that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7960.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_7960.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I used a miter saw to cut down the dowels to random lengths between three and six inches long at a 45 degree angle. The trick is the wrap a bundle of dowels in masking tape on the spot you want to cut. This prevents any splintering or fly away pieces, which can be really dangerous, so make sure you don't skip this step.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo kIMG_8004.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/kIMG_8004.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7999.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_7999.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted the mirror to look mottled and not new, so I rounded up my collection of gold spray paints. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8009.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8009.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I threw all the cut dowels on a drop cloth and just started spraying and tossing the drop cloth to move the dowels around. I tried not to spray the dowels directly too much. I wanted the paint to sort of float down onto the dowels so there wouldn't be harsh lines if another dowel was blocking part of a piece. I found the best method was to spray from farther away with one hand and then use the other hand to move around the dowels. I think painting with the different golds really helped add depth to the frame. Each of the individual dowels looks a little different and is a slightly different color combination. I was so happy with how this worked!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8017.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8017.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I used my favorite gold spray paint from Design Masters to spray just the edge of a piece of plywood cut at the hardware store to 27" square. I also sprayed four pieces of flat trim cut at 45" angles to make a 26" frame.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8122.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8122.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's super important to use the right glues for this project. I used Liquid Nails Paneling for glueing on the dowels to the plywood backing. This stuff dries quickly so it's best to work in smaller sections - like three or four inches at a time.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I ran a 1" wide bead of the glue down the plywood board and quickly stacked the dowels next to each other, varying the lengths and dowel sizes and the color. Pushing down really hard on the dowels makes everything line up. The glue will squish up around the sides of the dowel which helps everything stay put even better. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8131.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The corners are pretty much the only tricky part. I use a few thicker dowels first and then filled in with small and short pieces. I broke a few down just with my hands to make them short enough to fit in the tight angles.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_8124.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8124.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once the frame is done, give it a day to dry out and then cover everything with a ton of mirror glue.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_8144.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8144.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I had a 24" mirror cut at a glass shop for about $20. I glued the 1/8" thick mirror right on top of the dowel frame and then used more Liquid Nails to glue the top frame made from flat trim on top of the mirror, which really finished the whole look</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_8148.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8148.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I sat heavy books and other items on top of the flat trim frame and let it dry overnight.</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_8153.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8153.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I forgot to take a photo of the final step, but I flipped the mirror over (which was a two-person job, as was hanging it on the wall - <i>pokey!!!</i>) and screwed two small D-rings into the perimeter of the plywood. Then the mirror was ready to hang! It's been up for about a month now and it looks and feels super secure. That Liquid Nails product is amazing stuff and made this project a breeze.</div><br /><img alt=" photo qDSC_0665.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qDSC_0665.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /></div>

DIY Modern Sunburst Mirror

It's no secret that my love for sunburst mirrors runs long and deep - especially chunky antique ones in gold tones. So when it was time...

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Painting Our (Faux) Stone Fireplace

I love that we have a fireplace in our bedroom! Such a treat, but the faux stone wasn't really working for me. We almost took it all off in the same way we removed <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/more-fireplace-demo-and-plans.html" target="_blank">the fireplace surround in our living room</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0475.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/wDSC_0475.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Before going to all that trouble though, I thought it was worth it to try painting the stone first. At the very least I thought it would buy me some time. So Ali and I tackled the big, dusty thing. We just used white primer and small two-inch angled brushes. It took quite a few hours to get in all those nooks and crannies! I probably should have just sprayed the thing with <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-best-and-easiest-to-use-spray-gun.html" target="_blank">my Critter</a>, but I didn't want to move all our stuff out and do all the prep work (lazy).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7845.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7845.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />We got to about this point and I felt hopeful about the way the white would look in the room.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br />Then in the morning, the light streamed in through the windows and suddenly I LOVED our faux stone fireplace! With the white paint, suddenly the fireplace looked interesting and kind of cool! And I think the contrast against the dark walls (Benjamin Moore's Knoxville Gray) is so pretty. I'm even liking the 80s palladian arch windows more now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0482.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0482.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Originally the plan was to hang <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-new-carved-mirror-is-up.html" target="_blank">that giant carved mirror</a> we had in the brownstone living room on the fireplace. It is just barely big enough to cover up the arch. I tried as hard as I could to get a nail or a screw into that faux stone but the masonry drill bit I had on hand just wasn't cutting it. Then I thought to try <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/12/entry-progress-bright-red-secretary.html" target="_blank">the old peacock mirror</a>, which was sitting on the floor in our office just down the hall. Admittedly I was in an 'oh, just screw it' mood, but I was actually pretty happy with how it looks inside the arch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0484.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0484.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><center></center>I spy quite a few things in these images that need to happen next - I need to finish baseboards (the other side of the room is done) and I desperately need to change out the ceiling fan (or maybe <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/updating-light-fixtures-with-paint.html" target="_blank">paint this one too</a>? And just shorten the hanging rod).<br /><br />I also still need to add panel board to the front of the stone on the hearth. The wood floors didn't quite fit underneath the stone, so there are gaps on the floor that need to be covered. Plus I just think it would look good to have paneling here.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qqDSC_0478.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qqDSC_0478.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think black paint would look really good actually with the dark granite.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qqDSC_0478copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qqDSC_0478copy.jpg" /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />So what do you think of the peacock mirror in here? Should I still plan to cover up the arch with the big carved mirror after buying a new masonry bit? I'm leaning toward keeping this one up for now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0796.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0796.jpg" /></div>

Painting Our (Faux) Stone Fireplace

I love that we have a fireplace in our bedroom! Such a treat, but the faux stone wasn't really working for me. We almost took it all off...

Read more »

DIY Antiqued Mirror (With No Harsh Chemicals!)

<center></center>I feel like this might end up being the baby version of a tutorial on antiquing glass to look like aged mirror. I really like the results, but when I try it again, I think I'll figure out a way to make the look a little more dramatic. So stay tuned for that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0666.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0666.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />If you like a more subtle look though, here are the easy, harsh-chemical-free steps...<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />You can do this to the underside of any glass you have. I tried it on my glass cabinet doors, but the possibilities are pretty endless: the underside of glass tabletops (you'd want to seal that), a regular picture frame with glass to be made into a mirror, interior french doors for privacy (I'd give the inside a fresh topcoat to match the doors though), glassware and ornaments for a mercury glass look, etc, etc.<br /><br />You'll need only a few things to get started: Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint (I found mine at Hobby Lobby - Michael's stopped selling it), a half and half mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and some paper towels.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0538.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After taping off just the underside of the frame of my cabinet door, I lightly misted the vinegar mixture on the glass. If I could go back I would have really doused the glass the first round and especially focused on a few spots, rather than doing a uniform spray.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0540.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then working quickly while the vinegar is still wet, spray the Looking Glass all over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0544.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/DSC_0544.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wait a few seconds (maybe 10 or 15?) and then wipe off the glass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0548a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0548a.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You'll be left with a cool, patchy look. I almost wish I had just stopped here and spray the whole thing black for a great contrast against the silvery mirrored spots, but you know, live and learn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/zDSC_0551.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sprayed another light mist layer of the vinegar mixture and repeated the layer of Looking Glass spray and wiped it down all again. This is what it looked like after the second round:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0554.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0554.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty, right? Again, definitely should have stopped at this point. But I lightly misted the whole thing with just the Looking Glass spray as a final step.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0558.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0558.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though I knew my mistake right away, I went ahead and repeated the steps for the matching door on the desk area cabinet, just so the two panes would match. I think it's still really pretty though. So much better than the clear glass! It's all sparkly and bright, just like real mirror. And I can actually use the cabinet for storage and not just pretty display stuff now. Total bonus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0615.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0615.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I tackle these big cabinet doors in a week or so, I'll probably go a little more dramatic with the mirror. I'll be sure to report back on how that goes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0467.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0467.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever tried this project before? I've seen <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+antiqued+mirror&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=DkAdUrShM4OqyAHM0YGgBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1223&bih=589#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=uG9jRShnw0kxBM%3A%3BubOzil3bjETapM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fburlapanddenim.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F03%252FHow-to-spray-glass-and-create-an-antiqued-mirror.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fburlapanddenim.com%252F2012%252F03%252Fdumped-found-half-light-door-vaseline-finish-antiqued-mirror%252F%3B750%3B498" target="_blank">other tutorials</a> that use these steps on the outside of glassware, but the end finish is pretty textured, so I'd probably stick to doing just the inside or underside of your glass if you're trying this on a bigger surface.</div>

DIY Antiqued Mirror (With No Harsh Chemicals!)

I feel like this might end up being the baby version of a tutorial on antiquing glass to look like aged mirror. I really like the results, b...

Read more »

The New Carved Mirror is Up!

<div style="text-align: left;">I hung the bigger mirror! What do you think? I'm loving how it fills the wall space so much better than <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-bigger-mirror.html" target="_blank">the scrolly mirror</a>. I think the proportions are just right. And the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-see-chalk-board-in-my-future.html" target="_blank">scrolly mirror</a> is happily living in <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/03/adding-trim-to-closet-doors.html?showComment=1363003609634" target="_blank">the office</a> now, so don't feel too bad for it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2DSC_0238.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/2DSC_0238.jpg" /></div><br />It took some work to get this beast of a mirror hangable. (PS I wasn't sure if this mirror was really "vintage" like <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-bigger-mirror.html" target="_blank">the listing stated</a>, but that tape on the back was definitely decades old. Nasty stuff.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 3DSC_0207-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/3DSC_0207-1.jpg" /></div><br />I ended up reusing the hardware that was already installed on the mirror. It was installed for the mirror to hang horizontally, so I unscrewed and moved the D-rings so the wire could run the opposite way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0212.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0212.jpg" /></div><br />I wanted to hang the new mirror on the screws that were already in our wall for the scrolly mirror (in the studs from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/making-billy-bookshelves-look-like_7.html" target="_blank">when we filled in the giant H wall above the fireplace</a>), so I installed the D-rings and strung the wire so the mirror would hang right where I wanted it on the wall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0220.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0220.jpg" /></div><br />When you're stringing the wire for a large mirror or piece of art, make sure your wire is a heavy enough gauge to support the weight (it will tell you on the package), and also that the wire is long enough to tightly thread through the D-rings at least three times. You want the weight of the mirror to be supported at the rings and not dependent on your wire-twisting capabilities (which are not that great in my case).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0235.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0235.jpg" /></div><br />We needed three adults to hang the mirror and we were all a little wiped out by the whole undertaking. It was intense! But I was so happy with how the mirror looks on that wall. It's one of my favorite things to hang something up, walk away a few steps and then turn around and, Ta-dah! The big reveal in the context of the space! <i>(come on, tell me you know what I mean here) </i>This was a fun one to turn around to. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0263.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0263.jpg" /></div><br />I am on the fence about changing the finish of the frame though. Part of me likes it as is, but I sort of also feel like it's too heavy and dark.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0287.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0287.jpg" /></div><br />If I do change it, I'm thinking I would lime or whitewash the carved part and then gold leaf the very inside lip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0294.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0294.jpg" /></div><br />What do you think? That could be good, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0257.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0257.jpg" /></div><br />(Man, I need to finish that skirted sofa table so I can hide that little sliver of fireplace that peeks out from behind <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/baker-sofa-upholstery.html" target="_blank">the sofa</a>!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0252.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0252.jpg" /></div>

The New Carved Mirror is Up!

I hung the bigger mirror! What do you think? I'm loving how it fills the wall space so much better than the scrolly mirror . I think the...

Read more »