Hello friends, thanks for stopping by!
Today I’m sharing how I made this ho-hum mirror fabulous with just a few easy steps. This is the mirror as I found it:
It was originally $50 from Kirklands according to the tag on the back, but I only paid $3 at the thrift store. (I actually do shop at other places besides the thrift store you know, I promise!)
I started by spray painting the frame black:
Then I purchased a piece of plywood and had my own personal wood cutters the friendly guys at Home Depot cut it to the measurements I needed. I decided I wanted a border of six inches all the way around my mirror.
At home, I cut a frame for the outside edge out of 1X3s. Here I’m checking to make sure everything lines up nicely. Yes!
I painted the frame with acrylic paint acting sort of like a primer, followed by a coat of spray paint to give it a nice even finish.
Next, I covered my plywood with fabric:
I used the same fabric that I used on my frame to tray upcycle since I already had it on hand.
I attached it to the back using my staple gun.
Then I attached my frame pieces from the back using the small screws you see here:
I attached my mirror the same way, from the back. Here’s how I lined it up and kept it from moving:
Lastly, I finished off the back with some brown packaging paper and added hanging hardware:
My mini DIYer thought it could use a little something more on the back (luckily the paint brush was dry, this time!):
And there you have it, an outdated, ho-hum mirror is now more fabulous than it ever knew it could be!
This was actually my Mom’s Mother’s Day gift. She wanted me to make her a mirror after she saw the one I made for myself here. She was really happy with it.
Maybe you’ll be inspired to make one yourself? Imagine all the fabric choices!
XO,
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Chris says
Your clever idea gave me an idea! I’m wondering if this same type of treatment would work with a full-length mirror? My only concern would be the weight but maybe luan would be light enough?
Thanks for all of your wonderful projects and tutorials. I look forward to your posts!
Christy K. James says
Ooh yes, Chris! I never thought of that; I bet it would look great! This was the thinnest ply I could find that felt sturdy, so it’s not super heavy. The luan may work, too…worth a try! 🙂
Cindy Eikenberg says
Christy, this mirror looks great and I love the fabric pattern. Great tutorial!! 🙂 Pinning! Have a great Monday and a wonderful week!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cindy! In my mind you’re little miss sunshine because you are always so cheery and sweet! I appreciate all your sweet comments! Have a great week! 🙂
Leena Lanteigne says
This is stunning! I love the black and white fabric (a real fave color combo of mine) and how the framing brings so much more style and presence to the frame! Love your dining room chairs too (been looking for some similar ones). I always enjoy taking something everyday and turning it into something special! Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Leena
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Leena!
Lauren says
I love this. I love anything damask especially with the black. Great job. I would love it if you would share this over at my link party that is going on right now.
http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lauren! Just linked up! 🙂
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This mirror is really pretty. I love the fabric choice. PS – you were before me at Metamorphosis Monday 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amy! Funny that you weren’t before or after me when I was visiting back…her links aren’t staying in order this week! Thanks for visiting me! 🙂
Gina says
I love this! Very clever and Love the fabric!
Gina @ Gina’s Craft Corner
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Gina! 🙂
Sarah says
This looks great, completely transformed. Thanks for sharing.
Stopping by from Give me the Goods.
Sarah
Creative Ramblings
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for visiting, Sarah! 🙂
Andi says
So cute…and I LOVE your chairs that were peeking out in the background! Oh, and nice try, but I totally don’t believe that you shop at other places besides the thrift stores. 😛 Very clever idea and I love the damask…
-andi
Traci says
The mirror is almost as cute as your little helper.
Traci
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Traci! 🙂
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Stunning, this is such a clever ider and so pretty. It looks like a very expensive custom creation. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
JaneEllen says
Love how you made that mirror look with the frames and awesome fabric, perfect.
Son of a gun, I’ve wanted to do something like that with a vintage mirror I bought in KY. Came across the mirror in closet last week and thought how I could make it snazzy/ier somehow. Sure glad you shared this project as this will help me immensely. You are so smart gal. Now I need to decide what fabric I want to use. That could take awhile cause I’m always changing my mind about the time I decide, lol. Think a trip to HL is in my future along with my coupon to see what I can find. They have some really nice prints in their stock. You sure inspired me. Thanks Happy life
Christy K. James says
Thanks, JaneEllen! Glad you are feeling inspired! I made this for my mom, but I’d like one myself…I have a hard time settling on fabric too ha ha!:)
Lauren says
I am featuring your mirror today on my blog. Thanks for linking it up. I hope to see you tomorrow for another link party.
http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/
Christy K. James says
Woot woot (happy dance)! Thanks, Lauren! 🙂
Carrie This Home says
This is awesome! What a cute way to give that mirror new life. I thought it was cute your little DIYer helped out, too. Pinning this now since it inspired me! I’m stopping by from Create It Thursday (#64 Budget Bathroom Makeover and 68 How To Paint Cabinets)
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Carrie! I have cabinet painting on my to-do list ugh! Any advice would be welcomed…need to come check you out! 🙂
Sarah @ An Inviting Home says
Christy,
Cute! Why would you shop anywhere other than the thrift store when you apparently find such awesome deals?! 🙂
~Sarah
Christy K. James says
I know, right?? That’s what I always say lol! Thanks for visiting, Sarah!! 🙂
Jenna says
I would have never thought to do something like this, but I love that great pop of pattern! Awesome idea! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jenna! 🙂
Becca says
I just saw your Magnetic Message Board. And this looks just as cute. Stop by my Friday’s Five Features and link up both projects! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/08/fridays-five-features-no-3.html
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the invite, Becca! Just linked up 🙂
Toodie says
I really, really love the dimension you’ve given to this! It really grabs your attention and it is so pretty. I could just sit here and look at it all day!
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the really sweet comments, Toodie!! They make my day! 🙂
Jenna says
Your genius fabric framed mirror was featured at Give Me the Goods! You can check it out here and grab a button: http://rainonatinroof.com/2013/08/give-me-the-goods-features-20/
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jenna! Did a litle early morning happy dance. 🙂
Rosemary says
First of all, your little helper is adorable. I love the look of the mirror. Very chic.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Rosemary! And I think my little helper is pretty cute too!:)
Home Coming says
Beautiful job! I’d love it if you’d link up to The DIY’ers! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-diyers-and-weekend.html
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the invite, just linked this up plus my two most recent projects! XO
Parrish (Life With The Crust Cut Off) says
This looks awesome!!! We would love it if you would link up at our linky party:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-link-up-29/
Live every Wednesday to Sunday.
Hosted by:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/ Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
http://thissillygirlslife.com/ Dana @ This Silly Girl’s Life
We hope to see you there!
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the invite! Just linked up my mirror plus my two latest a posts! XO
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Love this project. I never would have thought to add on to the mirror like that. Beautiful fabric and I love how it adds so much dimension. Stopping by from Throwback Thursday, by the way.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amy! It really adds a lot of impact and you can use any fabric you can imagine. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Robin says
This is beautiful! So clever and simple, but so dramatic on a wall! OMG!…So many fabrics, so little time!!!!!
Love it, Christy!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Robin! I’m just as excited about the possibilities!! XO