Monday, October 24, 2011

DIY Sunburst Mirror



When I started planning my sunburst mirror, my goal was to create one that was different from all the others out there.  I tried using different materials and different patterns, but I just couldn't come up with something that was going to be as inexpensive as the sunburst mirror from Centsational Girl.  So.....many trial and error sessions later....I basically ended up copying her sunburst.

Creativity FAIL, money saving WIN.  My mirror is a bit bigger than hers at 31 inches and I used a few different materials.  Here's a breakdown of what I used and what it cost:

- 12"x12" plywood board from Michael's:  $2.80 with coupon (regularly $3.99)
- Pack of wooden shims from Lowe's:  $3.50
- 8.5" framed circle mirror that I miraculously found at T.J.Maxx:  $7.99

Total:  about $15

The only big difference in my mirror and the one that I copied is the mirror itself.  I experimented with a few different ways to make the edges of a plain mirror look finished, and I had settled on using a painted embroidery hoop as a frame when I came across a framed mirror that was the perfect size in T.J. Maxx.  When I spotted it, it was like the sky opened up and angels were singing. 


Because my frame was a bit different, I placed the shims onto my board differently.  Instead of putting the mirror on the board first and just putting the shims up against the mirror, I traced the mirror onto the board and placed my shims about an eighth of an inch inside the circle so my mirror would rest on top of them.

The shorter shims are two inches shorter than the long ones.  The nice thing about using shims is that they're so thin at the bottom that you can just cut off the end with scissors.  No saw necessary.


Once I had the shims placed and glued, I used a bowl to weigh them down to make sure they were touching the board.

I attached the mirror to the board with wood glue on the edges and a big dollop of liquid nails in the center.

Another trial and error aspect of the mirror was figuring out what color it should be. 


I  only used paint that I already had and I settled on a color called Burnished Brandy by Sherwin Williams for the longer sticks and I used the same cream paint that I used on my trunk for the shorter sticks.

Here's the finished product once again:


It's not exactly original (I'm OK with that), but it fills that wall so nicely.  I'm really happy with the end product and the fact that it cost so little.
I'll be linking up to:





22 comments:

Jennifer Leible said...

WOW! What an amazing job! That looks really great! I'd never thought of doing the sunburst mirror with strips of wood. Congrats on a job well done!

Katy said...

Wonderful! Now make one for me! ;) I spent a good part of last Friday finding and reading through your blog - - you are a girl after my own heart! I've come across a few decorating/home blogs where the people either have no problem spending lots of money or just have no budget! (Literally "I need a new kitchen table, so I went to Pottery Barn and picked up one I like" - yeah, I can *not* identify with that!) Your home is stylish and liveable and done with a budget in mind - love it!

Count me in as a future reader!

Pink and Green Mom said...

That turned out good! I made one a while back with skewers but I might have to try using the stuff you did sometime!

Aaron said...

Thanks ladies!

I love the skinny sunbursts! I think I'm gonna have to make one with skewers for another part of our house.

Kim @ keller-creative said...

Looks great Aaron!

Anonymous said...

Just started reading your blog and LOVE it! I'm also a blogger (but, very new!) and was looking for some tips on a DIY Glass Lamp. Your post was super helpful, thanks!!!

Jamie

Susan and Tim said...

LOVE the sunburst mirror!

Nicole [The Lovely Poppy] said...

thanks for sharing, i'm stopping by from tip junkie and would love to have you stop by my blog and check out the huge ($100) giveaway going on now- http://thelovelypoppy.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-follower-giveaway.html

Megan said...

Love! Visiting from Tip Junkie. Well done.

jocelyn said...

SO CUTE...I love it!

thanks.

jocelyn
caramelpotatoes.com

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

It's beautiful, and great photos too!! You did a wonderful job with your tutorial. :) I'm visiting from Home Stories A to Z--hope you'll stop by my blog too. :)

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

This is a great star-burst mirror! Probably one of my favorites!!!! I just found your blog from Copy Cat Chic and I am love n' it :D

I would love for you come by and link up your great projects at my blog parties. The party starts Sunday night and runs till Tuesday.

Melanie @ bear rabbit bear said...

How beautiful! Found you via Shabby Nest. Would love for you to link up to my weekly Things I've Done Thursday party that runs until noon EST on Saturday. We also have a custom blog button giveaway going on right now!!

Melanie
http://bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com/2011/10/things-ive-done-thursday-and-blog.html

Carmen said...

This is really nice...showing my hubby so he came make me one...me and wood don't mix...Would love it if you would link this up to our Rockin' link party going on now at RoCa and Company. Here is the link: http://rocaandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/10/you-rock-7.html. Come and show off what you got. Hope to see you there...

Remember...YOU ROCK!!

Carmen @ RoCa and Company
www.rocaandcompany.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Looks great!

Kate Riley said...

Fabulosity Aaron!!!! Oh I love how you found a perfect size mirror, I would have heard angels singing too, what a brilliant addition! It looks so very stylish in your space, bravo girl!!!

xoxo
Kate

Amanda said...

this is just beautiful! Im going to buy me some shims today!! and the rest of your bedroom looks amazing. love the wall color!

Shannon said...

I just found you from your link up on A2Z and I LOVE this mirror. You did a great job and it looks wonderful in the space. I'm about to make one for my guest room right away!!

swatcher, polish-ranger said...

Visiting from YHL. Fantastic job! Love it.

Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE said...

Oh my... I love it!

I would love for you to share it on my party!

I hope to see you there!

http://www.the36thavenue.com

Shaunna said...

Looks SO great! Just found your blog...will be peeking around!
:-)
shaunna

Wendy W. said...

Looks awesome and your instructions are perfect! Thanks,
Fellow Raleigh Mama

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