upcycled mirror

I found this wonderfully large mirror about two years ago…and it’s been on the “project list” in the basement ever since. When I say found, I really mean that I saw it on the sidewalk one day, out with someone’s trash. I know, I know…it’s not the first time this has happened.

And really, it doesn’t happen that often.

Anyway, I could see the potential. The frame was in great shape, albeit it has seen better days, but still solid wood with a simple style. The mirror was even in tact! The only piece a bit worse for was that the pressboard backing was a bit warped.

In the spirit of upcycling, I took it home. Finally, I found a use for it...the perfect fit for a friend’s cottage. So, the last time I visited the cottage, I packed up my stuff for the visit, and jammed in all the things I would need to do this project at the cottage in the car…

Here are the steps to this makeover project:

1. thorough clean with a damp cloth, wipe dry

2. place on a large drop cloth, in a well ventilated area (outside is best)

3. paint with awesome blue paint left over from another project. (Note: normally, I would recommend priming it first, then painting, but I forgot the can of primer and was too lazy to drive to the nearest town to buy some.)

4. Let dry. Paint second coat of blue paint and let dry.

5. Paint third coat of paint (argh. That’s what happens when you don’t use primer!) and let dry.

6. Flip over frame, place clean mirror into the frame.

7. Add the newly flattened backing into the frame. (I just put this under some heavy stuff for about a week or so to help straighten it out again. It wasn’t perfect, but when it was secured to the frame, you’d never know it.)

8. Secure the backing into the frame with small finishing nails around the entire outside edge.

9. Volia – you are done!

In the spirit of upcycling, I gave this old mirror a new life. I left it for the new owners to hang it on the wall...in case they decided to put it somewhere else.

I like it here because it reflects the light into a dark-ish area of the cottage (and is perfect if you really want to check out your cottage hair!) I think it fits perfectly in the cottage eclectic décor.

This 2 day project was done on a budget that breaks out like this:

 “vintage” mirror (random sidewalk) – $0

 paint – left over from past painting projects - $0

 finishing nails (Home Hardware) - $0.09

Now, that’s hard to beat!

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com