Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ugly Picture Frame to Modern Mirror




I am loving how this project ended up. It was totally random, and I just kind of went with it, and let it become what it was meant to be. Usually I have a pretty detailed plan laid out in my mind before I start a project. When I started this one I thought I knew what I was going to do, but then I was inspired, and the store I went to didn't have the right color paint, so I just winged it.

I found this frame at a garage sale over the weekend, and I figured for 50 cents it was worth a shot to see if I could make it over. I loved all the girly details, and I liked that it had that faux bamboo texture. 

This is what it looked like when I brought it home-


It's most definitely dated, but I was hoping some paint would mask it's ugly past.

I removed the back to see what I was working with. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was very sturdy, and in great condition. All I needed to do was clean it up a little, and get to work. I washed it up, and peeled the "painting" off the particle board.

I started with two light/ thin coats of quick drying primer from SW, then I did another two light/ thin coats of Ivy Leaf by Krylon. It wasn't my first choice, but the hardware store that was open had a very poor selection. It must have been fate. :)

hmmm...
what to do for the art?

I thought and thought about it, and after a few minutes it came to me.
Maybe that's because I was checking out Land of Nod a few days ago, and saw this-



or maybe I'm a genius! I was thrilled at the idea. I measured the original glass, and it was exactly 12x12, that shouldn't be too hard to find. So the wheels started turning, as I tried to think of a place where I could find an inexpensive 12" mirror. 

Then I saw it, the builder basic mirror that I took down in our powder room. Maybe I could use a razor knife, and cut it up!

I decided to google it, and there were tons of tutorials.
I realized that I was going to need a glass cutter to get this done, so I picked one up for about $4 at the Hardware store. (the one with a very poor selection of spray paint colors)



All I did to cut the mirror was hold my straight edge up to the edge of the mirror, and make marks at the 12" mark then I lined the straight edge up to the marks, dipped my cutter into some oil and pulled it towards me. I did the same thing in the other direction, and I was done. This was my first time cutting glass, and it only took about 10 minutes. It wasn't perfect, at all, but the edges don't show, so it really doesn't matter. The same thing goes for the bevels, I was going to cut them off, but they are covered by the frame, so I left them. 
See how wavy that right side is? I'm sure if I wasn't in such a hurry it would've looked much nicer. My first cut was perfect, but that second one was pretty wonky. Oh well!


After I cut the mirror, I went to check on the frame, and it was still a little tacky, so I gave it a quick blow dry, and brought it in to put back together! So excited! 

Here's a before and after to show you just how much of a transformation it went through!





I'm thinking about highlighting the details with some light aqua paint, what do you think?





13 comments:

  1. Talk about vision, what a before and after! What a great idea, Lauren, it will be perfect in Olivia's room.

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    1. Thanks Pam! I'm really happy with how it turned out!

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  2. OH MY GOSH. yes, talk about vision- way to see it! :) looks amazing!

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  3. I had no idea you could DIY cutting glass! I wish I had seen this two days earlier, I have 4 cut mirrors waiting to be picked up at the glass shop. I'm totally trying this next time! LOVE the transformation!

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    1. I really hadn't ever thought of doing it myself before, and I don't know that I would do it myself on a project that would show the edges of the glass, but for something like this it worked wonderfully! I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I put the whole thing together for under $5, and in my book that's a big win!

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  4. Fabulous!! So glad to hear cutting glass is that easy. It looks great!! Love the color as is!!

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    1. I was really glad too! I was a little worried that I would have shards of glass everywhere, and no mirror to put in the frame. Fortunately that didn't happen. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Wow! That's all I can say.......sums it up don't you think?! Have a great day.

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    1. Thanks! Even I am surprised at how good it came out. Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Your before and after was so awesome I had to show my hubs! Now following :)

    Would love it if you visit and follow back too!

    Hugs, Tanya

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  7. This is so cute. I would love for you to share it on my Monday linky party!
    Thanks, Marcie @ www.IGottaTryThat.com

    http://www.igottatrythat.com/p/blog-hop-linky-colde.html

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  8. Wow! What a great transformation. I love the colour you chose. If you're looking for another place to share your crafty projects, check out Etcetorize (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/05/make-it-great-monday_27.html). Would love to see you there~

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I really appreciate hearing your feedback on my posts, and your sweet comments always make my day. I would love for you to take a moment to let me know what you think!

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