For the winter, I really wanted a mercury glass or antiqued mirror for our mantle, but I couldn’t find any in a wood frame that I liked, in the size that I wanted. A few quick searches online yielded plenty of DIYs that were just the solution I needed! We used the method provided by Rustoleum.
Here’s how we made our mirror:
We bought a clear pane of glass from the hardware store– they have a few size options, and luckily one fit the bill.
When the paint is still wet, use a spray bottle to spritz vinegar onto the glass. Spray where/how much you’d like.
Blot with paper towel. Continue these steps until it is antiqued to your liking.
When dry, spraypaint with a darker color (this way the distressed parts show through darker on the front side of the mirror.) We used a brown that we had on hand.
For the frame, we simply cut pine boards to size. We created a bevel so the mirror would fit snugly inside the notch and used mirror clips to secure everything in place.
We used the Kreg Jig and wood glue to attach the boards.
Use any stain you’d like to finish it off- we used a mix of Early American and Provincial because we had some from previous projects.
I love how my magnolia leaf looks hanging on the mirror!
Growing up with a grandfather who was a jeweler wasn’t a bad gig. There were many hours of show and tell, and even the fortunate bonus of getting handmade jewelry for ‘life milestones’. Each item crafted by my grandpa is very special to us grandkids and we all treasure these family heirlooms. Sadly, this unique talent skipped right over me, but it certainly resonates in my sister.
We all know those girls who love the glitz and glam things in life. My sister, Michelle, is one of those girls. If it has glitter, rhinestones, or anything sparkly, it’s the thing for her. What started when she was little with bedazzling all of her clothes, has now turned into the hobby of jewelry making. True, my grandpa worked with real jewels and fine metals, but Michelle’s jewelry is nothing to brush aside. Since she is constantly making and selling jewelry, the arsenal of earrings and necklaces she has assembled is quite impressive. For her birthday, I knew that she would appreciate (and actually use) another means for her to store her creations. I may not be able to make jewelry, but I knew I could make some sort of jewelry holder.
I’m sure you’ve seen lots of ideas for jewelry storage online, so you can consider this just another one to add to the mix!
What you need:
Frame—I got mine at Hobby Lobby on super clearance
Radiator Grill/Screen
Metal cutter/shears
Spraypaint (optional)
S Hooks
Step 1:
Spray paint your frame. My sister’s room has the color scheme of a peacock feather—the walls are bright purplish pink, and the accents are golds and blues. Subdued isn’t quite a word that one associates with my sister. To go with this color scheme, I decided to spray paint the frame a deep purple color.
Step 2:
Cut your radiator grille. I found my metal screen at Home Depot. They had four patterns that came in aluminum, gold, and a bronzish color. I went with gold because Michelle already has that color as an accent in her room. I think that purple and gold are very regal colors, and Michelle always jokes that she is the queen, so it was a perfect fit!
I used some metal cutting shears and cut it down to size. You’ll notice that some of the corners are cut on an angle—this is where the little hooks are that enable you to hang it on the wall. I wasn’t sure if she wanted it horizontal or vertical on her wall, so I was sure to leave these hooks free from the screen.
The screen itself was about $30, and I certainly will be using all of the remnants to create something else—maybe some jewelry holders for myself.
Step 3:
Secure your grill onto the back of the frame. I used a stapler to do this, and it worked like a charm. Step back and admire your handiwork!
Step 4:
Place your S hooks through the holes in the screen. I chose to hold off on this step until I gave it to my sister as I didn’t know if she would use this for necklaces, bracelets, or both. We stuck the S hooks in when she knew which jewelry it would hold.
Here it is when it was all said and done and up on her crazy colored wall:
What do you think? This craft is not only practical, but couldn’t have been any easier to make. It took all of 5 minutes to physically put together. I’m looking forward to making one of my own sometime soon—although I can guarantee you it won’t be purple and gold!
Do you have clothes in your closet that you know you will never wear again but you just can’t seem to part with? I have a whole pile! It’s hard to let go a pretty pattern or quality material. Instead of letting these “maybe one day” pieces take up valuable real estate in my closet, I decided to upcycle them into clothes for L.
I found that shirts to skirts is the easiest to refashion. Cut below the armpit to the desired length then fold 2 inches and sew a pocket to thread the elastic. You don’t even need to hem the bottom.
A boxy shirt is easy to turn into a sheath dress. I used one of L’s dresses as a pattern to cut out the front and back pieces, then sewed along the sides leaving the arm holes.
Pillowcase dresses is another easy one to make. Sew two rectangles together, leaving arm holes then use elastic or ribbon around the neckline. I made this one from a skirt, using the ribbon from the skirt as adjustable shoulder straps.
Next, I’m thinking tube top to romper?! I will report back. What do you do with your “maybe one day” pieces? Have you made any upcycled baby clothes?
