Old fence wood framed Mirror

I am so excited to share this project with you!  Not because it is something you have never seen before, but simply because I am so happy to have it finished!

It has been almost a year since I made this frame.

I got the wood from an old wood pile in my in-laws back yard, the pieces weren’t long enough to miter the ends, I had to settle for the box look.  It is after all going in my closet and I wanted to do it for free. I think it adds a little charm.

I made it because I got a free mirror with a tiny cheap-o frame off the side of the road one day.  Yes, it was drive by, spot it in the trash, U-turn, and throw it in the back kind of deal, and I have been LOVING it in my closet, except for the ugly frame….

So genius that I am I broke the mirror as I was attaching it to the frame.

How?

When I removed the cheap frame the back of the mirror had a strong heavy paper backing with about a 1/2 inch overlap.  And I thought my crappy staple gun would do the trick.  Well it might have if I had better aim, because it is the kind you have to pound like a hammer, and…..you guessed it, on the second staple…Crack!  Ugh!!!!!  I was so Mad!  This is when I realized that I should have used something smart like liquid nails.  All I can say is LEARN from my mistakes, don’t repeat them.

Let’s back up a bit, this is the back of the old fence wood frame.

I used wood glue and these cool wood joiners that you just nail in.  Pretty easy huh?  I got them at Home Depot and since we are pushing a year since I made it, I have no idea what they are called or how much they were, but I know they are under $5, because I wouldn’t have spent more than that.

And why the black on the edges?  Well that is so that you don’t see the wood in the mirror, and it works.  I just used a craft brush and black craft paint around all the inside edges.

Now back to the mirror.

I am so CHEAP, I couldn’t wouldn’t buy another mirror from the store, I know they are under $10 bucks at walmart, but I had gotten the other for free…..

Anyway, I finally got another one for free, by chance when I went to check out a craigslist add that was a driveway full of free stuff.  (I scored some other goodies too…)

I was stoked, and now, only 3 or 4 months later, I am getting around to putting them together….the right way this time!

So much for totally free right?  I went and got some mirror mounting clips.  This “new” free mirror came with no frame or paper backing.  So these clips fit the bill, with the smaller screws of course.  The screws in the package were WAY too long.

I put the frame upside down and centered the mirror to where I wanted it, and set the mirror clips to where they should go.

Then with a pencil I marked in the center of each clip right on the wood where I needed to drill my holes.

I removed the mirror (not chancing breaking another mirror!) and set my bit to the length of the screws. I didn’t want to break through the front of the frame or drill into my table…  See the pencil mark?  Easy peasy!

In case you are wondering why, I drilled holes to make sure the wood wouldn’t split. (I am usually a better safe than sorry kind of girl, and when I am not, I am always sorry- let that simmer for a bit)

When done drilling I replaced the mirror and clips and screwed them on.  I also hammered in a large picture hanger, it might be smart to do this before you add the mirror…just in case. =)

And I am DONE!!!  I love the old wood look and it will make me happy getting dressed every morning!

Here it is where it will reside in my closet, once I hang it… Hanging things around here seems to be the hardest thing in the world.  This one should be simple though…cross your fingers.

One more shot outside, to get a glimpse of the lovely snow.  This was our White Christmas snow, and we have been below freezing ever since.  Brrrr!  I don’t mind the cold in small doses…I am from Vegas after all….I like being warm.

Have you ever framed a mirror?  I love fun rustic frames…and mirrors!

Hugs,
Mindi

I will be linking to these parties.