The new plan was to create a large mirror with an aged look for the bottom of the stairs and then just a few pictures and prints going up the stair wall to keep things simple.
The mirror was completed and hung yesterday and I am head over heels for this baby. Yes I could have gone out and bought a mirror, been done with it and had it hanging weeks ago but there is no way I would feel the amazing sense of pride I get right now looking at it knowing I created this with my own two hands.
I scoured Craigslist looking for mirrored closet doors that I could take the frames off of and use just the mirror portion for this project, I got that idea from this inspiration picture:
Anyway, finding closet doors was not happening so I turned to my trusty friend, Ikea. This place never fails...except on a Saturday when everyone is off work and seems to take up residence there. I found the Stave mirror for $49.99 and examined it to make sure I could get the frame off before purchasing. All the glass was held in with was some glue/silicone and staples. I snatched her up and headed home. I admit, this part scared me because even though this mirror was incredibly inexpensive for its size, I did not want to break it while taking the frame off.
All I can say is to take your time. I used a razor blade to cut around the back of the frame and separate the glue from the mirror and used a flat head screw driver to bend all the staples back.
That worked to an extent but I had to get out the hammer. Yes a hammer and glass to do not mesh well but that was my only solution. I went very slow and tapped all around the frame and it came apart pretty quickly and much easier than I had anticipated.
After sweating and praying that this would all come out in one piece, this is what I had. I used a bathroom rug to set it on so it would have a soft pad and so it wouldn't slip on the floor.
I decided to go with pine boards and individually chose each board to make sure they were super knotty. You will see how these knots look stained in a little while but let's really get into the steps of bringing this monster to life.
What you will need:
-Inside frame: four 1x6 eight ft. pine panel boards
-Outside frame: four 1x6 eight ft. boards
-12 L brackets
-Silicone
-Wipe on stain, color of choice
-Ikea Stave mirror
-Miter saw (make sure you have one that can cut all the way through the width of the wood
#1: Purchase four 8ft 1x6 pine paneling boards. They have this groove in them that I figured would be perfect to slide my mirror into. I liked this idea much better than trying to glue the mirror to the wood and hoping it doesn't fall off. This groove would make sure the mirror stayed secure for all of eternity (sorry I know this is slightly blurry, the next picture should help give you an idea of what it looks like).
#2: Break out your amazingly stunning chop saw. Finally I get to put her into action! Thank you Uncle John for giving this to me, I will take very good care of it and cut everything in sight!
#3: 45 degree angles galore. That is all the cutting for this project consisted of, I was happy with the ease of measuring for my first woodworking project.
If you don't have a saw yet, let me recommend one with a laser, it helps out in so many ways. You can be confident you are cutting exactly where you measured.
#4: Attach all corners with L brackets. I did not use any glue on the actual wood. The L brackets were strong enough to keep everything tight and secure.
#5: I connected three sides first and ended up testing the mirror quite a few times to make sure that everything lined up once the mirror was installed. This is where I hit a little hang up. Once I slid the mirror into place the top piece that looked perfect without the mirror now looked like this:
#6: Once all three sides are connected and the mirror fits you can start working on the outside frame. I used regular 1x6 pine boards. I went through the same steps of cutting all three on 45 degree angles and attaching them to the inside frame. I just laid the outside frame on top of the pine panels and used finishing nails to secure them together (you don't even see them after staining and if you do it just adds to the rustic feel). Once you have the top and bottom frame nailed together I just used L brackets on the outside frame as well:
Here is a shot from the front of the frame:
#7: All I did here was make sure the fourth side that was not secured yet (remember, you still have to slide the mirror in) still matched up with the two shorter sides. Good to go!
#8: Carefully, ever so carefully slide the mirror into the frame, you need two people. Thank you husband for coming down to the basement every time I needed to check and double check what I was doing.
#9: You are in the home stretch! I used silicon for the back of the mirror to make sure that it didn't wobble inside the frame. I didn't want to hear it shake every time someone shut the front door or just walked by. This was super easy, just load into your caulk gun and fire away. It doesn't have to be super neat because no one will ever see this side.
#10: Get staining! Thank you all for your advice last week, I took it! The walnut stain was perfect and looks gorgeous against my rice grain wall.
Staining complete!
Are you ready for this? Now you can step back and admire. This is all I have done since it went up yesterday. It adds so much to this room and cost just about $100!
What do you think? If I left anything out that you have questions about let me know! Shanna and I are going to do a repeat of this project very soon for her bedroom :)
See you swoon,
It looks awesome! I have always wanted a chunky mirror like that. Good job :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather! The best part is now you have the play by play so you could totally build one if you didn't know how to do it before :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! I'm super impressed! You should link this up with some link/blog parties!!
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing!! Way to go DYI swoon chick!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting a full body mirror but just can't find one that suits me and my husband's rustic taste. So this is the solution for me! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTheRosettePortrait
TV spots can also help considerably on the subject of turning it into disgust. Wonderful process to cover the latest TV. I actually think! I'm hoping which I most certainly will find out more about hidden television ideas and even other invaluable details in your soul following blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Love how girly and edgy her style is. Her instagram is one of my favourites and deserved this post explaining her thoughts behind the collections! Top articles sewing and embroidery machine
ReplyDeleteContingent upon the model, a weight washer is fueled either by electric or gas. In the event that controlled http://www.clearviewsurfaces.com/
ReplyDeletegas, then envision the washer to have a force of 3,000 psi.
The water molecules react with fabric, wood, drywall, and metal and lead to disintegration, oxidation, and mold growth. However, if you act quickly and contact a professional to deal with the flooding, you can restore your home to the way it was before.
ReplyDeleteflooded basement repair in Great Falls Virginia
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information Garage Doors Repair Wizard Waxhaw
ReplyDeleteGreat post, please keep on sharing amazing article like this! It makes me happy reading your post. Top Gutter company in Raleigh NC
ReplyDeleteI have perused your online journal it is exceptionally useful for me. I need to express profound gratitude to you. I have bookmark your site for future redesigns. Gutter Contractors
ReplyDeleteI have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. dịch vụ sửa nhà
ReplyDeleteI have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my site as well and let me know what you think. Spraying Acrylic House Paint
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. best thing for hole in pressure tank in well
ReplyDeleteSuch garage repairing professionals repair broken springs, cables and rollers, bent or rusted channels. garage door repair Tacoma
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. Las Vegas
ReplyDeleteSuper-Duper site! I am Loving it!! Will come back again, Im taking your feed also, Thanks. best no clog toilet
ReplyDeleteVery informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. weed in oklahoma
ReplyDeleteI like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... book publisher
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... professional painters New lenox
ReplyDeleteIt was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. Scentsy
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and great website. Thanks for the information! Shop Guns Online
ReplyDeleteYou completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog. 50 instagram likes uk
ReplyDeleteI’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... Garden Maintenance
ReplyDeleteYou make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. roofer Dallas Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks, that was a really cool read! Home Tuition Rates
ReplyDeleteVery nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. cladding
ReplyDeleteI am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks A level biology tuition
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... florida eviction notice
ReplyDeleteOur unbiased reviews on Tools related to Woodworking, Automotives & Blacksmithing will help you choose the best products that fit your needs Best Bench Grinders
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful article.
ReplyDeleteBest Stick Vacuums 2021
This blog was very nicely formatted; it maintained a flow from the first word to the last. Gaming Jackets
ReplyDeleteI have bookmarked this blog because this contains more valuable information. Ogen Infosystem provides creative website design and SEO Services at an affordable price.
ReplyDeleteSEO Company in Delhi
It was not first article by this author as I always found him as a talented author.
ReplyDeleteFleabag Trench Coat
Appslure is one of the best Software Development Company in Delhi. There are many Software development Companies in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Noida. Appslure have most satisfied clients.
ReplyDeleteTekniko Global is an award-winning mobile app development company in Delhi and other city or countries. We develop high-quality.
ReplyDelete