The other day a project for some sunburst mirrors came to me through my email. When I saw the mirrors I thought of my best friend, who not too long ago pointed out gold sunburst mirrors in Hobby Lobby. With a bit of spray paint, mirrors, and wooden sticks I knew I could make these mirrors very cheaply, and create a great addition to her décor.
Items needed:
• Round mirrors – I purchased mine from Dollar Tree, obviously for a dollar a piece
• Wooden sticks (dowels) a pack of 30 cost $2.47 at Hobby Lobby
• Hot glue
• Hot glue gun
• Coke tabs
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Newspaper
• Painters tape
• Scissors
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Piece of cardboard cut to same shape as mirror
Since I purchased the smaller round mirrors that candles would typically sit on; I will be making three. For each mirror, I purchased a bag of the wooden sticks. Since there were 30 sticks in each, I purchased a bag for each mirror, as I wanted them very full.
To start, turn your mirror upside down on a paper towel, to prevent it from scratching, and begin thinking about the placement of your wooden sticks. If you would like the mirrors to be more dramatic, cut the sticks to different lengths, however, all of them can sit at the same length for a more polished look.
If the sticks are going to be various lengths go ahead and cut them before the placement begins. Having sandpaper around for any little rough edges after cutting is not a bad idea.
For the placement, start by gluing your first stick in the 12 o’clock spot, followed by the 6, 3, and 9 o’clock spots. Make sure the wooden stick has at least 1 inch of it glued to the back of the mirror for plenty of support. Once the first four are glued down, start filling in the mirror with the rest, to your liking.
Once the sticks are in place, turn the mirror back over and cover the facing with painters tape, making sure all spots are covered completely. At this point glue down the cardboard on the backing, to cover all the ends of the sticks. You will be painting this the same color as the sticks.
With the newspaper in hand, take the mirrors outdoors to spray paint with the color you have chosen. Make sure you are not painting on a windy day, to prevent any debris from getting on the wet paint.
Once the front of the mirrors are dry, flip them over and paint the back, making sure any spots are touched up as well. Allow everything to dry and remove the painter’s tape.
If the mirror does not have a way to hang it on the wall, simply attach a soda pop tab to the back with a dollop of hot glue. Choose an incredible spot to show off your new fabulous sunburst mirrors, which you just made for under $10. They also make a great gift.
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact April at april@dailydata.com.