Picture Frames Makeover

Ok, I have to gush about my recent Salvation Army find. I bought two lovely wooden frames for under $8 (they were $4 each?). I've had them in my car for a week before it struck me - I should make them into mirrors! Here's the before and after of my picture frames:



First, I lightly sanded down the picture frame and wiped it clean. Then popped out the glass inserts and sprayed the wrong side with Krylon Looking Glass.




While I was waiting for the Looking Glass to dry, I spray painted the frame white. I liked the distressed look which happened after 4 coats of white spray paint. It goes with the antique look of the looking glass.

Honestly, I kept putting on layers of the Looking Glass. The can says you only need to have 3-4 layers. It lied! After 5 coats I could still see my drop cloth (see picture below!). I gave up and had dinner in hopes it would dry really dark.



The can "says" you can handle your glass after one hour. Maybe if you only have 4 coats on it? I picked mine up after an hour and smeared the Looking Glass! AUGH!  I was upset and thinking I had a craft fail. I let everything dry overnight and in the morning, I remembered I had this cool stencil plus paint downstairs. I applied the stencil and painted in the lines with a foam brush.




I reassembled all of the pieces for this look. Pretty nice, huh? I think I like the painted glass better anyway. I toyed with etching the glass but that stuff is pricey!




Total cost for these two mirrors/ decorative art? $14. Rock on. They carry the Krylon Looking Glass at Michaels but you should call first to make sure they carry it. My closest Michaels didn't carry it so they sent me about 15 minutes away to the next Michaels which did carry it. For a small 6 oz can it costs $11 but if you are savvy and bring a coupon and get it for 40 or 50% off! They accept competitors coupons so you can also bring in a Jo Ann's coupon if the savings is more. Trust me, you want a coupon for this stuff.

What do you think? Be honest!

Psssssst.... I had a weekend full of painting. I can't wait to show you what other stuff I did!!

Craft Fail?

Okay, so while making my Mary Poppins Mantel, I had hoped to use this old vanity mirror/lipstick holder of my grandmother's.

I'm certainly not going to use it, seeing as how I don't have a vanity, nor do I wear lipstick.  So I thought I would be clever and repurpose it for the mantle.  Except for this one thing:  I have no way to hang it, and I don't really know what to do with it.  So I tried cute mirror with Mary Poppins in it, only to have it 1) not match the rest of the mantle and 2) not stay up.  I've propped it up on a shelf of antiques for now, but I think I am going to scrap it and start over.  Any ideas on what to do with this thing?  It seems too pretty to throw away!!

Does that mirror look dirty to you?  I swear I cleaned it!