I’ve been looking for a sunburst mirror for about a year now. Ideally, I wanted to find an antique piece, but I also was in the market for a large mirror. Did I mention I wanted to find it dirt cheap?
That’s a long list, and after a year, I began looking around for ways to make my own. My inspiration was Ballard’s Wine Barrel Mirror.
I wanted the points to be made of wood and different widths and lengths.
Here’s what I came up with…
It cost me $8.
I’m hopelessly in love.
Want to know how to make your own?
While shopping for paint for the downstairs in our local building supply, I spotted this bundle of kindling for $5. I knew immediately they would be the mirror I had been longing for.
Gather your supplies…paint, glue, brush…not much, and I did have this all lying around.
Because I am a completely visual person, I laid the mirror facing up so I could see what the finished product would really look like. I picked the top and bottom points first and alternated lengths from there.
I would, however, recommend lying your mirror on the underneath…it will be much easier to put weight on each piece.
But, if you’re like me, it’s certainly still doable. I carefully lifted the mirror and this is the hot mess that was underneath.
Don’t sweat it. We’re just going to work backwards.
🙂
You won’t need very much Gorilla Glue; the kindling is very light. Since the back of the mirror is a slick surface, slightly dampen both it and the wood before applying the glue.
This is where things got weird.
Because I chose to lay the kindling on top, I had to all but stand on my head to get each stick glued to the mirror. I did learn this…with a little leverage one can accomplish much.
🙂
All glued and ready to paint. (Note: it might be much simpler to paint your wood first, but after I had laid each one into the perfect spot, there was no way I was moving them to paint.)
I chose a dark gray acrylic for the base, brushing on one thin coat.
I then dry brushed a little white paint along the edges and in random spots.
For now, it’s propped on the mantel, but it will be hung soon. I’ll snap some pictures of the process so you can see how we hang it.
There you have it. My version of the wine barrel mirror.
Don’t you love this business of DIY? I love being able to create beauty on such a budget, and to know that my work shapes into happiness. And that mirror is making me one happy mama.
🙂
Shaunna! Its beautiful!
Pssst…I like yours sooo much better 😉
Love it! Just make sure you don't light a candle by it or it will for sure go up in flames! 🙂 You're awesome!
Gorgeous. What a fantastic idea to use the kindling.
Looks great. There are so many versions of the starburst mirror making the rounds, but I love how original yours is. Very creative! liz
It turned out great! I love the gray paint you added to the wood, perfect!
It's a perfect bit of glam and rustic! LOVE!!!
l.o.v.e.
Shaunna, that is brilliant, girl! I'm loving all these sunburst mirrors in blogland. Gorge!
It is perfect Shaunna, you did a great job! I love the color you chose too! I can see why you are in love. 🙂
LOVE it!!! i have been wanting to make a sunburst mirror and have he perfect place for it… you are inspiring me to get on it!
love it! it's so you, I'm sure it was worth the wait of adding your own twist.
Fabulous job and timely too. I just made my sunburst mirror two days ago and I also am in LOVE! It cost me 5 bucks!! yours is beautiful.
Beautiful job, Shaunna!
So, so great!!!
I love it! Chalk it up to Ballard to give us great inspiration, too bad we aren't to good for their business! It turned out beautiful Shaunna! I'll take TWO please.
"This is where things get weird". Ha! You are SO me! Sounds like me with my heart garland. If only I could learn to think a few steps ahead rather than just getting all excited and going gang-busters!
Great Job! I love it. Ballard has some beautiful items but they are sooo expensive! I love your knock offs!
lovely!"
Gorgeous Shaunna! It looks fantastic!
That is so flipping cool! How cow I'm blown away at your talent and mad skills. 🙂
You did such a wonderful job. I have seen these mirrors go for mucho-expensivo! So you should be very proud of your creation! I love bargain hunting myself for cute things for the house. Looking forward to learning many more great things from you!
Fabulous idea
I love, love, love this project. I’ve looked EVERYWHERE for the kindling you used. Please tell me where you found it. My home improvement warehouse didn’t sell this kind ;-(
I love this design, I have seen lots of knock-offs like this, but I really like your choice of material for the bursting part better than any I have seen,
Nice work
Christine
greatoakcircle.com
What size mirror did you use? It’s looks awesome!