Tuesday, September 25, 2012

[ driftwood inspiration and my project ]

I'VE SEEN some great examples of driftwood mirrors that got me thinking...



...I could make one of those! Of course sourcing any type of DIY craft supplies in Dubai is a challenge ~ no Michaels or JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby or Home Depot or Lowe's or Walmart... and ordering from eBay just wasn't cost-effective ~ but I was up for the challenge!

Well, after seeing the first mirror in Crate and Barrel, I also noticed that they had driftwood garland on clearance. I decided to take a chance on it {I wasn't sure if the drilled holes would be ok or not}. Then off to hunt for a mirror which I found in a clearance bin in another store {it had seen better days!} So for a grand total of about $25, I had what I needed. 


I tried sanding down the mirror a little but that baby was pretty slick. And with its slightly curved surface, I knew that a glue gun probably wouldn't hold it together for very long. Time to call in the big boys...


I covered the mirror with paper to protect the surface, then took apart the garland and sorted out the pieces. Then I just started arranging them around the frame, choosing the flattest ones for the bottom layer...


The tricky thing about Gorilla Glue is that you have to dampen both surfaces, put the glue on sparingly {it expands}, then hold it down for a while until it sets. This was not a quick process but in the end, it's super strong...


Once the base was completely covered, I started nestling in more pieces over top. I decided to use my glue gun to adhere these pieces since they were just bare wood on bare wood...


To finish off the inner edge, I simply glued on two rows of salvaged rope with the glue gun...


and voila! All done!


I'm quite happy with how it turned out and I'm not really bothered by the small holes {a little wood filler could be used to fill them}. Sure, I would have liked a bigger one like the Crate and Barrel version, but my garland didn't have enough really long, flat pieces to make that work {you gotta make do with whatcha got}...


Not quite sure where I'll hang it yet ~ I've got to find a super-strong 3M hook to handle the weight on these concrete walls. Maybe over the bed isn't such a great idea in case it comes crashing down on my head! I'll wait until I can use a nail for that. :)

lisa
[crate and barrel; houzz; completely coastal; decorpad; thewickerhouse]

linking to:

25 comments:

Ordinette said...

I love that mirror! It's so shabby loooking and chic at the same time! You are so creative!
Have a nice day!
laura from Rome

Paula Melo said...

Gorgeous! I loved the mirror and so easy to make

flowers on my table said...

Hi Lisa, sorry I haven't been in a while, was taking a break. I love the mirror, it looks great. Thanks for telling us about Gorilla glue too. Hope you are well? Much love, Linda x

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow amazing job...I actually like the little holes..adds character! I hope you find a hook soon...that piece deserves a spot on the wall.

Razmataz said...

I'm impressed. It looks wonderful. Driftwood would also make a great door wreath.

Karena said...

Hi Lisa I too have taken a break for part of the last year with health issues.

I adore your mirror; very creative! I was almost over sunburst mirrors until I started seeing some unusual ones like yours!

xoxo,
Karena
2012 Artist Series

Meeling said...

Looks fabulous! And way more cost effective. I don't think the little holes detract at all. Wood is supposed to be "knotty". Love Gorilla glue.

I know I've seen the 3M hooks here that can hold a lot - I want to say upwards of 10 pounds. Maybe sourcing them in Dubai tho is a whole other story!

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

this is gorgeous!!! i love love love it!!!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Love, love, love it!!! I'm so happy you were able to find the supplies in Dubai. It looks really great!!

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

You're always leading the pack with the trends!! I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of driftwood mirror diys coming up. It's really gorgeous!

Pinecone said...

As with all of your diy's this turned out beautifully. Can I just say, you have THE BEST ideas!!
Love it : )
xo

Pinecone Camp said...

So pretty! I love your d.i.y's! I do believe I have a bucket of driftwood around here somewhere...

Lisa Mackay said...

Wow - yours turned out AMAZING! I actually like it better than the original inspiration. :)

Paula said...

I LOVE these mirrors - how clever you are! Yours has turned out perfectly!
Paula x

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

I really love how this turned out ... and the rope to finish off the edges is pure genius!

Thanks for the inspiration!

:)

Linda

Karen said...

I'm always so inspired when someone can create an affordable version of something that might otherwise be out of their budget. Your mirror looks amazing-think you'd consider doing a whole bunch of them like the one image?

Daydream Living said...

Hi Lisa,
This is really inspiring and very creative! Thanks for the tips! Maureen

Robynne's Nest said...

That's really clever Lisa..well done! I have a friend back in Oz that made a xmas tree from drift wood...drilled holes in middle of graduated pieces and stack onto a metal rod...it looked amazing...oh and she topped it with a small star fish! Robx

Marianne said...

Wow, Lisa it looks great!

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

I've been wanting to try this forever, and since I live where I can walk down the street to get all the driftwood I want . . . what the heck is taking me so long???

Thanks for the final kick in the pants. Hope mine looks as snazzy as yours!

Unknown said...

Lovely. Wish I can make one too for my living room at my eastwood city parkview condo. :)

Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} said...

Fantastic mirror! Totally better then the premade ones... and it will look amazing in your beachy house!

Unknown said...

love your little mirror, soo cute, and i would love to feature it , if that would be ok please let me know
lauren

Anonymous said...

Lisa I LOVE your mirror....you are so talented...I feel your frustration about sourcing good places for DIY projects here in Dubai...very, very challenging I have to say!

Unknown said...

love the mirror.
For DIY in dubai, try the souks or ask the locals who craft. You'll be surprised. There are hidden gems

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails