A few years ago, we were asked to create several collage projects for a customer using distressed mirrors. However, the mirrors we used were newer, so creating the distressed finish ended up being a project in and of itself. Even after lots of scraping, I still never got quite the feel that I wanted. The mirrors looked scratched off, not time-worn. So I was excited to find an article in Somerset Home for creating collage mirrors -- their secret was stripper instead of scraping. Ah-ha!
As luck would have it, Joe found a "green" stripper at our little hardware store, and it worked great! Just spray a little on the back of your mirror and wait a few minutes. Note -- the can says wait a few HOURS, but I think that will take everything off your mirror, so keep an eye on it.
Wipe most of the stripper off with paper towel, then go back over with a scraper until you have the right amount of silver removed. "Right" is up to you, depending on the look you want. Once you feel satisfied,
then lightly wash the back of the mirror to removed excess stripper, dry and clean the glass back and front with Windex.
Now you are ready to collage the back. We used a bunch of handwriting scraps, but vintage photos or prints would work well, too. Or whatever else you decide to try. We used spray adhesive to adhere our scraps, but the article calls for Mod-Podge. The choice is yours, but I think the spray is much quicker. Once you have everything attached, turn the project over and check for gaps. I was surprised the first couple of times thinking I had covered everything, only to find many small blank spaces once I turned the mirror over.
When you are finished, cover the back with poster board and return to frame. Voila! Finis!
We've got a great load planned, including new furniture and smalls, plus lots of chalks and graphics. Details are just a click away on our show sidebar. See you there!
Working on Etsy today, while Joe and Matt are busy at the studio, getting the DuPage Expo load together. I'll be down there tomorrow, while Joe's out shopping. Can't wait to see what I finds. I'll post some Midland photos this week on Facebook. Keep checking back. xo
As luck would have it, Joe found a "green" stripper at our little hardware store, and it worked great! Just spray a little on the back of your mirror and wait a few minutes. Note -- the can says wait a few HOURS, but I think that will take everything off your mirror, so keep an eye on it.
Wipe most of the stripper off with paper towel, then go back over with a scraper until you have the right amount of silver removed. "Right" is up to you, depending on the look you want. Once you feel satisfied,
then lightly wash the back of the mirror to removed excess stripper, dry and clean the glass back and front with Windex.
Now you are ready to collage the back. We used a bunch of handwriting scraps, but vintage photos or prints would work well, too. Or whatever else you decide to try. We used spray adhesive to adhere our scraps, but the article calls for Mod-Podge. The choice is yours, but I think the spray is much quicker. Once you have everything attached, turn the project over and check for gaps. I was surprised the first couple of times thinking I had covered everything, only to find many small blank spaces once I turned the mirror over.
When you are finished, cover the back with poster board and return to frame. Voila! Finis!EXPO UPDATE
Don't forget this weekend is the last DUPAGE EXPO of the season! Join us Saturday and Sunday at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles, Illinois. And be sure to print the coupon below for half-off regular admission. Thanks, Zurko Promotions!
We've got a great load planned, including new furniture and smalls, plus lots of chalks and graphics. Details are just a click away on our show sidebar. See you there!READ ALL ABOUT IT
It generally tales a lot to get me excited about a cookbook, but it was love at first sight when I saw this one at Anthro back in the fall. The photos are amazing, and the recipes seem really intriguing. And not super complicated. Can't wait to try it. Check it out when you get the chance!
Working on Etsy today, while Joe and Matt are busy at the studio, getting the DuPage Expo load together. I'll be down there tomorrow, while Joe's out shopping. Can't wait to see what I finds. I'll post some Midland photos this week on Facebook. Keep checking back. xo
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