{DIY Teusday} Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

A mirror is a fabulous way of adding {sparkle} to any room! Mirrors reflect light, making a room look bigger and just add uniqueness. A mirror can also be used as a focal point in a room. Here is how to make your own mosaic mirror, I love mosaic because it is so easy yet so effective.

1.

Things you'll need:
*Wall anchors                                                                      

*Putty Knife

*Glass Cutter

*Metal Ruler

*6 6inch square mirror tiles

*Around4 to 5 lbs. of mixed mosaic tiles

*Tile Nipper

*Jigsaw

*Dust Mask

*Paper& pencil

*Adhesive pads,doublesided heavy-duty

*2-4inch sheet 3/8 inch thick MDF

*Large mirror,oval, square or whatever you desire--best size is 14 by 18 inch mirror

*Drill with bit
*Screwdrivers & Srews
*Mirror Hangers
*Sandpaper
*Tile Adhesive
*Sponge with small brush (you can use a toothbrush)
*Grout
*Putty Knife

Step1: Choose a design template for your mirror. This is just to make life a little easier for yourself. You can find these templates at any hardware or crafts store. If you like you can even create your own. Once you have settled on a design, trace the mirror template to your desired size. Then retrace the outline onto an MDF sheet.Put on the dust mask and use the jigsaw to carefully cut out the shape from the MDF sheet. Make sure that the MDF sheet is on a solid, sturdy surface.

Step2: Trace the mirror's position onto the MDF, add your designs, shapes and lines then fix the mirror in place using the double-sided stick pads.

 

Step3: Using the nipper, cut some tiles into quarters. Do this by holding the tile in one hand and then clipping the tile at the edge. It is up to you, break the tile into as many pieces as you desire. As you continue, cut more pieces so that they can fit into random places on your mosaic design. If you want to make the mosaic out of mirror pieces, use spare parts of the mirror and use a glass cutter along in a straight line to snap into pieces or strips. There are so many different types of tiles that you can choose from such as glass, vitreous glass, ceramic, sea glass and many others.

 

Step4: Apply the tile adhesive to small areas at a time on the base arranging the mosaic pieces in the design you have settled on. Good designs include making the outside edges a solid colour and placing a swirl of coloured tiles within the line. You can even make flower shapes using the tiles.

 

Step5: Position all the tile pieces into the design and let it dry overnight. Apply the grout the next day with a putty knife and fill in all the gaps on the mosaic.You should not be able to see any of the base, only tiles, mirror and grout.

 

Step6: Using a wet sponge, remove all excess grout on the edges and allow to dry for another night. Double check that you have not missed any areas with grout and sponge it clean again. Using an old brush(toothbrush if you wish),scrub grout edges to round them off. Lastly ensure there is no grout left on the tiles and mirror.

 

Step7: Sand the outside edges smooth.

 

Step8: Hanging the mirror: Screw the mirror hangers to the back of the sheet and use the pencil and ruler to mark where the drills are to be screwed into the wall. Drill the holes and insert the wall anchors. Place your mosaic mirror securely into place, stand back and admire the beautiful mirror YOU made.**

 

 

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Pictures: 1 {marthastewart.com} 2. {craftstylish.com}  3. {shoptopstore.com} 4. {giftwarehouse.dev.dotmedia.net}