Make a sunburst mirror

There are so many ways to make a sunburst mirror, but this has to be the easiest and most affordable way.

 

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YOU WILL NEED:

Long branches (40 to 50cm)
Mirror with a flat frame
Dremel Glue gun
Glue sticks
Masking tape
Junior hacksaw
120-grit sandpaper
Rust-Oleum spray primer
Rust-Oleum 2X brilliant white

 

CONTINUES BELOW

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

Guidelines were taped onto the mirror with masking tape. This will help you to glue the branches in the right direction. Glue branches to these marked points and then start filling in.

ABOVE: The areas between the first branches were filled in. I was careful to vary the length from branch to branch. Also, because each one did twist and turn in a slightly different direction, with some branches reaching forwards and some reaching backwards, I was careful to vary this aspect as well. The effort did pay off, there is a nice three dimensional effect to the finished product.

I did not skimp on the glue, wanting to make sure the branches were securely attached to the frame. I burnt the tip of my finger once, that was enough to learn my lesson!

DIY Tip
Glue guns get very hot! Be sure to place on a pad when not in use, as glue continues to drip.

Once all the branches were glued around the frame, they were lightly sanded to remove any extra glue that had dried on the top surface of the branches.

Next the mirror surface was covered with paper to protect it while the frame got painted, and then the whole thing was moved out to the garage. I devised a stand to place the mirror on while getting painted, three paint cans stacked one on top of the other. It worked great! (The mirror would have been really hard to paint if laying on the ground). First primer was applied to the back side.

After drying, the mirror was turned over and primer was applied to the front. These steps were repeated for gloss spray. I let the paint dry for a day and then the paper was removed. Why do I love this part of a project soooooo much? It's like unwrapping a present! The finished mirror has been hung in my entry and...while quirky and probably not for everyone...the result is putting a smile on my face!