Recycled Wall Art Tutorial

Yesterday, I showed you my tired, outdated mirror that I have had for years and the new updated look. Now, I'd like to show you what a little bit of odds and ends from around the house and home improvement store turned this into a easy fun project...as promised....this is how I did it.

I started with this mirror. It is well made, strong wood and I am sure when it was purchased new, cost a pretty penny. But since I don't buy new...this cost originally about 12 years ago around $15.00 at an estate sale. Believe me, I have loved it and got my $15.00 out of it.

First thing I did was remove the metal and wood roosters. Using a flat head screwdriver, they just preyed right off. Then, I lightly sanded the piece with a medium grit sandpaper.

I covered the mirror with paper and gave it a light coat of primer, then 3 coats of black paint. I just concentrated on the edges of the mirror as the inside would be covered up later. I let the paint dry and set for a couple of days.

Now, I am sure right away you  know at first glance what I used for the mirror after seeing this pile of scrap pieces of paper. A trip to the local home improvement store to search for color paint chips was loads of fun. Now, don't get me wrong, I actually did pick up a couple that I am considering the colors for painting one of my rooms......but the rest were just screaming to come  home with us....and yes, they were free.

I trimmed the paint name off the chips and cut them to size. I used my rotary cutter and ruler for more accurate cuts.

Now it was time to adhere the paint chips to the mirror. I know many tutorials I read online always tell you how it is done, and never ever tell you what went wrong with the project. I try to avoid that, because for me...something always goes wrong.....most of the time!!

I decided to try and just Mod Podge the paint chips to the mirror. After all, I'd be using it anyway, so I thought that would work......not so much. For me, the paint chips were too heavy to adhere to the wood with just Mod Podge. Please, if you do this project, save yourself the headache and use spray adhesive for this step. Just spray the spray adhesive onto the wood, and place the paint chips in place and press to adhere. Let dry well.

Next, using Matt Finish Mod Podge, apply 3-4 coats to the mirror covering the paint chips well. Let dry in between coats really well.

It looks pretty good like this, but it just sorta lacked a little depth and texture. I used a antiquing glaze I had on hand that was left over from some other projects I have done in the past.

Using a soft cloth, I rubbed the antiquing glaze over the paint chips covering well. If it was too dark in some areas, just wipe off and work with it until it has the look you like.

And here is the new updated mirror. This project cost absolutely nothing. All the paint, glaze, Mod Podge and adhesive was what I had on hand. The paint chips were complements of the home improvement store. This is an easy project that could be done with so many re-purpose  projects. I can see this technique used on frames, shelves, table tops.......or maybe......

 Photo from web

A wall mural.......

 Photo from web

Or wall art using these paint chips as backgrounds for the changing seasons......Love this one.....

 Photo from web

 Or how about a backdrop for a bedroom......that is amazing.......And all created using paint chips.

It really is an easy and pain free project. And for me, those are the best kind.....and it is always an added bonus to say you did it yourself!!!

REMINDER: My Giveaway ends on Thursday....click HERE to enter if you have not already!