Make Your Own Decorative Mirrors
Why pay for those expensive decorative mirrors when you can make your own in a few easy steps.
All it takes is a little imagination, a few inexpensive supplies and your on your way to making a one of a kind mirror that will accent any decor`.
They also make wonderful gifts.







How to make your own Decorative Mirrors using waterslip decals
by Marlene S. owner of Shadow Graphics




Supplies needed:

Framed Mirror:
any size, I used a 12" x 15" framed mirror.

Waterslip decal (white)

Clear finishing spray

Scissors

Craft knife

Clipart border

Graphic editing program













Open up your graphic program and use your favorite clipart border. Borders with buildings or flowers works great and adds a nice touch to your mirror. Resize your image to 10 ½ inches wide by 5 ½ high or the correct size for the mirror you are using.

*Note - Choose an image with open spaces. For instance buildings with windows, because you will be cutting these areas out. In my example I choose flowers & cut out areas between some of the flowers. This way little parts of your mirror show through & add to the beauty of your mirror.

Once you think you have your image ready to print, do a test print on plain paper. This way you will be sure of how it will print out & then you can hold it up to your mirror to check if the size is correct.

After you are happy with the printed image insert one (1) sheet of your inkjet waterslip decal paper into your printer, then print your image onto that. Let decal dry for 15 minutes before doing anything to it.

Once your decal has dried it’s now time to spray one (1) thin even coat of your clear finishing spray. Spray the decal & let dry for one (1) hour, then repeat this step again letting it dry for an hour. You will do this three (3) times each time letting each coat dry for an hour. Once the last coat has been applied let decal dry for 24 hours before cutting your image out.

Before your apply your decal to your mirror you will need to remove the mirror from it’s frame. Turn mirror over & remove any staples that are holding the mirror in place. Once you have done that turn mirror over & clean with some glass cleaner and let dry.

Now take your scissors & craft knife to cut out the desired areas of your design. Once you have all the areas cut out take a bowl or pan of lukewarm water & place the decal into that. Let soak of approx. 30 seconds. When the decal is ready to be applied to the mirror it will move freely from it’s backing paper.

Position your decal on the desired area of your mirror & slowly slide the decal off the backing material. Then take a soft cloth or paper towel & gently dab excess water from decal, while you slowly smooth out any air bubbles. Be sure to do this gently so you don’t tear your decal. Let dry for several hours before placing the mirror back into it’s frame.

You have just made your own decorative mirror that is perfect for any decor or as a special gift.

Questions, comments or maybe you would like Shadow Graphics to create any one of our projects for you just email us at:
shadowgraphics@excite.com for more details.



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