Scavenger Chic

Harlequin Diamond Mirror Makeover

• By Joan
• May 15, 2019
• 4 Comments

Usually I know exactly where I’ve found my supplies, whether the thrift store, a dump, a architectural salvage store, curbside, dumpster, flea market, auctions, friends or family, but I really have no idea where this mirror came from.

It’s an inexpensive mirror, lightweight, plastic frame.  It was probably meant to be hung on a door and there it sat in my storage room.

I’ve done 18 other mirror makeovers  and I saw no reason why this wouldn’t be my next victim.  

I’ve been on somewhat of a harlequin diamond kick lately with my lamp and side table so when I saw this mirror on pinterest, I knew I had found my inspiration.  I have no idea who originally created this piece but if you can find an original source let me know and I’ll include it.

Gather your supplies.. the  mirror, 1/2″  plywood backing board, construction adhesive and molding, enough to encircle the mirror.  The molding is from a door frame that my neighbor gave me when she was moving.  I told her I never pass up molding.  It’s super expensive to buy and I always seem to find a use for it….I really do remember where most of my supplies came from.  🙂

Cut the backer board leaving a 6″ border on all sides of the mirror.  That would be the actual size of the mirror without the plastic frame.  My molding is 2.25″ and diamond border 3.75″.

If the back of your mirror looks like this, peel back the cardboard and tape revealing the mirror edge.  There is glue but the plastic frame should pop off.

If your mirror didn’t come with a frame, even better.

Paint the backer board white.   Any paint will do, whatever you have leftover.  Mine is just some leftover household trim paint. No need to paint the board where the mirror will sit.  

Cut your trim with mitered corners to fit around the mirror.

Once the mirror is centered, use a pencil  to outline its placement as well as the trim. 

Remove the mirror and trim because we’re going to paint the surround before putting this thing together.

If you don’t trust your hand painting, you can purchase a Diamond Stencil .  By creating your own diamond pattern you can custom fit it into the space.  Two diamond widths wide on the side border and one diamond width high on the ends.

Once I started the pattern with my little diamond, I was able to finish with a ruler.

Time to start painting.  There is no need to paint inside the trim border.

Before attaching, also paint all the molding trim.  It may not look like it but this is a light gray blue chalk paint,  Glacier, by Folk Art.

Lightly sand the diamond painting giving it instant aging.

Use lots of construction adhesive to attach the mirror and trim to the painted plywood.

This is a great chance to use that old set of Encyclopedias.  They work great holding down all the trim while it dries.

Use vintage wax to complete the aging process.  Paint the wax on, remove the excess.  Buff with fine steel wool when dry.

Do you like the harlequin diamonds, or is that just me?  Stay inspired.

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Oyster Shell Mirror diy Scavenging the Haunted Past…and a mirror Shutter Frame Mirror Painted Harlequin Diamond Side Table