Anthropologie Mirror Collage / DIY

Image via Anthropologie

Today I am excited to be sharing my latest project with you.  For quite some time, I've been drooling over this mirror collage from Anthropologie.  I love the character and charm of this mirror arrangement but found the price to be a little more than I wanted to pay.  So, I set out to collect some old framed mirrors of my own hoping I could reproduce this lovely idea.  Gradually, I was able to locate several beautifully framed and mottled mirrors.  However, they weren't quite as abundant and available as I hoped.  I decided the most practical solution was to amass a collection of old frames and then have them fitted with mirrors. 

I collected the frames pictured above and finally was happy with the assortment of sizes and types that I had accumulated.   

I took them to a local glass and mirror store and had mirrors cut to fit the sizes.  They were pretty reasonable in cost ~ I only had to pay $20 to have four mirrors cut to fit the empty frames.

The glass store suggested I affix the mirrors in the frames with clear silicone. 

I placed the mirror in position and ran a bead of clear acrylic silicone around the backside of the mirror and the frame.  The silicone is a little messy to work with and is a bit stinky so be sure to work in a well ventilated area.  After attaching all the mirrors to the frames with the silicone, I left them outside to dry for several hours.

I wanted to finish off the mirrors with a protective backing.  To do so, I measured each frame to determine the different sizes of backing I would need to mark and cut.  I penciled off each of the dimensions on foam core ~ the backing I chose to use.  Then, I placed the foam core on the cutting board and using a straight edge as a guide, I cut through the foam core.  
 


Lastly, I placed the foam core behind the mirror and duct taped it in place.  I realize this likely isn't the way a frame shop would back a mirror but I'm content with my method and  know I can rest assured the backing will stay in place. 

I've laid the mirrors out on the floor and I'm playing around with varied arrangements before I attach them to the wall.  I'm all out of time today ~ so please drop by soon as I'll be posting pics of how and where I decide to install my mock Anthropologie mirror collage.

Today's post is lovingly dedicated to my friend and neighbor, Sally.  She was a remarkable woman whose beauty was reflected from the inside out.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Vibrant in Blue / Vintage Receiving Stand

I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to part with this old receiving stand when I found it on Craigslist.  Stands like this were, and still are, used in restaurants and various other places as a receiving station.  When it came time for me to sell some Tattered Style treasures (aka Stash) at the Dallas Market this past winter, I had every intention of selling this wonderful old piece.  But the longer it sat around here, the more it's vibrant blue color grew on me.   

It was pretty dirty and neglected when my husband picked it up and brought it home to me.  He said it had been sitting out in the open for an undetermined amount of time.  Really, all it needed was a little TLC. 

Just recently I had a little time to give it some attention.  I scrubbed it down from top to bottom.  Then I scraped any loose paint off with a 5-in-1 tool (I use this tool quite often with projects ~ I've found it to be an absolute essential to have in my toolbox).  I gave it a final cleaning with some #OOO steel wool.  Lastly, I sealed it with some Minwax wipe on satin polyurethane ~ a breeze to work with ~ you simply wipe it on with an old cloth.  Find it here.

The piece is a bit of a departure from my normal neutral surroundings ~ but I do love the pop of color it provides.  I love the way it cozies up this corner of my dining room.  It's ample sized drawer holds napkins and placemats.  By the way, the black and white pen and ink drawing hanging above it was a $10 find at the Wisteria Outlet.

Someday I may choose to pass this wonderful old receiving stand along ~ but for now, I'm enjoying it for myself.  However ~ I am planning on selling some other items in an online sale ~ I hope to have it up later this week.  Be sure to stop back by Tattered Style again soon!

Framed and Fabulous

This colorful oil painting was just what the doctor ordered for a client's pre-teen girl's room.   When I saw it at a thrift store I quickly snatched it up.

The frame it was in was absolutely lacking on every level.  But a good scrub, a new coat of spray paint and some funky ribbon was all it needed to bring it up to speed. 

I used Krylon Fusion in Ivy Leaf to add some flirty fun and give the painting a good dose of youthfulness.  The color ties in perfectly with the girls room I prepared this for.  I always spray the item I'm painting with several light coats of paint versus heavy coats ~ this prevents drips and paint runs. 

After the frame dried thoroughly, I decided to embellish the inset part of the frame with some funky green and white ribbon. 

I cut the ribbon to the desired lengths (cutting the ends on a 45 degree angle so they would lay nicely on the inset of the frame).  

Next, I sprayed the backside of the ribbon with 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive.  I gave each piece of ribbon an ample coat of adhesive and waited a couple of minutes before I positioned the ribbon on the front side of the frame.

 

In this case, 5/8" ribbon fit the inlay perfectly.  I like the way it brings out the white in the oil painting. 

Lastly, I placed the oil painting back into the frame and attached it permanently with 4 ~ 1/4" metal offset clips.  They work like a charm. 

I screwed them into place on the frame at four points (there's no need to attach any to the back of the painting as the clips hold it securely in place where they are screwed into the frame).  

After covering the back of the painting with brown paper, I attached two screw eyes (1/3 the way down from the top side of the frame ~ on the left and ride sides) and then strung a piece of picture frame wire between the two.

For now, this painting is waiting to be installed in a young girl's room.  I'm headed over today to do just that.  Please check out my Facebook Page for upcoming photos of how the installation turns out.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  :)  Dana

A Chair Makeover

Sometimes I think I'm just plain weird.  It would be so much easier to just go buy a chair from a retail store like most people.  Instead, I find myself traipsing around antique stores, flea markets, junk stores or thrift stores in search of a lost and lonely soul that needs a home.  Something about the genetics I guess...it's in my blood.

This find is of the thrift store variety ~ it set me back 4 bucks.  I just thought it had charm ~ and I love the barrel style.

I sprayed it black...

Recovered the cushion in a fine Belgian linen (a remnant I had)...

I love the end result....


Something about projects like this are quite therapeutic ~ any more weirdos out there like me? :)

Off to Austin to work on a mid century modern apartment ~ a diversion from the norm...but EXCITING.  Pics will soon follow.  Have a great week!

Skeleton Keys ~ Lamp Redo

Whew!  Market's over and I'm finally catching my breath ~ a ton of fun but now on to the next thing.

I've missed spending time here and realized just how much I look forward to snapping pictures, sharing ideas and somehow trying to pull it all together with words ~ as clumsy as they sometimes may be.  Nevertheless, I've grown to appreciate just how much I enjoy landing here ~ it's a welcome reprieve from the norm.  Thank you for taking time to meet with me here.  


Today, I thought I would share a little something that's been on my mind for awhile.  This charming lamp came to me by way of my mom. You will notice in the photo above, the brown plastic cord is somewhat sad looking ~ I plan on changing it out to something a little more lady like soon.  

I noticed the glass collar right below the light bulb socket had 6 tiny holes around it.  At one time some crystals hung from the rim.

I had some crystals on hand that belonged to a light Nana once had.  I saved them hoping I would find a use for them some day.

I started to hang the crystals on the lamp ~ the obvious choice ~ but then remembered I had some old skeleton keys laying around... 

...and I thought "Why not?"

To attach the keys, I used wire and needle nose pliers...

...to form little hooks to hang the skeleton keys onto the lamp.  I cut lengths of wire and curled the ends with the pliers to form a knot on one end.  Next, I inserted the wire through the hole ~ knot side up and then bent the opposite end of the wire with the pliers to form a hook for each key to dangle from.  Then I slipped the keys onto each hook and crimped the wire tight with the pliers to keep them from slipping off.

Pretty cool ~ huh?!

Now on to the lampshade.  The ruffly shade which came with the lamp originally was a bit girly for my liking.   

I remembered another lampshade I had on hand and decided to give it a try.  I think the leather whipstitch around the top and bottom of this 1950's shade helps make the ruggedness of the skeleton keys work. 

The unexpected union of the skeleton keys with the more masculine lampshade create a quirky lighting option ~ and it was an easy DIY project.  I think it will be hanging around for awhile.  Thanks for stopping by Tattered Style!  XO

Wine Crate Shelf / DIY

Happy New Year!  Why not start 2012 off with an easy DIY'er?

 

Materials required:  A *wooden wine crate ~ a freebie!  I got mine from my niece, Brittney ~ the restaurant where she works was happy to unload some of these.  

*Stain of your choice.  I used Minwax Wood Finish stain and sealer ~ Provincial 211.

*Foam brush and paper towel.  After dusting the wine crate down, I applied light coats of stain with a foam brush then removed any excess stain with a paper towel.

After the stain dried, I sealed the shelf with ~

Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish

Almost ready for hanging ~ I couldn't wait!

  

Lastly, I attached "D" rings to the back of the crate, so I could hang it on the wall. 

I hung the wine crate shelf up high ~ just because.  Read more about the Anthropologie inspired dresser here.  I'll soon be helping my son set up his apartment and we've talked about creating several of the wine crate shelves for his place.  Maybe we'll use one in his bath (above the toilet for storage), his living room (stacking several together to form a "bookcase") or in his kitchen (to be used as a spice rack/dish shelf).  So many possibilities ~ it should be fun.  :)  

I'm hoping your 2012 is the happiest and healthiest year ever for you and your loved ones.  I'm off to cook some blackeyed peas! 

Springs Have Sprung

I don't usually go all out for holiday decor.  Instead, I like to add a few simple touches to create a little seasonal ambiance.  This Thanksgiving, I decided to use some old bed springs, to convey a sentiment of thankfulness. 

I started out with some salvaged bed springs that were taken from an old bed frame ~ I found it on a trash heap at a house my friend was demoing.  All I had to do was cut the springs off of the bed frame with some tin snips.  Here they are after they've been removed ~ I also love the way they look, casually tossed in a bowl. 

 For this easy project, in addition to the bed springs, all you need are:  

• Paper Key Tags
• Rubber Stamps
• Ink Pad (color of your choice)

I found it much easier to stamp the letters on the key tag, if you remove the metal jump ring first, then reattach the ring to the tag once you are finished.

After this step, all you have to do is "thread" the tag onto the coil of the bed spring and, "Voila!"~ you are finished.

~ A quick way to create a little holiday decor or add a word of sentiment to any event or setting ~

I love these funky, old, rusty bed springs and the way they add a touch of "Thanksgiving" to this vignette in the dining room.  Be watching for more holiday tips and tricks throughout November and December.  Hoping you have a great week!

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