Old Mirror Turned Statement Piece

3 Materials
$25
3 Hours
Easy

Every time I walk down a beach, I can’t resist collecting shells that really catch my eye…. which led to a big collection of shells over time. Combine them with an old mirror I had been meaning to update and my idea was starting to take shape…

Meet my old mirroricon


Step 1 – Cover mirror with tape and paper. I put the tape as close to the frame as possible but I had to really work to get it off in the end, I think leaving an 1/8 of an inch space would have been easier.

Step 2 – lay out your shells around the mirror and start arranging them how you like. Tip – place larger shells evenly around and any stand-out colored shells, to prevent getting large shells or the same colored shells in the same area of the mirror.

Step 3 – Use mortar to “build” your frame. You can buy a bucket of mortar for around $20 – $30 at your local hardware store. I wanted a heavy textured look so I added a healthy amount of mortar directly to the mirror and also to the back of each shell, creating a rounded frame. My mirror is 2ft x 3ft and the mortar adds some serious weight to it. I would not try this with any larger of a mirror, especially one like this that has a fairly light weight frame.

Tip: When arranging your shells, try to incorporate different shapes, textures, and depths throughout the frame. You’ll want to make sure there are no “holes” and that you can’t see the old frame.

The Finished Mirror!

This mirror will eventually go out in our lake cabin when we get the fireplace and mantle built, but that’s another project for another day.

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Flawless C Designed
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Bonnie Bonnie on Oct 24, 2019

    Do you put anything on it to seal the shells

  • Joanna Rollins Roberts Joanna Rollins Roberts on Oct 27, 2019

    Why cover an antique framed mirror? That antique was lovely! The shell mirror is cute , could have used a Walmart special though.


Comments
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3 of 20 comments
  • Hope Hope on Oct 26, 2020

    She's Beautiful!! : )

  • Lonnie Lonnie on Oct 27, 2020

    The best shell mirror job I've ever seen. Kudos to you! So, did you just mound a glob of mortar then stick some on the back of the shells & that's it? Was there a waiting time in before sticking on the shells? Idon't even see any mortar left between the shells. beautiful variety of shells too.

    • Flawless C Designed Flawless C Designed on Oct 28, 2020

      Hi Lonnie,

      Thanks so much for the kind comments. Pretty much, yes, all that connects the shells to the mirror is a mound of mortar. There's no need to wait before you stick on the shells. I had to make sure I had enough shells to completely cover the mirror before I started applying the mortar.

      Thanks again,

      Heidi

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