High-Class Décor On A Low Budget

With all the current DIY ideas out there,many people become inspired to add personal touches to their living spaces. However, they wouldlike to do it on a budget. Here are a few ideas:

• Recycle old materials (wood, glass, metal, etc.) into new works of art.
• Repurpose used household items (old furniture, containers, textiles).
• Find bargains (clearance items, garage sales, thrift stores).
• Find “freebies.”

There is always someone getting rid of what they consider junk. Their junk may be a “diamond in the rough” to you though. If you or a willing friend can use simple hand tools, you can easily create beautiful works of art for your home from that “junk.”

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

The most versatile wall decorations are mirrors! Properly placed mirrors can:

• Provide elegant, decorative beauty
• Provide additional reflective light
• Give the illusion of greater space
• Become a work of art

You can use decorative mirror tiles, large panel mirrors, and old mirrors in many ways, and they will always brighten up a room. They can be mounted creatively on walls or installed in modern or rustic frames to be displayed on tabletops. You can also create a nice three-dimensional effect by painting your favorite scene over a mirror panel. Your creativity is your only limit!

That Mirror You Just Broke Is Not Seven Years of Bad Luck

Mirrors and panes of glass seem to be two materials that are likely to break regardless of how careful we are with them. So, what can we do with all those pieces of broken mirror? Create art!

Undoubtedly, there will be several sizes of broken mirror pieces. If you have some small, disposable containers, separate the pieces according to size. This will make it easier to find the size that you need when creating your new piece.

A Few Safety Measures First…

Always be careful when handling broken glass—it should be handled only by adults.Always wear gloves and eye protection. Discard all sliver-sized pieces just to be safe. They can turn up anywhere, and you will not always see them. This is why you need to use disposable containers to separate the glass shards.Do not reuse the containers for anything.

Create a Sticky Situation

Now, you are ready to create! Use a very thin piece of plywood (approximately 1/8” thick), a piece of rigid cardboard, or any similar material as the surface to which you will glue your pieces of mirror. If using an old picture frame, the removable insert that came with the frame is perfect for this.

Proceed by gluing and placing your mirror fragments onto the rigid surface in whatever pattern you choose. Always use an adhesive that is meant for glass. Your local hardware store will have what you need.

If you are using a picture frame and its back panel, be sure to leave enough exposed edge so the panel will fit back into the recessed area of the frame when you are finished. Remove the glass pane that came with the frame and save it for another project.

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Use Some Colorful Expressions

You can purchase individual, colorful ceramic tiles at most home centers, usually for under a dollar. To break the tiles into smaller pieces, carefully wrap the tiles in a disposable towel or thick cloth. Using a hammer, gently tap on the covered tile, using just enough force to break it.

Very carefully empty the pieces into a disposable container. Using the same glue specified for the mirror project, create a beautiful border or mix the colored pieces throughout. Let your imagination run wild!

Are You the Next Picasso?

Well, probably not! Nevertheless, you have had fun, and you can now display your classy creation for everyone to see. In addition, you have discovered how the creative use of mirrors can give your home a sense of openness, depth, and light. Mirrors are an affordable and convenient alternative when you are feeling the need for more space.

Author Bio:

Ricky Ahuja is a Style and Design Expert at www.dullesglassandmirror.com an innovative manufacturer of glass table tops, glass shelves, and all other glass and mirror products. Ahuja has authored several articles for publications such as Perform Insider and mThink Magazine. He is particularly passionate about Social Media and its impact on e-commerce and conversions. Follow Dulles Glass and Mirror on Pinterest or on YouTube to see how they’re changing the way glass products are manufactured, customized and delivered.