How to make a magic mirror

Sugarwings has a birthday coming up. And the next day, she starts kindergarten. 

Oh my. 

How did she get to be 5 so fast? I can't believe she will be in school.

I wanted to get her something special for her 5th birthday, so when my friend gave me a mirror that didn't sell in her garage sale, it inspired me to create this magic mirror for the birthday girl.

Now, the evil queen's mirror really was more glam and golden than what I came up with, it was actually more like the way this mirror started out.  But I was going for light and cheery, more Snow White than her stepmama.

So, I took the back off, and removed the mirror, and painted the frame.

I used the spray, bonding primer that I love, and always use.  It goes on like a dream (shake it well!)

Over that, I used acrylic craft paint to do a base coat of deep pink on the flowers, then dry brushed some lighter pink over that.

It looks a bit messy, but its all about the layers.  This is a quick process, you don't have to be an artist to smoosh some colors onto 3D flowers like these.

And messy is good.  You don't need to be precise.

Like I said, its all about the layers. I used dark pink, then light pink, then some yellow in the centers, and purple around the centers. On a couple flowers, I did even more purple. 

Over all but the yellow, I brushed another coat of light pink.

Each layer is messy and fast.

Then, I got my brush extra wet, and brushed green onto the scrolls and leaves, wiping off a bit here and there with a paper towel.

I did the same with pink on the inner rim, then made polka dots by dipping the wooden end of the paint brush into the paint and spotting it on.

(if I was doing a mirror like this for myself, not for a child, I would distress the raised areas with sand paper, then glaze over it with a brown color and wipe it off)

After that, I tackled the mirror.  A glop of paint remover/stripper went right in the center and I let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scraped at it with a razor blade (while wearing gloves)

Then, I scrubbed at it with the stripper on my steel wool pad.

When done, I sprayed it with the garden hose to clean off the stripper.

Then, I downloaded a picture of Snow White from Google Images and tinted it sepia.  She is usually wearing red, yellow and blue, which was too bright for this project and Sugarwing's bedroom.

So, I printed it on matt photo paper, and added a touch of blue to the eyes and dark pink to the lips with markers.

After that, I taped it to the back of the mirror so that it peeks through the clear spot on the glass, and replaced the back on the mirror.

Around the top, I wrote, "Mirror, mirror on  the wall- who is the fairest of them all?" and at the bottom, wrote, "You Are"

This was done in a waterbased craft paint meant for glass. Read the labels of the bottles at your craft store if you want to paint on glass or a  mirror.  You want to make sure that it holds up to cleaning.  Regular acrylic paint will wash off.

Once I give this to my fairy baby for her special day, I'll get a photo of her looking into it. 

But for now, shhhh! Its a surprise!!

Comments

[Dorthe]

Hi Karla- what a special surprice for Sugarwings, she will just LOVE it, thankyou for the showing-I know someone that would love such a mirror,-too-lol
I have been away on vacation,having had my daughter and her family,here-- and not being visiting a lot-but just took a trip on your blog.
I love the gorgeus photoes you have shared of your family-and the little baby-doll- you are an amazing photographer.
Hugs,Dorthe

[Helen]

What a wonderful gift! Great job! Would love to see her face when she sees it!

[Mitzi Curi]

That's a beautiful finished project, Karla! It has your own sense of style and whimsy.

[Kim]

So beautiful, thanks so much for sharing how you made it...can't wait to see the birthday girl receiving her magic mirror!

[Lisa Russell]

Perfect for any little girl's room! Even I would like one! ;)

[Sissie]

This little mirror is adorable!

hugs
Sissie

[Jill]

HOW did you EVER come up with that idea?!

I raise my glass of Diet Pepsi to ya!

[Linda McMillin]

So beautiful. Looking forward to seeing her face in the mirror. Thanks for the how to-inspirational.

[Dagmar Leuenberger-Swift]

Hi Karla...I saw the tags that you bundled up over at Shane's blog..wow!
what a sweet gift you have made for your little girl...with a creative mom like you ....how could she have anything but a wonderful BD!
xo

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

Darling mirror. She will love it.

[fairyrocks]

Too sweet!! your grandchildren are the luckiest ever!!!

[Karen]

Oh Karla that is so beautiful, just perfect for a sweet girls room. I know Sugarwings will be thrilled.

[sheila R]

Sugarwings is sure to love it! It is just precious!

[Hanni]

You did a wonderful job on that mirror, she will really have a beautiful present from you to treasure forever. Happy Birthday!

[Susan Reaney]

What a great gift for Sugarwings! I just love this, Karla. I can't wait to see a picture of her looking into it. She is certainly your granddaughter. I am hoping I get one like this someday, too!!!
Hugs,
Suz

[linnea-maria]

It looks so great! What a nice idea for a little girl!
Happy birthday to her!

[c]

so fun and what great results, love, love your work!
c

[Vicki at Rusty Rooster Vintage]

Absolutely darling!! She will love this. Such a great idea the way you made the image appear.

[Wanda Contreras]

Dear Karla:
I LOVE the mirror. I just came back from Disneyland and that it is perfect. Thanks for sharing how you did it. I wih I had a younger daughter to create one as well but she is 11 and is not into the princess style...but I'm LOL.
best regards,
Wanda

[Elaine L.]

Sugarwings is going to believe the mirror is so magical! When you come back and start posting, please let me know that those pink flowers are that are growing in your yard. They are so beautiful!
~elaine~

[Shane]

Dear Karla
This is the BEST mirror in the world - we all need one!!!
Your darling Sugarwings starting school how lovely - she will be so excited when she sees your present!

I've just posted my Tag Book swap - I can't thank you enough for hosting this event - God only knows how you did it!
It was the best - and my first swap - I can't wait for the next one!!
hugs
Shane :)))

[Laurie]

How clever, Karla! I never would have thought of this. She will love it. Gasp - kindergarten, already?!

[Saucy Chick Sherry]

Karla this mirror is just perfection for Sugarwings. Five is such a magical number. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on Kindergarten.

[Stephanie O.]

Just simply adorable!

[mercedes scott]

Make sure to take lots of pictures! She will treasure this special mirror for many years... and the sweet memories it will create. :)

[Ellen]

She will love it; how magical her birthday will be~ I love it when we come up with heartfelt gifts that mean so much! Five is such a fun age; enJOY the memories! She will cherish your time together and all the creative endeavors!

[Jennifer Hayslip]

Amazing!!! Love! Love!! xo,jenn

[Samantha]

Oh my goodness! That is TOO cute! Can't wait to see a pic of her face when she sees it. Wow...kindergarten already?...time flies.

[Angela]

AMAZING! Thank you so much for the step-by-step instructions!