How to make a show-stopping mirror in ten minutes or less

People often ask me where I get my ideas for DIY, and I can truly say they come to me like a bolt of lightening. Like the idea for this project. Assistant home editor, Julia Black, and I were standing in the Chatelaine test kitchen the other day dying doilies with beet juice (stay tuned for our September issue for more on that!) when I looked up at the clock that hangs in the kitchen and said to her:

"Let's make a mirror frame using clothespins." That's how the magic happens!

So after a little experimenting, this is what I came up with:

Start with one framless mirror (I got mine at Ikea)

 

I have three variations on this project, although the possibilities are endless, really.

For the first variation, you'll need about 150-200 wooden clothes pins. You can get a pack of 50 at Dollarama for $1.50, or at Canadian tire for $3.

Run a bead of silicone around the perimeter of the mirror.

Clips laundry clips around the perimeter and you're done!

If you want to get fancy, you can add a second (or even a third, or fourth or fifth row- the more you add, the larger the mirror, and the more "star-like" it becomes). For stability, I would use a dab of wood glue when clipping the second peg onto the first:

Here's a close-up:

 

I think it would be so much fun to paint these ( I would use spray paint and paint them before clipping them)- you could even do variations of shades for the different levels, or do a random assortment of colours for a fun, playful effect!

Lastly, I got quite fancy with the way we clipped them together so you can really see the shape of the clothes pins- I have to say I really love this version. Makes me think of the Lion King!

 

Here's a closeup of how they are clipped together:

 

What do you think?

NOTE: After seeing comments, I thought I would post a little bit about how to hang this up- it comes with mirror clips that you can still use by strategically placing the pegs. If that proves too difficult, use silicone to attach wire to the back of the mirror- once dry, it will be enough to hold the weight of the mirror. And keep those comments coming in- good or bad, it's great to hear feedback from readers out there! - Virginie, Home Editor

(all photos: Roberto Caruso)