Upcycled Rope Mirror
PROJECT SARA MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY TARA CHATTELL & SARA MARTIN
Turn an old frame into a mirror with a nautical vibe
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Picture frame with glass (best results using a three-inch wide, flat frame)
Sisal rope
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks
Scissors
Mirror-effect spray
Tape measure
Framer’s points or small finishing nails
HOW TO
If upcycling a picture frame, turn it over and remove any backing paper, cardboard, print and the glass. Remove and clean glass on both sides and let dry. Lay glass on newspaper or a tarp in a well-ventilated room or outside and spray lightly with mirror-effect product, repeat five times. Let dry thoroughly.
Lay frame on flat surface, finished side up. Measure the middle of the long side of the frame on both sides and mark with pencil. Starting on the inside edge at the pencil mark, glue the rope to the frame, cutting the rope where it meets back at the starting point. Repeat until the frame is covered, always starting and ending at the same point.
To make the braid, you will need three pieces of rope, each long enough to wrap around the frame three times. Tie the three strands of rope at one end with a thinner piece of sisal rope, then start braiding, not too tightly, until all the rope has been braided.
Glue the braid on the rope-covered frame, beginning at the seams. There should be enough of the braid to go around the frame twice.
To cover the seams of the rope, cut 10 pieces of thinner sisal rope that are long enough to go around the thickness of the frame. Lay them side by side on top of the seams to cover, repeat on the opposite side of the frame. Holding them in place, turn the frame over and place the mirrored glass back into the frame. Glue the rope into place on the back of the frame with ends meeting corresponding ends. You might need to trim the rope to keep it flush on the back of the frame. Replace cardboard backing and use framer’s points or small finishing nails to secure the mirror into the frame.
Whether hanging your finished mirror in a foyer, bathroom or bedroom, its texture and natural elements make it a unique addition to the room. OH