DIY Network

Compact Mirror Create a handy compact mirror with an artistic twist using tips from Michele Beschen. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-112

Art-backed compact mirrors reflect your creativity

Compact mirrors are incredibly handy, but most are also incredibly...boring. But never fear, B. Original's Michele Beschen has the solution: artsy compact mirrors you put together from mirror tile, plain glass and found artwork.

Michele backs her mirrors with old photos, decorative papers or any small pieces of artwork that catch her interest. The finished mirrors make great gifts as well as handy additions to your own handbag.

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Materials:

clear glass from picture frames or a broken window, or textured glass
12" by 12" plain-edge mirror tile
glass cutter
copper or silver foil tape in a variety of widths
photos, decorative papers or other artwork for mirror backs
spray adhesive
ruler
grease pencil

	Figure A
	figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Cut Your Glass

• Work on a carpeted surface for this project to protect your glass.

• Measure and mark 3" by 3" squares on both your mirror and your clear glass.

• Using your ruler as a guide, score the glass and mirror with the glass cutter (figure A). Score all of your lines before snapping your glass.

• Use firm pressure on the cutter to make an even score line. Don't stop and start in the middle of a line.

• Snap the glass and mirror tile on the scored lines (figure B). Apply firm, even pressure on both sides of each line when you snap. You also can buy special pliers to snap glass.

Build Your Mirror

• Pair each 3" by 3" piece of glass with a piece of mirror.

• Using the glass as a template, trace the glass shape on your artwork and cut out. Glue the artwork to the back of the mirror with spray adhesive and cover with the plain glass (figure C).

• Tape the edges of the assembly with extra-wide foil tape. If the tape isn't wide enough, tape each piece individually, then line them up and tape them together (figure D).

• Make small cuts in the foil tape so you can fold the corners down flat. Burnish the tape to eliminate air bubbles.