Sunshine In My Life

I have to say, I really do love the new Weight Watchers ads, but that has nothing to do with this post. Though this post is about Sun. Particularly, Sunburst mirrors. Love them or hate them I am pretty sure these things are here to stay and I for one am happy about this (check out everyone's opinion over at The Mustard Ceiling).

I've been planning on making a sunburst mirror since I say the one Kimberly at Third Floor Design Studio made. Isn't it pretty?

I also really liked this one at Ten June

Mine is a bit of a cross between the two. 

Here's what I used:

• 1 pack of bamboo skewers (mine were 10")
• 5 inch wood plaque
• round mirror
• glue gun
• cardboard
• picture hanger

They didn't give very detailed steps so I though I'd give you mine in case you wanted to make one too!

I started out dissecting my plaque into 8 sections and gluing un cut skewers to the ends. These were my longest point. I used some corks to hold them level while they dried since my plaque is thick.

Then I trimmed down 4 sets of 2 skewers taking 1/2" more off of each subsequent set (to break it down I cut 2-9 1/2" skewers 2- 9" skewers, 2- 8 1/2" skewers, and 2- 8" skewers for each section with a 7 1/2" skewer in the middle).  Then glue away. 

I used the corks all around to keep everything level and even while the glue dried. It took forever but when we were done it looked like this

that's a whole lotta glue. Once it was dry I glued the cardboard circle I cut out on to the back and took it out to spray paint (I let it dry over night to be sure everything would stay together). 

After it was dry and golden I attached the picture hanger. This was a little dicey hammering into the back of the plaque so I might suggest doing this before everything is glued on.

Then I hung it in its intended spot. My mantle.

I like it there. It goes with the brass in the chandelier and it is big enough to fill the space nicely. I arranged a few of my favorite things to round it out (anyone else need a course in mantel arranging?). I included the anniversary painting I made for Daniel as well as a few of my favorite books and some pictures. It even got a thumbs up from Daniel (which shocked me) but I'm not sold on the teal and green... we'll see. 

What do you think? Nothing ever seems to stay in the same spot for long in my house so you may be seeing this in the bedroom or library later but I am proud of how nicely it turned out. I think it could hold up to any of the more expensive models. My cost on this? 6$ (I already had the mirror). Sweet! 

Cheers!

Linking up to
  Metamorphosis Monday@ Between Naps on The Porch
Good Life Wednesdays @ A Beach Cottage