apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Instructions
The instructions for this project are simple. We started with a mirror found at a tag sale for $5.00. We loved the worn patina it had acquired over the years, although we might think twice about hanging something this heavy in a nursery (it's antique and weighs close to 12lbs). Check Craigslist or your local thrift store for mirrors on the cheap! Just make sure to wipe down your mirror and frame, front side and back of all dust and debris that might be clinging to it.

Next, put the mirror aside and begin cutting out images and key words or phrases from the book you have chosen. We used an Xacto knife, although small scissors will work. In this case we didn't want to slice off any fingers or wisps of hair. Don't worry about the placement of things yet, just cut out what catches your eye and work on the composition of it later on. If you have a few images left over, stash them away for a rainy day project.

Arrange your pieces on your mirror in a pleasing manner, we pushed some of the larger pictures off the edges of the frame to help fill things out, so don't be afraid to cut a graphic up even further if you need to!

Using a foam brush brush the back side of each piece with mod podge or white glue (we used Elmers since we were out of Mod Podge at the time, it worked out great although we are uncertain if other white glues will yeild the same result). You only need a very thin layer to attach each piece. The more adhesive you add, the easier your paper will tear or darken, so use sparingly. Repeat for all pictures and words.

Cover entire frame in 2 coats of Mod Podge or White Glue, allowing each coat to dry completely in between (usually 4-6 hours).

After that you are ready to hang it on the wall or even consider making this fun and easy project into a birthday present!

Make sure to keep an eye out for books that might not make the cut for a bedtime story, because they could just be your next craft project!

(Photos by Sarahrae)