Decoupaged Hand Mirrors-Thrifty Gifty #3

Detail of Hand Mirror

Thrifty Gifty Hand Mirrors

This "Thrifty Gifty" idea is a lot of fun to make and can be thoroughly personalized for that special someone! Who wouldn't want to look into a mirror and be reminded of all of their wonderful attributes that are decoupaged on it?

Using hand mirrors, scrap book paper, old magazines, embellishments, mod podge and more, you can create these kitschy, fun, practical gifts in no time!

Flower Embellishments that I bought at A.C. Moore!

This is what the bottle of Mod Podge looks like.

Here's what you will need as far as materials go:

•Mod Podge (Available at A.C. Moore or Michaels Arts and Crafts--Remember to use the 50% off coupons that are online or in the circulars!)  I bought a large bottle but they come in much smaller containers if you don't want to commit to a large bottle.

•Foam applicator brush (I found mine in Walmart, although they definitely have them in the arts and crafts store.)

•Hand Mirrors (I found a whole bunch of all colors, shapes and sizes at my local Dollar Tree store)

•Old Magazines, Scrap book paper, paper dolls and/or free images that you can print off of the web (try google images).

•Embellishments such as the paper flowers posted in the image above, chipboard alphabet stickers, rhinestones, ribbon and whatever else you may have hanging around the house. (All of these materials can be found at the local craft supply store in their scrapbook department.)

•Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (If you have never used a glue gun before, please be careful as it gets very hot.)

•Bucket of water and paper towels for rinsing and drying foam brush. (Make sure to wash your brush after you are done with the project as the Mod Podge will dry on it making it hard and never usable again if you fail to do this step.)




How to begin:

•Think about the person you are making the hand mirror for and begin tearing out expressive words and phrases that positively describe them. (Tearing creates feathered edges and is more beautiful than cut edges when you adhere the pieces on the mirror.)

•Tear up pieces of scrap book paper and images that you have collected.

•Use your foam applicator brush to apply the Mod Podge to an area directly on the back of the mirror (not the glass side). Then place your paper scrap, image or word on top of the applied Mod Podge. Now, dip the brush into the Mod Podge and paint the top of what you just applied. Mod Podge dries clear! Make sure you apply enough to give the underside and top a GOOD coat.

•Continue layering all of your words and images using the Mod Podge. Layering is the key!

•Allow the Mod Podge to dry and then apply your embellishments with the hot glue gun!

•Have fun! That is the most important part...and BE INSPIRED!

Detail of unfinished Hand Mirror