How to Make a Sunburst Mirror

I am, by no means, a crafty person. I have some pretty amazing ideas in my mind, but whenever I've tried to make them happen they turn out horribly or they look nothing like what I had hoped they would. Thank goodness for my husband, whenever I have an amazingly creative endeavor I want to accomplish he helps me to achieve it. 

When I saw a post on Dollar Store Crafts that involved making a Sunburst Mirror I figured I'd give it a try. It looked simple and affordable, not to mention really awesome. I have wanted one of these types of mirrors for a long time. It only made sense to try to make one myself. So, I bit the bullet and headed to my local craft store to pick up the items I needed. 

I was able to purchase a pack of four-inch Styrofoam circles for $3, one four-inch mirror for $1, two packs of two-inch mirrors $2, and one pack of one-inch mirrors $1. I then headed to my local big box store to buy some of the bamboo skewers used for kabobs. I got lucky with these, because they were on clearance for $1. Bonus! Then I headed home to get started. I already had a can of silver spray paint and a glue gun with glue sticks, so I only had to spend $8. I love it!

Here's a list of what you'll need:

2 packs of 2-inch mirrors

1 pack of  1-inch mirrors

1  4-inch mirror

1 pack of Styrofoam circles (fake flower dept)

Glue gun and glue sticks

Spray Paint

16 Bamboo skewers - (you can use more if you want, but be sure to purchase more mirrors)

Get Your Craft On

Here's how easy it was to make this Sunburst Mirror:

I wanted different lengths for my bamboo skewers so I took them out to my husband. I separated the skewers into groups of four. I kept four the original length. Then my husband cut one inch off of one group of skewers, two inches off of the next group, and three off of the last group.

Then, I went ahead and started to skew the styrofoam! This is all about what you find aesthetically pleasing, so place them as you please. I used the longest ones first and placed them in equally spaced intervals. Then I used the rest to fill in the gaps. Then I took this little sunburst outside and placed it on some newspaper and spray painted it silver. I sprayed the stryofoam, which the original post on Dollar Store Crafts said not to do. I'm so devious! I didn't notice anything crazy happening, so I guess it was okay. Then I let it dry. 

Once the mirror-less sunburst was dried. I started adding the mirrors. I put the center one on first and then went to work with the rest. I did this by placing a strip of hot glue on back of the mirror and then I stuck it onto the skewer. I messed up a few times and had to move a few mirrors, but they came off pretty easily when they were still warm. Adding the mirrors is another personal aesthetics-friendly choice. I think that is what's so great about this project. Even though you are following the directions, you are still making it your own. 

When you are gluing the mirrors on be sure to apply a little pressure to the mirror and hold it there for a few seconds so the glue gets it's stick on. When you're finished applying them and the glue is nice and cool, wash them and then hang your Sunburst Mirror where you'd like. 

Once I hung mine I realized I stuck one of the mirrors a little too low on the skewer. I went ahead and fixed it after I took this picture. I just couldn't wait to share my creation. For the sake of art I left my little blunder in this image. I was amazed that I made it!

I hope you give this project a try. It's simple and looks great once it's done. I've received quite a few compliments on it so far. I think you could make this with all sorts of alterations added. More skewers, different color skewers, more mirrors, a clock in the middle, Modge Podge the mirrors, little cameo type images, and much more. The possibilities are all up to the creator. This would be a great project for kids too!

Well, I hope you give this a try. If you do, I'd love to see how yours turn out. You can share your results on Twitter and tag me (@NmsBauer) in the image or on my Facebook page.

As always, thanks for reading. 

Take care,

NB