September 1, 2012

Toy Mirror

I saw this pin (just a picture, no instructions) awhile back and have just kept it in my mind ever since I saw it.  I knew I wanted to make one for Spencer's room, but I sure didn't want to shell out the money it costs to by a good-sized, framed mirror. 

Well, when we were at Rick's mom's house a month ago, I noticed she had a good sized mirror propped up against the wall in the corner.  It was obvious it hadn't been hung or was going to be hung any time soon.  So, I asked her if I could have it and she gave it right to me!



This was a pretty simple project.  I wanted to do a post about how I did this because where I saw the original idea had no instructions, just a picture.  This is a good use of those ANNOYING toys that you have everywhere that your kids get in their drive-thru meals and toys that are mismatched, lost a piece, etc.  I went to a local consignment sale because I knew someone would be selling these types of things.  I found two big bags of junk toys and only paid $3 for them.  I also got to the end of the project and just needed a few more things and dug in Spencer's toys.  Oops!  :)




Tips on making this mirror:

1 - Tape off the edges of the mirror before putting the toys on there.  You will have some toys hang over the edge and taping it right before you paint could be tricky.



2 - Use the hot glue sticks, not the cool glue sticks.
 
3 - Arrange your toys on the mirror before gluing.  Also, the toys will not lie flush against the mirror, so before applying the hot glue, look to see where you need to put the glue in order to get the toy to stick on there like you want it.  In other words, the toys don't need to have the entire backside covered with glue becauase only certain points will even touch the mirror.

4 - Do not use soft rubber toys.  Spray paint will not do well on soft rubber.  Only hard plastic or metal.

5 - On the toys with wheels, hot glue them so they don't spin.  If you don't, I see them as being tempting to spin and play with and then eventually coming off the mirror.

6 - Have your work area in a place that you can look down on the mirror.  I used our coffee table in the living room.  That sure helped really seeing how things were going to look and where you needed to place the toys.



I used just regular gloss spray paint that I got from Hobby Lobby.  The color was True Blue from Krylon.  I used every bit in the can. 


It will take multiple coats because you will have some toys that the paint doesn't stick to as well as others, but be patient and apply mutliple coats until it's fully covered.
 

 
 
Drum roll please....
 
*I had no idea how hard taking a picture of this mirror would be. :/

      
 
 
 
 
 
 
He LOVES it!!!
 
 
 
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3 comments:

Naptime Review said...

That is pretty cool and a good use of annoying toys. Too bad I don't have boys. Maybe try it with dolls???

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Elizabeth @ Lizzis Creations said...

I love it! I've seen lamps made out of little children's toys, but a mirror is a great idea! Wonderful way to repurpose the millions of toys you get in Christmas stockings and happy meals.

Sarah Tackett said...

Great mirror for kids, and maybe for adults too? Haha. I am a follower of your blog and would love if you could hop over to my new blog (http://sarahsaturdiy.blogspot.com/) and share the blog love. Have a great weekend!

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