As many of you know about me by now…. painting whatever I am working on black is a staple step in most of my DIY projects. But this week, I put the black paint aside and went for more of an aged stone look with this DIY Baroque Mirror in a Weathered Stone Grey Antique Finish.
It’s rare that I mention this fact about myself here on the blog, but I happen to me the mom of a beautiful little two year old girl. Since this is the month to celebrate all of us moms, I decided to change things up a bit and do a project for my daughter.
As a mom, I’ve had to be aware of letting my personal aesthetic influence the design choices I make for my daughter’s room, while still allowing her to feel like a little girl in her space. And while I chose not to decorate her nursery with black furniture and accessories or skulls…. I also did not fall into the trap of the typical cheesy baby themes that stores try to push you into. In fact, with the exception of the pewter four poster crib (I love that damn crib!!), I didn’t buy any of her furniture from a baby store. Now that she is growing into a little girl, and has outgrown that amazing crib… it is time for me, yet again, to decorate her room. Last week I purchased the coolest antique bed for her. I love finding old pieces with character! I’m drawing on that inspiration as I work on her new space.
I came across this Fairy Princess Mirror in a thrift store. I think many moms would find this, and think what a perfect piece for a little girl’s room. To me – this is a perfect example of the cheesy cheap crap that stores want to push for children’s rooms. I just cannot get on board. While the outer shape of the frame was actually amazing… the fake printed on details cheapened it. So, of course, I picked it up and decided to do what I do best, and transform it!
Instead of printed details, I used clay to add real ornate details. I choose several different small cherub and angel molds to work into the design. I happen to be a huge fan of angels and cherubs, but I thought they also added a nice touch for a little girl’s mirror. I refinished the frame to look like a grey weathered stone. It was a perfect color to go with her grey walls, and add that antique vibe that will work perfectly with the new bed.
Regardless of your excuse to have a not-so-black color palette in a room, I think the idea of a stone antique finish is really beautiful, and works well with just about any style.
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Here’s what I used to transform this Mirror:
- Flat Mirror
- Misc. Iron Orchid Molds: Escucheon 2
, Nautica II
, Moulding 1
, Large Fleurish
- Silicone Angel Baby Mold
- Corn Starch
- Small Paint Brush
- Paper Clay
- Set of Painting Knives
- Aleene’s Tacky Glue
- Heat Tool (optional)
- Aged Gray Chalk Paint
- White Gesso
- Paint Brush
- Black Gel Wax
- 3 Soft cloths
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I removed the mirror from the frame, and cleaned and sanded where needed.
Then started the daunting task of choosing molds for the details. There are so many great molds out there to choose from. I happen to have a pretty good size collection, so I used elements from a lot of different molds. I typically start with one, and just begin the layering process.
To create the details using the molds, first brush a bit of cornstarch into the mold cavity.
Firmly press paper clay into the mold and use the painting knifes to level the clay and clean up any clay that may be protruding out of the mold.
Remove the clay from the mold, by bending the mold all around to break the seal around the edge, and slowly roll the mold away from the clay until the clay is free.
Add tacky glue to the back side of the clay casting and gently press to secure it onto the frame.
For more detailed photos on using paper clay and silicone molds, check out these Skull Candle Sconces or this Baroque Vase. Both tutorials will walk you through every step of the process.
I continued to work my way around the frame, adding molds that worked with the shape of the frame, and layering molds together.
I allow the clay to dry completely before painting. I typically give it 12 hours. You can use the heat tool if you need to speed this process up.
Once the clay was dry, I painted several coats of the grey paint, getting into all of the nooks and crannies of the paper clay castings.
Allow the paint to dry completely.
To add the distressed finish, I started with the white gesso. Using a paintbrush, brush the white gesso over the clay castings.
I like to work on small areas at a time.
Using a soft cloth, wipe away the gesso, leaving it in the nooks and crannies.
If you wipe away more than you’d like, just reapply, and wipe away again. I wiped away more in some areas, leaving it thicker in others. I think the inconsistencies add to the aged finish. Once it’s dry, you can always go back and reapply if you want to add more.
Once I had the gesso just right, and it was completely dry, I added the black gel wax using another soft cloth. Gently rub the gel across areas you want to darken.
Again, I worked in small areas at a time. While it was still wet, I used my 3rd cloth to wipe away the wax, leaving a darkened finish on the raised areas of the castings. Some of the black may get tucked into some of the nooks and crannies. Like the white gesso, I think the inconsistencies add to the look.
Once the wax dried, I reattached the mirror back to the frame, and hung it in my daughter’s room for her to enjoy!
It was trash when it was new, lol. You made it so much better!
Thanks Anna!!!
Another stunning transformation, my friend. Sx
Thank you Sue!!