Transform Your Space: A DIY Braided Mirror Project

Looking to add a touch of elegance and personality to your home without breaking the bank? This DIY braided mirror project is the perfect solution! It’s a simple, affordable, and fun way to transform plain, ordinary mirrors into stunning pieces of wall art. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this project is easy to follow and yields beautiful results.

I stumbled upon this idea after finding a few inexpensive mirrors at a thrift store. They were simple and functional, but lacked character. Instead of settling for plain mirrors, I decided to give them a makeover. After experimenting with a few different concepts, I landed on the braided mirror design. It’s a simple yet effective way to add texture and visual interest to any room. Plus, the best part is that it’s completely reversible! If you ever decide you want to go back to the original look, the braid can be easily removed.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Let’s dive into the steps to create your own braided mirror. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials You’ll Need

Small mirrors in various shapes and sizes (Thrift store finds are ideal!)
Cotton cording (available in the upholstery section of most craft or fabric stores)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Painter’s tape or washi tape (optional, for securing the braid while working)

A Note on Mirrors: If you can’t find affordable mirrors at a thrift store or flea market, don’t worry! Craft stores typically sell small, plain mirrors for just a few dollars each. You can usually find them in the same aisle as glass sheets and glass cutting supplies.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Braided Mirror

Follow these easy steps to transform your plain mirrors into beautiful braided masterpieces:

Prepare the Cording: Cut three pieces of cotton cording, ensuring they are all the exact same length. A good rule of thumb is to make each piece approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the mirror you’re using. This will provide enough length for the braid to wrap around the entire edge.
Knot the Cords Together: Gather the three pieces of cording and tie them together in a secure knot at one end. This will be the starting point of your braid.
Braid the Cording: Begin braiding the entire length of the cord, just like you would braid hair. If you’re having trouble keeping the braid taut and even, you can secure the knotted end to a hard surface using painter’s tape or washi tape. This will give you more control and prevent the braid from unraveling.
Apply Hot Glue: Once the braiding is complete, it’s time to attach it to the mirror. Start by applying generous beads of hot glue to the outer edge of the mirror, working in sections of about 2-3 inches at a time. It’s important to work in small sections to prevent the glue from cooling down too quickly.
Attach the Braid: Immediately after applying a bead of hot glue, press a section of the braided cording firmly onto the glue while it’s still hot. Apply gentle pressure to ensure a strong bond. Continue this process, applying glue and attaching the braid, until the entire diameter of the mirror has been covered.
Finishing Touches: When you’ve wrapped the entire mirror with the braided cording, cut off any excess cord. Secure the ends of the braid by applying a dab or two of hot glue to each end. Press firmly to ensure they are securely attached to the mirror.
Hang Your New Masterpiece: And that’s it! Your new braided mirror wall art is ready to be displayed. If your mirror doesn’t already have a hook on the back for hanging, you can easily add one at this point. However, most small mirrors come with a pre-attached hanger.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Styling Your Braided Mirror

The beauty of this DIY project lies in its versatility. Braided mirrors can be styled in a variety of ways to complement any home decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Create a Gallery Wall: Group several braided mirrors of different shapes and sizes together to create a unique and eye-catching gallery wall.
Add a Pop of Texture: Use a single braided mirror to add a touch of texture and visual interest to a plain wall.
Enhance a Small Space: Hang a braided mirror in a small space to create the illusion of more space and light.
Complement a Theme: Choose a cording color that complements your existing decor to create a cohesive look.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Bonus: Easy Removal and Customization

Because this DIY project relies on hot glue, the braided cording can be easily removed without damaging the mirror’s surface. This means you can change the braid or cording design whenever you want! Simply pull the cording off the mirror (it may require a bit of effort), and then scrape away any remaining hot glue. The mirror will be as good as new, ready for a new design.

Take It Further: Add a Splash of Color

Want to add a pop of color to your braided mirror? You can easily dye the cording before or after you’ve braided it. There are many tutorials online that can guide you through the dyeing process. Once the cording is dyed and completely dry, simply follow the same steps to glue it onto the mirror.

Brittni Mehlhoff

A Fun and Rewarding Project

This DIY braided mirror project is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon or a rainy day. It’s a simple, affordable, and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by crafters of all skill levels. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and transform those plain mirrors into stunning pieces of art!

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of bohemian flair, a rustic charm, or a modern edge to your home decor, the braided mirror is a versatile and stylish addition. Experiment with different cording colors, textures, and braiding patterns to create a truly unique and personalized piece.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this DIY project is also a great way to reduce waste and give new life to old or unwanted mirrors. By repurposing thrift store finds, you’re not only saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

So, are you ready to transform your space with a DIY braided mirror? Get started today and add a touch of handmade elegance to your home!