You Will Need

• oval mirror (ours is 400 x 320mm)
• template for mirror embellishment
• hardboard, about 1 800 mic or 1-2mm thick
• black and white craft paint
• small sponge roller and fine paintbrush
• fine sandpaper (600 grit)
• repositionable spray glue
• craft knife and cutting mat
• scissors

1 Enlarge the template so that it is large enough to fit around your mirror. Make two copies of the template. Put one copy aside – you are going to cut the shapes from it. You will be using the other copy as a guide. NOTE You can adjust the template so it fits around a round or a square mirror.

2 Now take the first copy and cut out all the individual pieces just outside the lines – you don’t need to cut too neatly. Use spray glue to stick the pieces to the hardboard.

3 Cut the shapes out on the lines. Use your craft knife and cutting mat and go over the line more than once, if necessary. NOTE You can also use a fretsaw to cut out the shapes.

4 Remove the paper from the hardboard shapes that you have cut. Sand the edges so they are smooth.

5 Mark all the pieces on the back and use your small sponge roller to paint the front black. Leave to dry completely then arrange them on your guide page.

6 Now paint white patterns onto the black freehand. You can also use a correcting pen for this. Finish off with a pretty edge around your mirror, if you prefer, then stick the mirror and all the pieces in position securely to the wall.

Text and images: Ideas magazine