Fall Mantel with DIY Sunburst Mirror

Last week my mantel was still sporting the boat art I made for Summer, it didn't look right anymore :( with cooler temperatures, leaves already falling and pumpkins in the supermarket it was time to give my mantel a new update.

And what better way to do it than with a sunburst mirror :)

I couldn't stay away from the Sunburst mirror trend, any ways I think they are timeless ;) So, here is my take for a rustic type DIY sunburst mirror.

The materials and tools you'll need:

• 1 mirror 7" diameter
• Dry cedar shims (36 shims were used, they are about 15" long)
• 1 Gold Sharpie
• Sisal rope ½" x 12
• Decorative cording trim
• 1 - 10" x 10" wooden board
• Dark stain and clear enamel
• Screws and wire to hang it to the wall.
• Hot glue gun
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• pneumatic nailer with 5/8" nails (optional)

The mirror's final dimension is 40" round.
I had most of the materials and tools, the price for shims and mirror was $6

Directions

36 wood shims were used.  18 of them had to be cut 1½" off the thickest part.

Using a gold Sharpie and a ruler give the smaller shims a nice detail, if desire.

Give the long shims and wooden board a coat of dark stain. The short shims get a coat of clear enamel.

Center the mirror on the wooden board, use a pencil to mark its area. Begin by placing the dark stained shims all around the circle figure (thick ends on the board).  Once you're happy with their placement, drive two nails on each shim, you can skip the nails and use the hot-glue gun instead.

Continue with the short or light shims, center them in between two of the dark shims. Nail them in place. A scrap piece of wood (½" thick), also needs to be nailed in the center circle to make the mirror flush with the shims.
Before hot gluing the mirror, turn the board upside down and attach the screws and wire.

Finally, sisal rope and decorative cording trim are hot glued around the mirror to hide small gaps and nail holes.

Fall decor and my new sunburst mirror makes this Fall mantel one of my favorites ever.

Mr. owl came out once again this year. :)

A wooden leaves garland...

And I'm ready for Fall!

Are you ready?!


Some more Fall projects here:

A Recycled Pumpkin

Make a Wire Basket

Pink and Orange Tablescape

Easy Halloween Decor