Sunday, October 17, 2010

DIY Porcupine Quill Mirror.....

Well I can finally share my first Do-it-yourself attempt at the Porcupine Quill Mirror!!

Of course we should take one more look at the inspiration...remember it......*swoon* ...

INSPIRATION

I really fell in love with this mirror when I saw it. But I also knew at that price ($699.00) it would never be mine. The more I looked at it my brain started thinking...hey those quills sort of look like painted bamboo sticks...and so I got started.
Your supplies should include:
  • 149 bamboo sticks (usually 2 packs)
  • a round foam disc , 15/16 x 7 7/8
  • 10" mirror
  • black paint , Paint brush
  • glue gun
  • felt for backing (not a necessity, just hides the ugly foam)
  • leather strip for edging of mirror or ribbon
  • twine for hanging

    The most expensive part of this project is YOUR LABOR!!! The longest part of the project is the first part, painting your bamboo sticks. I must admit I totally messed up the first pack. I originally spray painted all the sticks a creamy white and was going to paint the stripes over it. BUT I didn't realize the white paint I had was waterproof and therefore the stripes would not adhere.... Oopsy.
1. Painting the bamboo sticks----Starting again...I just painted the black stripes on without using the creamy white base. This is just my impatience...I think the first step gives it more of a finished look. But from a distance you can't tell.
Yes YOU WILL be hand-painting the black stripes on. Place them sort of randomly...with the largest amount of black towards the bottom of the stick. You don't want them to match up exactly. I originally only used 100 sticks but today I added 45 more in and I think , 145 should be your minimum amount for this size.
Let them dry a couple hours.
2. Bamboo placement---Next I start to insert the bamboo into the foam. I suggest you make your hole by inserting the stick where you want it..then remove it and using your glue gun, apply glue to the bottom inch and re-insert to the hole you just made. You need the glue to keep the sticks from falling out. Insert, remove and glue each stick one at a time as you go.

I started first with the back layer, closest to the wall. I inserted those pretty straight like a sunburst. Then there's room for 2 more layers to the front. Those I started to angle forward only slightly. Be random and just use your eye to fill in the space.


3. Mirror- Then Glue the mirror on the front of the foam. I also glued a felt circle on the back to just cover the foam.

4. Hanging- I admit, thinking about hanging this puppy was an afterthought. I used twine around the circumference of the foam, inbetween the sticks. It's pretty rough looking...

5. Edging----Lastly, I used a strip of leather to place around the edges of the mirror. You can use ribbon or anything else you like. I think I would like a thicker piece of leather next time.


That's it!!! Not bad for under $15.00, I say! The finished mirror measures about 30 inches in diameter.

Warning........This project was not injury free. Getting bamboo under your fingernails and a sliver of glass in your hand......hurts like a mother.... But hey we are imitating porcupines after all!!!!!

But I will tell you this mirror should hang in an area that people will not bump into this!!!!


 If you are going to try it, send me your links I would love to see it! And post them. If you are not the DIY type but want one, email me : )


Post edit:  Here's how this mirror ended up- layered on top of another square mirror in the entry way.  This made for an ever greater visual impact.  Love it this way!

8 comments:

jade said...

P.S.- The husband thinks my mirror is scary! Well he thinks the original one is too.
It can also be used as a weapon...watch out!!!! ; )

Anonymous said...

Great DIY.
My beau was joking about making one of these out of actual quills. I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing, so I think your bamboo sticks are the perfect substitute.
XO,
Sara Kate

MJ said...

Sis.....your living room is looking fabulous! I love the mirror so cool....send me some updated pics of the house (so sad) I only live 45 minutes from you! Im back online...yay changed my provider.

Nutbird said...

That is my favorite mirror also! I thought you had to use real quills! I have been saving some. I think I'll just make one like yours when I get some down time. Well done!! Ann

Chelsey Oldham said...

Thanks for the post! Your bamboo idea inspired me to make my own. You can see it here! http://jakeandchelseyoldham.blogspot.com/2011/07/porcupine-mirror.html

Thanks again for the great idea!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Where do you buy the "porcupine quills," (bamboo sticks)?

yosabrams0918 said...

Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done. play casino