Wall Decor - Frosted Glass Damask Strip Mirrors

     I highly recommend that anyone with a Habitat for Humanity Restore location near them pays it a visit for materials for their home renovation and decor projects.  They have so much scrap tile at my local one!  Too bad tile is one of those things that you really need to plan out ahead before acquiring.  Oh well.  When I scouted out the store for the first time a few weekends ago, I came across a package of two long beveled mirrors, including their mounting materials for $7!  Sold!  

Rectangular Beveled Strip Mirrors - Purchased from Habitat from Humanity Restore

    I was originally going to take inspiration from an awesome project I saw through StumbleUpon and Pinterest.  All credit to Thrift and Chic for this awesome idea for mirrors!

http://www.thriftyandchic.com/2011/04/knock-off-ballard-designs-garden.html

     Fully intending to procure the necessary glass paint to complete the project above, I traveled to my local craft store and went to the paint aisle.  I have always been drawn to damask patterns, so when I saw this awesome stencil out of the corner of my eye, my plans immediately shifted to focus on it.

Folk Art Damask Stencil - Purchased from Joann Fabrics

      I did balk at the sticker price for this ($15 for a laser cut plastic sheet?!) but praise to the crafting gods for the blessing that is craft store coupons.  40% off was still more than I wanted to pay for it, but I was quite taken with the idea and I was determined to re-use the stencil somehow.

     Since I am in California, I had to get employee assistance and show ID to get my hands on the Rustoleum Frosted Glass Spray ($6.99 for way more than I needed) since it is in the spray paint category.

Rustoleum Frosted Glass Spray Paint - Purchased from Joann Fabrics

    The first preparation step was to clean the mrrors with mild dish soap and water and let them completely dry.  Then re-wash one of them after one of the cats got in and walked on it before I caught him.  Right before it was time to paint, I gently dusted the mirrors with a dry soft cloth.  

     I carefully laid down some cardboard in the garage (which is carpeted and I realize that's weird) and measured the stencil placement to be at the exact center of the mirror strips.  I also used paper towel under the stencil edges to cover the rest of the mirror since over-spray was a serious thing with this stuff.  I held the stencil in place by hand for this one and liberally coated the mirror in spray - being very careful to spray exactly 90 degrees straight down onto the mirror surface.  I removed the stencil immediately after the paint was sprayed on and lightly cleaned up the edges with a damp Q-tip.

     After both were sprayed, I took them inside carefully and laid them flat to dry overnight to be sure the paint could cure thoroughly.  I can't wait to find the perfect location for these!  I love the way that they bounce light around the room, but are more visually interesting than simple blank mirrors.