Well, it is that time of the month again for the IBC blogger challenge and this month’s topic is mixed media.  I have chosen to give an old mirror a mixed media makeover. If you have not heard of Mixed Media it refers to a visual art form that combines a variety of media in a single artwork.  So you can combine paint techniques, add textures and embellishments just to name a few to create your project. (More about IBC at the end of this post)

I was given this large mirror I believe it was part of an old dresser.  Because I am in a steampunk crazy phase at the moment, it was the most obvious choice for a theme.  And I knew I would have many of the elements needed for this project laying around my shed.

Mixed Media Mirror Makeover

**This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**Prepare the mirror frame

Start by protecting the mirror by covering it with some kraft paper, this is to prevent the paint and glue getting on the mirror.

Next,  scuff up the surface of the frame with a sanding block to remove the smooth finish.  This will allow the mod podge to adhere to the frame.   Add a layer of mod podge to the frame and place a paper napkin or toilet paper over the mod podge. Using your fingers to gently move the napkin around to form wrinkles like the image below. When touch dry you can add another coat of mod podge.

Once the mod podge is dry, paint the frame with black gesso. A  foam paint roller works great for this step. You can skip this step and paint it all at the end, but I find this way easier.

For what I had in mind the side spindle would look too old fashioned so they got a makeover too.  I used some sisal rope I had at home and glued it around them using a hot glue gun.

I  painted the rope with the black gesso.  To get the gesso into all the grooves it does help to spray the rope with some water.

Adding the mixed media elements

I had some wooden cutouts at home which were perfect for this project. Other elements included bits and pieces I found around the house and my shed.  The idea is to create layers and textures all over the frame.  I will break it down into small sections so you can see what I used.

For the top, I used the wooden cutouts which were plumbing to go with the steampunk theme.  These were glued to the frame using a multi-purpose glue. I added some metal charms, studs, keys, old clock hands, shells just to name a few.  You can zoom in on the picture to see them all.

For the sides, I cut strips of thick cardstock and glued them to the frame. To make the cardstock look more steampunk I glued split peas on all the corners. As you can see from the image below, you don’t have to be perfect.

The butterfly, clock, and hinges are all vinyl decals I made using my Cricut vinyl cutter.

The top has a few layers, the brown in the bottom left corner is an offcut of faux leather. The middle is layers of steampunk charms and 3D metal butterflies.  Even I must admit that it looks a total mess at the moment, but it all comes together in the end.

Making the hot air balloon

I made a small hot air balloon using some burlap for the basket and offcuts of leather for the balloon.  The netting on the balloon is from an onion bag and the ropes were a broken necklace.

This was the hot air balloon before painting.

The bottom was nuts, brackets, glass stones and the wooden steampunk charms.

Painting the elements

This is the mirror with all the elements

Using the black gesso, paint all the elements making sure to cover all the exposed areas.

Highlight the paint with wax paste

This is the step where the magic happens.  The metallic wax paste will be used to highlight all the elements.  To add the wax you simply touch the wax with your fingertip and rub the surface of the elements.

Try not to cover all the black as this adds to the effect. I used these 4 colours for this step. Once you have added dabs of all the colours, you can use a small paintbrush to blend the colours slightly.

To seal the colours and to protect the surface when cleaning I added 3 coats of satin spray polyurethane.

Here are close-ups of the mixed media mirror before and after where you can see the true colours on the mirror.

I have tried moving this mirror around to get good photos but the light just does not do the colours justice.

For more craft and DIY project ideas jump across and check out Favecrafts and Diyideacenter.

About IBC (International Bloggers Club)

If you follow my blog you will know I am part of IBC (International Bloggers Club) which is a group of talented bloggers from around the world. We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Each month we come together and create a project in a common theme.

If you missed last months Vintage Valentine theme here is the link to my Vintage valentine wall hanging which can be used all year round.  The Mixed media contributions from my fellow bloggers are below, please feel free to jump over and share your thoughts.

Northern feeling|Diy mixed media art

A Crafty Mix|Mixed Media Night Light

If you are looking for more mixed media ideas check out this stunning mixed media cow skull

Or these mixed media recycled wine bottles

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you.