Steampunk Mixed Media Mirror Makeover brings new life to an old dresser mirror with layers of texture, metallic highlights and found objects. In this DIY tutorial, you’ll learn how to prep the frame, add textures with napkins and rope, layer charms and clock parts, craft a burlap hot-air-balloon ornament, then finish with black gesso and metallic wax paste for an industrial-chic look.

The International Bloggers Club (IBC) is a global network of DIY and craft bloggers who join monthly themed challenges—like this month’s Mixed Media theme—to share ideas, provide feedback and showcase their creations to an enthusiastic international audience. More about IBC at the end of this post.

Before we dive into this tutorial, be sure to subscribe to my bimonthly newsletter to be the first to see my latest projects.  You can also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook, where I also include my unique mixed-media art projects.

Steampunk Mixed Media Mirror Makeover

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Materials Needed

• Old mirror (with frame)
• Kraft paper (to protect glass)
• Sanding block
• Mod Podge (or PVA glue)
• Paper napkins or thin toilet-paper layers
• Black gesso
• Foam paint roller
• Sisal rope
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Multi-purpose glue
• Wooden steampunk cutouts (plumbing shapes, brackets)
• Metal charms, keys, clock hands, studs, shells, split peas
• Thick cardstock strips
• Cricut vinyl decals (butterfly, clock, hinges)
• Burlap and leather off-cuts
• Onion-bag netting
• Broken necklace chains (for balloon ropes)
• Nuts, brackets, glass stones (for balloon base)
• Metallic wax paste (four colours)
• Satin spray polyurethane

1. Prepare the Frame

Mixed media art simply means using a mix of materials—paper, fabric, metal, found objects—in one piece so you get more texture, depth and visual interest than you would with paint alone. It is so simple to do, I will show you my process. Cover the mirror glass with kraft paper to catch paint and glue. Scuff the frame’s surface with a sanding block. This helps Mod Podge stick.

Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the frame. Gently press paper napkins into the wet Mod Podge, creating wrinkles. Let dry, then add a second coat of Mod Podge over the napkins.

Roll on black gesso with a foam roller. Coat thoroughly, including recessed creases.

Wrap sisal rope around side spindles. Secure with hot glue and paint rope with black gesso.

Lightly mist with water to help the gesso penetrate all the layers.

2. Add Textures & Embellishments

Top Section

Glue wooden plumbing cutouts to the frame with multi-purpose glue. Layer on metal charms, studs, keys and old clock hands. There is no real method to this; it is more about covering the frame with different layers and textures. For more tips and tricks on items you can use to add texture to your assemblage projects, this post has it all.

Side Sections

Attach thick cardstock strips along the sides for added height. Press split peas onto corners for extra texture. Imperfections add character!

Vinyl Elements

Using my Cricut, I cut custom vinyl decals in a steampunk style.

Along the top edge, I layered metal charms, studs, keys, clock hands and metal fears for a rich steampunk finish. Zoom in to catch every little detail.

3. Craft the Hot-Air-Balloon Accent

No steampunk setup is complete without a hot-air balloon, so I crafted one myself using recycled materials.

I crafted a miniature hot-air balloon with a burlap basket trimmed in leather offcuts, an onion-bag net covering the balloon, and broken necklace chains for the ropes.

The bottom of the mirror was decorated using wooden cutouts, nuts, brackets, studs and glass stones.

This is the assembled mirror before painting—and yes, it looks like a hot mess! The secret in mixed media art is to picture the finished piece once it’s painted and highlighted with wax pastes. Stick to your theme—mine’s steampunk, so I loaded on industrial-style embellishments—and the end result will come together beautifully.

4. Paint & Seal All Elements

Brush black gesso over every glued element. Ensure full coverage for a cohesive base.

Once dry, apply metallic wax paste highlights. If you’re a seasoned crafter, you probably already have the ingredients to whip up your own wax pastes—this tutorial will guide you through the process.

To apply the wax, dip your fingertip into the paste and gently buff it over the raised details. Blend gently with a fine brush, leaving some black exposed for depth.

I worked in three colours, blending them until I was happy with the look. If you’re ever unhappy with the result—as I have been—let the wax dry, cover it with black gesso, then start over with fresh wax. Finish with three coats of satin spray polyurethane for durability.

Before & After Close-Ups

Capturing the metallic shimmer of the wax pastes was tricky in my dimly lit home, but these close-up before-and-after shots highlight the true effect.

More mixed media art projects

Learn how to add texture to your mixed-media art bottle using these techniques.

I adorned this steampunk mannequin with leather scraps and a mix of found and handcrafted elements from my craft room and workshop. If you are looking for more inspiration, you can find all my mixed media art projects HERE.

About IBC (International Bloggers Club)

If you follow my blog, you will know I am part of the 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 on a common theme.

If you missed last month’s Vintage Valentine theme, here is the link to my Vintage Valentine wall hanging, which can be used throughout the year.  The mixed-media contributions from my fellow bloggers are below. Please feel free to jump over and share your thoughts.

A Crafty Mix|Mixed Media Night Light

Northern feeling|Diy mixed media art

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