Scrap Wood Mirror Frame with Copper Highlights is a quick upcycle that transforms a plain mirror into striking wall art using only offcuts and found materials. I’ve been tackling my scrap pile lately, and this project uses the smallest pieces to decorate a simple mirror frame. Imperfections are welcome. Rough edges, dents, and random textures build character. I’ll show the full process, the fixes for a couple of hiccups, and simple ways to seal and hang your finished mirror.

This assemblage technique turns everyday décor into art by layering scrap wood and found objects for rich texture. A black base with metallic highlights adds depth, unifies mismatched pieces, and creates a bold, custom finish.

It is also time for our next blog hop for ‘Do It Over’ Designers.  We are a group of bloggers who come together to share our latest recycling, upcycling, and DIY projects. Be sure to visit the other talented bloggers who are participating this month in the links at the end of this post.

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Materials and tools

• Old mirror (any size)
• Plywood backing (cut larger than the mirror opening)
• Assorted scrap wood offcuts (mixed thicknesses add great texture)
• Found objects: wood stubs, beads, pebbles, buttons, thumbtacks, upholstery studs, curtain rings, wood biscuits, broken drawer pull, plastic beads, glass pebbles, Christmas bauble halves, ping-pong ball halves, resin embellishments
• Large hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Wood glue
• “No More Nails” or similar construction adhesive
• Black quick-dry spray paint (matte) or black gesso
• Copper metallic wax paste (or DIY: clear wax + copper mica powder)
• Clear spray polyurethane (2–3 coats)
• 2 cm × 2 cm timber battens for bracing the back (length to suit)
• Screws, drill, driver bit, countersink bit
• MDF and thick cardboard offcuts, kraft paper for neat backing
• Hanging hardware: D-rings, picture wire, bumpers
• Pencil, ruler/square, clamps
• Router with straight bit and fence, jigsaw (optional if recessing the mirror)
• Saw for trimming scraps (mitre saw, hand saw, or multi-tool)
• Safety gear: mask, eye protection, gloves

Prepare the base frame

I repurposed a gifted mirror and built a plywood surround sized with 8 cm rails top and bottom, and 12 cm on the sides. The mirror had glued-on hanging hinges that protruded, so I routed a shallow recess (a lip about 15 mm wide and as deep as the mirror) and jigsawed out the centre.

If your mirror sits flat, skip the routing and glue it on later.

Cut and sort your scraps

Trim longer offcuts into smaller blocks. Leave saw marks, dents, and char from previous projects; texture reads beautifully once painted and waxed.

I include odd pieces from Shou Sugi Ban tests or damaged timber. Variety in grain, height, and shape gives the best result.

Dry layout and design tips

Arrange pieces around the opening first to keep the inner edge neat. Do the outer edge next. Fill the field in a loose mosaic. Mix in found objects for interest. Balance chunky parts with flatter pieces so the surface steps up and down.

Glue the mosaic to the frame

Use a large hot glue gun for speed. The glue strands and blobs add hidden texture once painted.

Work in small sections so the glue stays hot. Keep inner and outer borders straight, tucking small pieces into gaps. Tiny voids are fine; they catch wax later.

Add found treasures

Press in wood stubs, beads, pebbles, curtain rings, wood biscuits, thumbtacks, bauble halves, ping-pong halves, buttons, drawer pull parts, and resin bits. Nothing needs to be precious; random junk gives the frame a story. Add items at varied heights.

Close-up images to see the items used

I’ve included close-up photos below—zoom in to see the small details and item ideas. For more tips and tricks on items you can use to add texture to your assemblage projects, this post has it all.

Paint it black

Spray two light coats of black paint to reach every crevice. Spraying is far faster than brushing gesso on a build like this. Let it dry fully between coats. If you like moody, gothic décor, you can stop here.

Copper wax highlights

Now the magic. Rub a fingertip lightly in copper wax and skim only the raised areas.

Don’t cover the black completely; contrast sells the texture. Build the shine slowly. If you don’t have copper wax paste at home, you might already have the ingredients to make your own, and this post will show you how.

Seal for durability

Lock in the finish with two to three coats of clear spray polyurethane. Allow short drying gaps and check from the sides for any dull spots you missed.

Fix a warped backing (easy brace)

If your plywood bows, glue and screw two timber battens across the back. Aim screws through solid areas, not voids. Add the mirror with construction adhesive in the recess or directly onto flat plywood. Close the back with cardboard and an MDF panel, then cover with kraft paper for a clean look.

Finish and hang

Fit D-rings and wire or keyhole brackets. Add rubber bumpers so the frame sits stably and protects the wall. Good light shows off the copper glow.

Colours can shift in bright sun or low indoor light, so place the mirror where the highlights catch.

More scrap wood project ideas

Shou Sugi Ban elevates pallet wood, adding rich colour and striking texture for standout wall art.

This scrap wood wall art was my first project using this technique.

I found this slice of scrap wood, which I cleaned up and turned into a wooden suncatcher.

It’s time for more ideas, and my friends have lots of them for you.  Be sure to visit them and see what they’ve been upcycling/recycling/DIYing.  Here are the links:

Exquisitely Unremarkable

Little Vintage Cottage

Modern on Monticello

Purple Hues & Me

Southern Sunflowers

Unique Creations by Anita

My Hubbard Home

The Apple Street Cottage

Birdz of a Feather

If you’re interested in any of the items used in this project, we’d appreciate it if you used our affiliate links. Clicking these links earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping us create more inspiring and exciting projects to share. We’d also love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment or share this post!