DIY Rope Mirror- A Quick Upcycling Project

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I found an old mirror in a metal frame some time ago. I decided to give it a new life. Two projects came out of it a DIY fall wreath that hanged on the wall in my kitchen and this DIY rope mirror.

It’s a super easy, affordable project that can be made with a cheap mirror. Instead of spending a lot of money, you can now create your own nautical rope mirror for that beachy look.

How to make a DIY rope mirror step by step

tools and materials

1. Prep

If you have a new flat mirror, you can skip this step. Because I used an old mirror with metal backing, I had several extra steps to take.

The mirror I had was beforehand in the metal frame I upcycled into a fall wreath. It wasn’t flat and also had a metal backing and some paper with raffia hidden in the space behind it.

I had to secure the mirror to the metal frame that had a hook I could use to hang it on the wall. I used some polystyrene foam to fill up the gap, and then I used hot glue to secure it.

2. Make cardboard backing

Next, I placed the mirror on a piece of cardboard and marked the shape with a pencil. 

My frame would be made with 4 rows of rope 14mm(35/64in) thick, so the cardboard baking should be  2x56mm(2×2-13/64in) bigger in diameter than the mirror. 

First, you measure the mirror diameter. Then depending on how many rows you want and the rope’s size, you add twice the measurement to its diameter. In my case, this was:

Metric: Mirror diameter(320mm)+ (4 x 14mm)x2= 432mm

Imperial: Mirror diameter 12-19/32 in+ (4 x 35/64in)x2= 17-1/64 in

To draw the bigger circle, you can use a bowl with a similar diameter to what you need, a woodworking compass, or go freehand. I went with the 3rd option due to a lack of options 1 or 2.

Once you cut out the bigger circle shape, you need to glue it to the mirror using hot glue. I additionally cut out the middle because I needed to use the hook later.

3. DIY Rope mirror frame

Once the backing is secure, you start the rope frame. Grab the end of the rope that should be taped already and measure about 1 inch from the end(you start gluing here).

Then mark a place on the cardboard that is right on top of the mirror in the middle. Place the end of the rope there but only glue it to the cardboard an inch from the end. 

You then making sure that the rope is tight, glue it around the mirror, leaving an inch again at the end unglued. Remember to wrap sticky tape around the rope and then cut it.

This way, it won’t unravel. Repeat with the rest of the rope, always making sure that the ends are free and not glue down.

4. Finishing up

Once the whole rope is in place, you have to glue the rope’s ends together. Make sure they won’t stick to the cardboard. Next, using thinner rope(I used 6mm) or thicker twine, wrap it around the rope’s unglued bit to hide any sticky tape and the seam. 

Hide the endings of the twine under the rope and secure with glue. You can finish here or add one thinner row of rope inside the frame to finish off. I did it mainly to hide the ugly mirror/frame edge.

Next, you have to trim the remaining cardboard that is still visible around the rope.

You can add a metal hook or use more rope to make a hanger to hang it. 

diy rope mirror frame next to a vase with dry grass

And that’s it! A simple DIY rope mirror frame that can be done in minutes, adding a nautical feel to your decor. You get a great look for a fraction of the price. I hope you liked this tutorial :))

If you have any questions, please leave a comment in the box below.  Don’t forget to pin this article to your DIY decor ideas and projects board. Thanks for stopping by!

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