mirror, mirror

Remember the LOOK mirror in my entry way? It has undergone a few transformations already. Alas, it has just recently completed a huge metamorphosis! Look how wonderful the new version turned out! Using all black and white scrap book paper, and large plastic buttons, it sets a completely different tone - yet still remains interesting and unique and fun. I LOVE IT!

It wasn't hard to get all the candy wrappers and the rope off, but as you can see, I had some sanding to do to get the Mod Podge residue off, and try to make a smooth surface once again. 

I used my electric sander to get through the layers of Mod Podge, but it was rough on other areas. And little did I know I was a bit too careless with it - I actually sanded some of the mirror itself, which of course made some marks that will always show :( AARGH! This mirror has been through a lot, so some of the lumps and bumps refused to give in. After wiping it all down, I ended up spray painting the frame white once again, to make it as uniform as possible before starting the main part of my project. 

I am not usually much of a black & white person where decor is concerned, so this is a departure for me. Everyone knows I adore color, color, and more color :) But I also know that black and white rests the eye and gives it a place to focus, especially when using a lot of color. So I thought a black & white entry way might be a good effect in a home, particularly before introducing visitors to a lot of color.

I ended up choosing 6 or 7 different black and white patterns of scrap book paper that I liked, which was more than enough to cover the large frame. I wanted more than just a flat surface though, so this time I chose buttons as my textural element. That worked well because some of my papers resembled fabric, like houndstooth and damask. I wanted to keep it simple but I tend to like large accents, so I lucked out finding a package of black & white buttons, some of which were actually quite large. 

I basically cut the paper into a patchwork type pattern using my paper cutter. There was really no planning, other than making sure all the paper was equally divided and had a good balance. Similar to when I made this TRAY. I glued them to the frame with Mod Podge of course, and then coated the entire frame with Mod Podge when all of them were in place.  

I hot glued the buttons on, alternating black & white, large & small, where the edges and corners of the papers met.

I AM VERY HAPPY WITH HOW IT TURNED OUT!