Utility: Embellish an unattractive wall mirror by framing it in tin. The result will brighten up any corner of the house.
Difficulty: High.
Cost: High.
Materials:
- Plywood frame in required size (DIY store)
- Exact amount of tin needed for this frame (expensive)
- Carpenter�s glue
- Small chisels in three sizes: one rounded, one fine-edged and one scraper (DIY store)
- A candle to use the wax
- Tracing paper and wrapping paper
Steps:
1. Draw some flowers (daisies are the easiest) on a normal sheet of paper. Transfer this drawing via the tracing paper on to the back of the tin (the part which does not shine). Place a dustcloth folded several times on to a table and place the tin complete with drawing on top.
2. Using the rounded chisel slowly give the tin a flower shape. The aim is for the relief to come out on the right side of the tin and for the reverse side to end up hollow. Turn it over and use the sharp-pointed chisel on a hard table without dustcloth to mold the metal into the flower design.
Turn it over once again and use a lighted candle to drip wax into the flower-shaped gaps and remove the remaining wax with a knife before it cools. It will soon harden.
3. Then simply glue the tin to the frame and finish off the borders. Tin is a soft material that can be cut with scissors or a knife and easily bent with your bare hands.
Advices:
You can decorate it with coloured stones which are placed in the centre of each daisy. The stones will make the frame far brighter.
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