Recently, while browsing good ol’ Facebook, I spotted a neat craft project by my friend, Denise. Actually, she is my sister-in-law’s sister-in-law…I know that technically doesn’t make us family, but we clicked the minute we met and I’m happy to be “related” to her even if only thru marriage.

This project shows that she’s not only creative, but one resourceful lady! Using some pretty basic supplies, she created a really cute mirror for her bedroom.

Check it out!

Here’s what you’ll need:
Round mirror (could be fancy one from Target or Home Goods or you could pick one up at Michael’s for $5)
Gorilla glue
Spray paint (high gloss is best)
A piece of cardboard (larger than your mirror)
Flat thumbtacks
Masking tape

Bamboo skewers ($1.50ish at any grocery store)

Paint stir sticks (check your local hardware or paint store)

Here’s how she did it:

Step one: tape off back of mirror using 16 pieces of tape

Step two: glue paint stir sticks onto the mirror lining up the stick with the tape.

Step three: glue bamboo skewers (she used five between each stick) at varying lengths from the center.

Step four: after about 15 minutes check the position of the sticks…they might have shifted. At this point the glue is tacky enough to hold the sticks in place, but flexible enough that you can reposition any sticks that have shifted. Wait approx. 1 hr 30 min for glue to dry.

Step five:  cover the mirror with tape and break out the spray paint! (a few light coats so the paint doesn’t get too thick)

Step six: After the paint has dried, cut a piece of cardboard to cover the back of the mirror. Use flat thumbtacks to fasten cardboard to the paint stir sticks. Attach a simple hanging bracket from an old picture frame. The mirror is lightweight so you don’t need to find a stud or use heavy hardware.

Hang on the wall and enjoy!

Nice work, Denise!

I’d love to feature a project that you are proud of! Email me at emily@eclairecreations.com

Last night, some friends & I participated in a really cool service project for a local charity that’s making a difference in the lives of Atlanta’s teens. One Love Generation is a non-profit organization that empowers Atlanta’s youth to create positive change in the community through service projects and social awareness. The program partners local teens with professional artists to collaborate on art projects centered on environmental and philanthropic issues facing our world.

It’s an incredible group…and needless to say, it’s right up my alley. So, I was really excited to be invited to participate.

For this service project, they partnered up with Sole Plus, yet another totally awesome organization that uses art as a tool for social entrepreneurship by giving young artists a chance to create shoe designs and then giving the shoes to those in need.

We sat around tables piled high with Converse sneakers, brushes and paint pallettes and decorated shoes that were designed by and will be gifted to the homeless, teen mothers and patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

It was so much fun. We made new friends and collaborated on colors and designs. I even got to meet one of the One Love Generation students, Trevor…a soon-to-be 8^th grader so cool he has his own theme song:  “Everything’s better with Trevorrrr!” When asked what his favorite art medium was he replied, “All of it. I just love to create.” Right on, Trevor. Me too.

Here are some photos I snapped along the way.

soon-to-be masterpieces

as intimidating as a blank canvas...luckily, the girls who will be receiving the shoes gave us some tips on what they like, favorite colors, etc.

gotta love a girl after my own heart, she wanted pink & purple!

getting started...

the finished product!

with our friend (and one of One Love's leading ladies) Kelley Hagen

Encouraging youth to discover and cultivate their artistic talents is such a noble effort. It builds self-confidence, improves social skills and helps with academic performance. I encourage everyone to learn more about One Love Generation. Check out their website. Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. If you’re in Atlanta, watch for upcoming events. Get involved by volunteering or making a donation.  They’re making a difference in the lives of Atlanta’s youth. You can make a difference, too!