Thrifting is a love of mine. When I was little my parents would take us antiquing, and to keep us from complaining the whole time they gave us each something to collect. I collected makeup compacts and searching out for a design or brand I had never seen was something I looked forward to. In high school and college I scoured antique and thrift stores for dresses, necklaces and any stand-out pieces I could find. Now that I have a home of my own, I love filling it with items that could use a second life. The hunt, finding one-of-a-kind things, making up their past life scenarios in my head, the savings: all things that draw me to second hand.
I picked up this mirror at our local Red Racks for $2. The on-trend aztec stuck out to me immediately. I knew a coat of paint could freshen it up and make it work in our home.
Yeah, those southwestern colors are a little too literal for my taste. The spray paint is from Michael’s. I have heard about this brand from two lovely bloggers (Whitney and Jenny) in the last week, and I was excited to hear they both had great results. The color choices are really nice, but I’ve always been leery to try it, as it seems geared toward florists.
I drew the color out of a picture we have hanging in our entry and the pillows in the living room, since the wall sits right in between them.
I’ve spray painted a few mirrors in my day, and I think I’ve finally found the trick. If you tape too close to the frame, you often end up with areas that don’t get any coverage on them. I like to leave about a 1/4″ on each side of the mirror exposed. This makes taping much faster and it ensures that every bit of the frame gets covered. You can quickly run a blade down the sides of the mirror once it is dry to remove the excess paint and you’re not stuck having to re-tape and paint because some of the frame didn’t get any coverage.
I am really happy with the color and the shape of the mirror in this space. For $2 and some spray paint, it will be no big deal when I’m so over aztec or feel the need for a fresh color.
Have you had any great finds lately? What have you done to make them your own?
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Chelsea says
Excellent tip! I have painted (and RE-painted) so many mirrors in my time. 🙂 Also, I totally do the same thing with pillows!! I make my own cases cause its cheaper, I can get exactly what I want AND they're easier to store! And thanks for the great KC fabric store tip. I thought with growing up sewing and growing up in KC I knew of ALL of fabric places in town. 😉 I'm gonna have to check that place out!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It can be hit or miss if you're looking for something specific, but it's always worth the trip! I have hit the jackpot on several occasions!
Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says
Great finding you! I enjoy a good find as well. You have a great eye! Best of luck with your blog….looks like a hit!
xo Nancy
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Nancy! I really appreciate that! I was really drawn to the green marble wallpaper on your blog…looks like you have beautiful taste!
Laura says
Beautiful house! What is the name of the paint color used in the photos above?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you! Laura, are you referring to the spray paint or the wall color?
Laura says
Sorry, I should have specified I'm interested in the wall color. Thanks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Laura, the color is a custom color I got at Lowe's. You can get the mix information in this post: http://www.themakerista.com/2013/07/making-home-living-and-dining-spaces.html.
Thanks for reading!
Sammy says
I need to do more of this!
themakerista@gmail.com says
More thrifting or more "making it your own?" I have a pile of things in our garage that I got thinking "oh I can easily change this or that and then it will be perfect!" 😉 Thanks for stopping by Sammy!
Peggy says
I am stopping in from Emily's blog. Love your style!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you, Peggy! I appreciate you stopping by. Have a lovely weekend!
Simply Modern Home says
Hi Gwen, just found you through Emily's blog. Congrats on your new adventure! I started blogging about 6 months ago and am having a blast with it. Your home is beautiful!
Susan
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Susan! I really enjoyed your Washi tape bins and containers! Don't worry, I just got on that train a few months ago, so I was late to the party too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Anonymous says
Love your blog and your taste! Where did you find the painting that you showed that is in your entry?
Thanks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you so much! The painting is a print of Monet's Boulevard des Capucines. I got it here. http://www.art.com/products/p602418122-sa-i4021556/claude-monet-boulevard-des-capucines-1873.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=0be764beaf2e4893b398d40b0887db16&searchstring=boulevard+des+capucines&ssk=boulevard+des+capucines&sby=all Thanks for reading!
Linda@ Lime in the Coconut says
Yep 2 dollar spray paint….I dare say it may be even better than two buck chuck! Fun new blog. Love seeing the peeks of your home! PS….Emily sent me your way!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Linda! I loved looking at moments from your trip! I ordered my daughter an amber necklace and it came from Lithuania a few months ago! Looks like an amazing time and I loved hearing about their cuisine. Thanks for reading!
Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says
Hopping over from Emily's blog. I agree with her that you have great style and talent with layering! Love your photos too … it's such a big part of blogging.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Hollie! I've wanted to start a blog for several years now, but learning some photography skills to capture moments with my kids was the one thing I wanted to have somewhat down before doing so. Images are important, aren't they? Thanks for reading and your blog name is so good! I love it!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Hi Gwen! Your mirror looks great, I love that bold color! You've reminded me that I have an unusual frame just begging for a bright color and mirror…need to dig that out! Thanks for your visit to my blog!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Great, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
The color you picked is great and I love where you placed it. Great work my friend!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Lesley Metcalfe says
Hi Gwen! I just discovered your blog from Emily's Home Tour feature of your space, you have great taste, looking forward to reading/following your posts. Great mirror, it's amazing what a little paint can do. I also recently updated the frame of an old mirror, please stop by my blog and check it out when you have a minute: Vintage Vogue Mirror
I love your Federal mirror! Was that also an antique shop find? I'm always on the lookout for one.
themakerista@gmail.com says
That mirror is AMAZING! Not to mention that cabinet you have underneath it. The black paint is the perfect touch! I got the federal mirror thrifting for under $5 and just used some rub n' buff on it. My mom really liked mine, so I ended up getting her one on ebay…there are usually a lot of them. If you search "mirror eagle" you can usually find them a bit cheaper, as people who don't know what they're called don't know if they have any value. 🙂 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xmirror+eagle&_nkw=mirror+eagle&_sacat=0&_from=R40 I scanned and saw one that was $7.99! Hoping you can scoop it up! Thanks for reading, Lesley!