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This is a one of a kind framed mirror. I made it for my wife and it is a wall decoration that provides fun and function. My kids get the remotes and play with the different colors. I hope you like it.
I made this just before discovering instructables. So unfortunately, I don't have the cutting or assembly photos. What I do have are detailed photos of the basic construction and methods I used to make this LED-framed mirror. I will use images to try to do this justice.
Here's a video of the result:
What you need to buy for this project:
1x4 furring strips ($2-3 dollars per board)
particle board ($5)
4 - 2" desk grommets ($4 each)
4 - 1/2" grommets ($1 all four, Ace Hardware was the only store that had them)
4 LED lights ($15 each, from ebay. each came with remote. mine were the gu10 base spotlight RGB LED)
Vinyl covering (hobby lobby, I bought 2 yards for $20, used less than a yard for it)
spray paint ($4)
1 rope-pattern moulding ($11, it was an 8 foot long piece)
mirror (hobby lobby, $6)
mirror brackets ($3)
2 bus bars and wire ($10 radioshack)
power cord ($3 or steal it off something broken)
silicone adhesive/sealant ($4)
L brackets ($3)
hardboard ($5)
short screws!
16 awg wires (make sure they can take 110V)
Tools and stuff you will also want/need:
Miter saw
drill bits (especially the 2")
Nail gun w/corresponding brad nails
Staple gun w/ staples
sandpaper
scissors
soldering iron w/ solder
Estimated cost of project: a lot more than I had planned. If you have to buy it all, $140+ If I had known I would spend this much, I would have tried to make it anyways, I think....
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Signing UpStep 1Measuring, Cutting, and Drilling
1. Get the mirror out first, then the moulding. Measure the length of the mirror, then use a miter saw to cut the moulding to frame around all four sides of the mirror. Lay them out around the mirror. Measure the new width and height of the whole thing, and add a 1/2" or so to the measurement for all four sides. This will be the size of the main square board. Mark out the square and cut it.
2. After the main board is cut out, next is the 1x4 pieces for the outside frame. Measure each side and use a 45 degree angle to cut all the pieces. Important: The vinyl wrapped around the main board and the outside frame added to the thickness of the board. So when I cut the boards they were a perfect fit, but when I added the vinyl it was too small. I ended up having to remove the vinyl and recut the main board. So compensate for this! Add a quarter inch or so to all four sides before assembling them or they won't fit.
3. Next get a 2 inch drill bit and measure to the center of each frame side and drill the hole for each light.
4. Cut out some blocks for the future hardboard (if you're going to use it). The one for the top corner I cut into a point (two 45's to make a tip).
5. (OPTIONAL) You need a 1/2 drill bit to drill 8 holes for vents (if you want them). Now that I've left it on a while, it doesn't get very hot. Part of the reason I put felt pads on at the end was to keep the mirror off the wall.
2. After the main board is cut out, next is the 1x4 pieces for the outside frame. Measure each side and use a 45 degree angle to cut all the pieces. Important: The vinyl wrapped around the main board and the outside frame added to the thickness of the board. So when I cut the boards they were a perfect fit, but when I added the vinyl it was too small. I ended up having to remove the vinyl and recut the main board. So compensate for this! Add a quarter inch or so to all four sides before assembling them or they won't fit.
3. Next get a 2 inch drill bit and measure to the center of each frame side and drill the hole for each light.
4. Cut out some blocks for the future hardboard (if you're going to use it). The one for the top corner I cut into a point (two 45's to make a tip).
5. (OPTIONAL) You need a 1/2 drill bit to drill 8 holes for vents (if you want them). Now that I've left it on a while, it doesn't get very hot. Part of the reason I put felt pads on at the end was to keep the mirror off the wall.
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This one was in the living room, and now it's in my bedroom!! It works well...