It took forever for me to come up with an idea for my bathroom mirror. I considered just purchasing a frame (or using one I already had) to frame the mirror, but that seemed a bit boring to me.
Then I looked through my “inspiration” photos that I’ve saved on my computer (all 2,000+ of them) to see if they would spark any creative ideas, but all of my ideas were too textured and/or layered, which would be very impractical for cleaning in a bathroom.
I knew that I wanted the mirror to include several different shades of yellow, with one of those shades being the exact color that I used on the vanity, and I wanted it to be smooth for easy cleaning.
The obvious choice? A mosaic tile framed mirror. The problem? There aren’t any mosaic tiles available that include the exact yellow of my vanity.
So I decided to make my own. 
Obviously, I needed to make lots of “tiles”, but because of the quantity that I needed, the material needed to be very inexpensive. I chose wood yardsticks. Twenty of them.
At 68 cents each, this was definitely the cheapest material available. The lattice at Home Depot that was comparable in width and thickness was about three times the price. And even with the added cost of the sanding discs that I had to use, the yardsticks were still way cheaper.
I used 80-grit sandpaper to remove all of the markings on one side of each of the yardsticks, and then followed up with 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.
I learned from my custom vent cover project that you have to sand really well, or the markings will still show through after it’s painted. It takes more than just getting the color off. If you can still see any hint of the markings, they’ll show through. See how you can still see the “33″ and the markings to the right of the 33? Those would show through.
After all of the yardsticks were sanded, I used my miter saw to cut them into “tiles” that were just under one inch wide.
Then I moved on to preparing the actual frame. Since I don’t have access to actual frame moulding that has the rabbet on the back where the mirror would be inserted, and I don’t own a router that I can use to make a rabbet, I had to get a little creative.
To create the rabbet, I used a thick piece of lattice and glued it to what will be the outside edge of the back of the frame. Once the frame pieces are cut and pieced together as a large rectangle, the mirror will be placed into the inset area.
Then on the front of the 1″ x 4″, I marked where my mitered cut lines will eventually be. I did this so that I would know where to attach the “tiles”, and so I wouldn’t waste any tiles on areas that would be scrap.
After the glued lattice was completely dry, I removed the clamps and started attaching my tiles, beginning with the edge.
…and then continuing to the front.
Here’s what the one section looked like when it was completely covered with tiles on the edge and the front.
And yes, I was using an extra dog food bowl to separate out the sanded tile pieces from the non-sanded tile pieces. When it comes to my projects, anything is fair game…which is why we always seem to run short on eating utensils.
Now if you’re wondering why I’m attaching the tiles before cutting the lumber for the frame, it’s because this way, I don’t have to cut and piece together tiny little pieces of tile for the corners. This way, everything will be cut as one, which not only makes it easier, but hopefully will also give me more accurate miters.
After I finish gluing on the rest of the tiles, I’ll cut the four sides of the frame, put the frame together, use a spray primer on the whole thing, paint the tiles various shades of yellow, clear coat the tiles, and then grout.
I’d love to say I’ll have it finished by tomorrow, but after listing everything that still needs to be done, I’d say that’s not likely. We’ll see!
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I'm an interior decorator-turned-blogger, and a DIY fanatic. My blog is where I share 
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Absolutely LOVE it!!
Oh wow…. that is really creative!! I can’t wait to see the finished mirror and the entire room!! Love it all!!
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You are just SO dang creative, Kristi, and pretty darn clever, too! I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
I just discovered you and your blog last week. I am already inspired to complete the projects I have started, and I can’t wait to do more. Keep up the good ideas and information! I really like the instructions and learning experiences you share.
That is genius! I’m already picturing the final product in my mind and it will look spectacular above your sink with the bright white and teal in the background. Can’t wait to see it ‘for real’. : )
Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Oh my gosh, that is awesome! Cant wait to see it when it is done.
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Very creative and love the idea! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
What a totally original and awesome idea!!! I can’t wait to see the finished project!
wow, you really know how to make it hard on yourself, don’t ya?
can’t wait to see the finished mirror…I’m sure it, like everything else you do, is gonna be amazing!!
What a cool idea! I love it. And I can’t wat to see the completed project.
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Oops! *wait
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You are so ingenious Kristi!
Great idea! I bet there’s a run on Home Depot yard sticks.
Awesome! Love it, pinned it!
Debbie
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Can’t wait to see it when it’s done!
Can’t wait to see it completely done. I know it’s just me, but I am having a hard time following how you are doing this frame. I know it’s because I don’t know some of the terminology you used plus I don’t have any experience using a miter saw. Maybe it will click in my mind once I see it completed. I have a hard time following some quilting patterns, too until I see them done. This is just one more thing I will be learning from you.
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Looks cool. I can’t wait to see it finished!
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smart and beautiful! what kind of glue did you use for those wooden tiles? aren’t they moving while you attach the neighbor tiles? I see hot glue on the picture, is that one?
thank you!
and good luck with the final color (that part is always difficult to me)…
I used hot glue for to attach the tiles. I’m waaaaay too impatient to wait for any other kind of glue to dry on a project like this.
I’m sure it’s going to look fabulous!
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I am always eagerly awaiting the next fantastic project. I can’t wait to see this finished. You are so creative.
you still amaze me…I have the hardest time with a miter saw..can’t imagine making all those cuts and they are perfect..love my jigsaw I bought..still just borrowing the saw..should be so simple but somehow I make it hard..can’t wait to see it all done..i would love to see your whole place before you sell. Oh I laid my first peel and stick groutable tiles in my little half bath…love love love them..Thanks for sharing, again!!
Love the idea- super clever & great conversation piece too.
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Wow! You are an amazingly patient woman – I am impressed! I think it is going to look fabulous!
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Very creative! I’m excited to see how this turns out!
I read your other post about the rude comments by the way and I’m really sorry to hear about it! I don’t know why people have to be that way – if they don’t like something or something isn’t their style – they can still express their feelings without being rude – or just don’t say anything at all! It’s not like it’s their house and they have to live with it! People are ridiculous.
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Kristi, your rabbet idea is awesome. Hopefully you don’t mind if I use it for an upcoming project with glass tile. Your mirror is no doubt going to turn out fantastic. You’re an artist!!
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Wow can’t wait to see the finished frame!!!! I like that you are using the yard sticks,also like the idea that Jeff said about the glass. Find some really cheep dishes and brake them into different sizes then glue them on like you did!! Yeah you you have to sand the sharp edges but the end results would be nice,I’m sure.
I do have a question…. What do you think of using a stain in stead of painting them!!! Oh and no grout???