Last Updated on June 29, 2013 by Kristi Linauer
The wood shim sunburst mirror is finished!! And I’m so excited about how it turned out!
When I left off yesterday, it looked something like this…
Because I changed the design, I didn’t have nearly enough shims to make the complete circle. So, I made another trip to Home Depot to pick up more packages of shims so that I could complete the circle. In all, I used 17 packages of shims, and the complete circle required 33 sections of 6 shims each.
Next, I used a wood wreath form that I found at Michael’s, and used wood glue (NOT hot glue) to adhere it to the back of the sunburst. I placed heavy objects on it and left it to dry for about four hours. (Nevermind the stained part. That was from the previous design that I didn’t like.)
When the wood glue was fully dry, I turned the sunburst over, and adhered a round mirror in the middle, and then used my glue gun to attach 1″ pieces of shim (that I cut with my miter saw) around the edge of the mirror.
And then I added a second row of 1″ pieces to cover the edge of the mirror.
And with that, the construction was finished!
I didn’t want to stain the wood, but I did want to seal it. I only had non-yellowing polyurethane, but I actually did want the finish to add a warmth to the wood, so I opted to use Waterlox that I had left over from my kitchen butcherblock countertops. You can see how the portion on the left has a warm look to it.
And after two coats of Waterlox, it was finished! Here’s the final result.
Now really…doesn’t that look like something you’d see in a designer catalog?! I don’t think anyone would ever assume that it’s cheap wood shims!!
If you decide to try this project, here’s my advice: Don’t weed through the shims and pick out the “ugly” ones. Use all of them!! I had some that were VERY rough looking, but it’s all of the variation that gives this piece such a unique look. I even had a couple of pieces that still had bark on them! I used ’em all.
Edit: I’ve had several people ask how heavy this mirror is. I don’t have a way to weigh it, but it feels very comparable to my eight pound weight. I should also mention that the finished diameter is about 22 inches.
Pssstt…Did you miss Part 1 of this DIY? If so, click here!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
121 Comments
Mrs. DeVore
March 2, 2011 at 6:07 pmYou are a GENIUS!! This looks so awesome!
Jess
March 2, 2011 at 6:11 pmvery earthy in a modern way. I'd love to do one with drift wood 🙂
Liz
March 2, 2011 at 6:12 pmThat is really cool! Do you think painting it would be good too? I am thinking about trying this out as a statement pc of a sad wall that needs something, but I would want it painted to pop off the wall.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 2, 2011 at 6:15 pmLiz, you could certainly paint it! I'd do that before adding the mirror, and then paint the 1" trim pieces separately before attaching them.
Be sure that you paint BOTH sides of the 1" trim pieces that will go on top of the mirror, because you will be able to see some of the reflection in the mirror.
CeCe
March 2, 2011 at 6:17 pmI'm in awe of your busy-bee ways! I get tired just reading your fabulous blog… This looks great. Well done!
Dianne
March 2, 2011 at 6:21 pmBeautiful! I think it would look pretty white too…it looks very heavy..
Anonymous
March 2, 2011 at 6:24 pmI love this. My question is how heavy it ended up being?
Stephanie @ [email protected]
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 2, 2011 at 6:27 pmHi Stephanie,
If I had to guess, I'd say it's between two and three pounds.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 2, 2011 at 6:37 pmOkay, I was a little off in my guess. I think it weighs more like eight pounds. I don't have a way to weigh it, but I picked up a five pound weight to compare, and it's definitely heavier than five pounds, but it feels pretty comparable to my eight pound weight.
Two to three pounds…lol. I'm sooo not good at estimating weight!!
Anonymous
March 2, 2011 at 6:42 pmVery pretty! But…how heavy is it?
Cammee
March 2, 2011 at 7:10 pmI love this! I would love to try one painted. I would never have thought to use wood shims!
Jessa Irene (Holiday-Haven)
March 2, 2011 at 7:27 pmWhat a great statement piece, I don't think I would have ever thought of something this creative! I am inspired.
Tiffany
March 2, 2011 at 7:50 pmI absolutely love it!! I soooo want to make one for myself! About how much did all the materials cost?
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 2, 2011 at 7:54 pmTiffany, all of the materials totaled about $30.
Ashley W.
March 2, 2011 at 8:02 pmThat turned out great! I especially love the detailing around the mirror and the variation in color of wood.
courteneykay
March 2, 2011 at 8:57 pmwow, that is the best DIY startburst mirror I have seen! I am very impressed!
Anonymous
March 2, 2011 at 9:37 pmI love love love love it! It looks like something that would cost hundreds of dollars! I can't wait to make one! Thanks for giving away your idea! 🙂
LLinKS
Amber
March 2, 2011 at 11:48 pmWow that looks awesome!
Margo
March 3, 2011 at 12:14 amI LOVE IT!!! I might even have to copy it… :O) I have been gathering things to make one for myself but never even thought of using wood shims… Great idea.. :O)
[email protected] Black's Best
March 3, 2011 at 2:30 amThis looks great…you would never know you used shims to make it. Very creative!
Kim-A Creative Spirit
March 3, 2011 at 2:42 amJust one word. A MA ZING
Karen Little
March 3, 2011 at 2:47 amThis is so unique! I love it! Where do you get your inspiration…and your talent? I love looking at all your projects! Do you ever rest?
Anne
March 3, 2011 at 7:42 amThis came out amazing!! I really want to try this. 😀
kelsey
March 3, 2011 at 1:59 pmThis is fantastic!! You continuously blow me away with your ideas!!
The O's
March 3, 2011 at 3:16 pmoh my goodness…..I might seriously have to try this this weekend!!
Tonya
March 3, 2011 at 8:37 pmI LOVE this! I have been looking for a round mirror to go in my bedroom over our dresser. Your pictures make this project seem very simple but I wopuld need to stain mine to a darker color…closer to cherrywood. I am going to have to consider this carefully before jumping out there.
Thanks for sharing!
the cape on the corner
March 3, 2011 at 9:02 pmoh my god, that is freaking amazing! i LOVE it!
laxsupermom
March 3, 2011 at 9:03 pmWow! How creative! I love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
scotdog98
March 4, 2011 at 12:40 amWow, that is totally cool!
Aaron
March 4, 2011 at 1:41 amThis is impressive. How much hands on time did it require?
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 4, 2011 at 2:27 amAaron, I think the whole process took a total of an hour or so. Of course, I'm not counting the time I spent on the original design, then taking apart the original design. 😀
Lucy Designs
March 4, 2011 at 2:40 amNO…WAY!!! what a great idea! bookmarking in my head on this!!
Debbie
March 4, 2011 at 6:36 amWOW..that is a super fabulous idea and it came out awesome!! This is def going into the "to make" file. Great Job!!!!! I love it!
courtneyoutloud
March 4, 2011 at 5:12 pmThat looks AWESOME POSSUM! So cool — so cool that I am going to profile it on my blog this weekend I think!!
Sybillinart
March 4, 2011 at 7:14 pmWhat a wonderful project! well done..
Orange it Lovely
March 5, 2011 at 3:02 amok now THAT is cool!!
Wow!
Tana
Jena @ Involving Color
March 5, 2011 at 3:38 amI am so impressed with this mirror! I would never have guessed it was shims. Just came across your blog and I'm a new follower.
Chris
March 5, 2011 at 4:19 amI am not joking when I say this could be in my top 10 favorite projects of all time. This is absolutely brilliant. Genius! I hope you don't mind that I link it on my FB page. Love it and will definitely be "borrowing" the idea!
Mrs. Bliss
March 5, 2011 at 4:42 amAmazing! Came over from Just a Girl…I am so impressed with this project. It's the best sunburst mirror DIY I have seen online!!!!!
[email protected]
March 5, 2011 at 5:15 amThat is so cool! Very clever!
Shabby Soul
March 5, 2011 at 5:41 amThe mirror is beautiful!! I love it!
Holly Austin
March 5, 2011 at 5:50 amThis is AMAZING!!! I'm in love!
Lisa
March 5, 2011 at 6:55 amI can not believe you made that. It looks incredible to say the least.
The Sterling Cherub
March 5, 2011 at 7:03 amBrand new follower here!
This is genius! I love it, and after seeing so many pretty starburst mirrors in Ballard's catalog, I'm ready to do a knock-off. I already have a couple packages of shims (cannot remember for the life of me WHY I bought them!), so I'm ahead of the game already. I'd love to add a convex mirror to the center (like what I saw in Ballard's).
Love the warmth of this piece you did. Perfection!
Best,
Kimberly
Chrystal @Sea of Savings
March 5, 2011 at 1:04 pmHow creative! This looks like it cost much more than $30!! I am going to save this and try to make it too. Thanks for the idea
[email protected] Stories of A2Z
March 5, 2011 at 1:22 pmThis is FANTASTIC!!!
[email protected]
March 5, 2011 at 1:34 pmWow! This is the coolest sunburst mirror I have seen yet! Great job!
Melissa M.
March 5, 2011 at 2:07 pmwow, that is very creative. So pretty, might have to try and make that one hehe
Tanya
March 5, 2011 at 3:54 pmWow! That is impressive…I love it 🙂
jandjhome
March 5, 2011 at 5:09 pmUnbelievable. I am so going to try this. I'm going to follow you so I don't forget to try this. Great job!!!
Joanna
March 5, 2011 at 5:59 pmI'm obsessed with sunburst mirrors and have been hunting a DIY for ages. THIS is the one I'll try! By far the most elegant one I've seen. Oh happy day! (what's that? oh nothing…just hubby grumbling in the background that I'll be MIA for a few days 😉 )
Audrey
March 5, 2011 at 6:23 pmThis is beautiful! Sunburst mirrors are always sooo expensive! I think I'm sending the husband to Home Depot today! :o)
Vivienne @ the V Spot
March 5, 2011 at 6:46 pmThis is fabulous! A nice, sturdier take on the sunburst mirrors made with the sticks or coffee stirrers. This would be great on a deck or patio too!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
March 5, 2011 at 6:47 pmThat is just gorgeous!
If you wanted it to be less heavy, you could cut out the interior ends of the shims. Cut a circle with a diameter 1/2" – 1" smaller than the mirror, before you glue it on. And maybe you could do something with what is left over?
[email protected] Crafty Home
March 5, 2011 at 7:48 pmLOVE THIS!!! Will you share it at my linky party this weekend?!
Michelle S
March 5, 2011 at 8:32 pmThis is definitely the sunburst mirror I'll be making. Love it!!!!
Would you mind updating your blog with a picture of it up on the wall when you find the perfect place?
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 5, 2011 at 8:44 pmI'll definitely do that, Michelle!! This is going in my bedroom over my DIY headboard, which sits between my DIY closets, and sits on my DIY storage bed base. 😀
Still quite a bit to finish, but there's a glimpse of it in the last picture on this post…
http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/2010/10/my-bright-idea-bedside-lighting-for-my.html
InMyOwnStyle
March 5, 2011 at 9:38 pmHI Kristi-
This is truly a work of art you have created. It is perfect. I always see these mirrors in catalogs and was thinking of a way to create them…you did, and quite impressively!!!! I have a feeling Home Despot's all over the country are going to sell out of shims.
My best- Diane
[email protected]://refreshrestyle.com/
March 6, 2011 at 1:02 pmIt's the best looking sunburst mirror that I've seen. Looks so expensive! I want one!!
hmhdesigns
March 6, 2011 at 3:04 pmThis is definitely the BEST DIY sunburst mirror I've seen! Great job!
Christine
March 6, 2011 at 5:58 pmgirl I love this mirror!!!What a clever idea and perfect execution!
Nice work
Christine
greatoakcircle.com
Tasha
March 6, 2011 at 6:04 pmI love it! I am so excited too because I just got like 6 packages of shims and the D.I. for $1!! How sweet is that? I will be starting this today!!
Thanks for sharing!
Tasha!
Laurie
March 7, 2011 at 12:28 amI love it and shamelessly may be copying it
Madigan at madiganmade
March 7, 2011 at 2:09 amOne word: stunning!
Jamie
March 7, 2011 at 4:23 pmWhat a great idea. It looks amazing. I'm your newest follower. I'm having a party over at http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/ I would love if you stopped by and linked up your project.
shannon
March 7, 2011 at 5:30 pmLove this idea!! My favorite sunburst DIY that I have seen. Love your blog!
shannon berrey designs
http://www.shannonberrey.com
Pudel-design
March 7, 2011 at 6:37 pmAwesome, that loos amazing!
Love this idea.
I did a little sunburst mirror too, but yours s way better;)
You can see em here..
http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-venezianischer-sonnenspiegel.html
Lovely greetings…
Anonymous
March 7, 2011 at 10:35 pmI love it!!! I just saw a sunburst mirror similar to that in a traditional home mag and put it on my DIY list, and have been pondering how to make it work myself.. It is the first sunburst mirror that I have really liked. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica
Amanda @ Frills and Frolic
March 7, 2011 at 11:02 pmOne Word: Ingenious! Watch out West Elm, you have a competitor!
I featured you as one of my favorite's from TT&J's Linky Party.
I would love for you to check it out!
Amanda
frillsandfrolic.blogspot.com
kim
March 8, 2011 at 4:39 pmLove this!! I'm going to give this a try, it would look great in my breezeway!
jandjhome
March 9, 2011 at 4:03 amI started working on mine today. What are you going to use to hang it?
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 9, 2011 at 4:24 amjandj, I actually hadn't thought that far ahead!! I don't know how I'll hang it, but it's going above my bed, so it needs to be VERY secure. I'd hate to be awakened during the night with that crashing on my head!!
Aimee @ Life As An Oakes
March 9, 2011 at 11:45 pmI love this project and I really think I will try this in my own home too. I linked to your project on my blog today! http://lifeasanoakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/favorite-diy-finds-of-week.html
Beautiful work 🙂
jandjhome
March 10, 2011 at 12:48 pmI made it! I did your original idea. Here's my post. http://jandjhome.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-sunburst-mirror.html
Thank you so much for the inspiration!
DomesticJenny
March 10, 2011 at 3:07 pmWow, amazing!!! LOVE IT!
[email protected]
March 11, 2011 at 8:10 amI just found your blog on jandjhome. Your sunburst turned out incredible. Thanks for the great tutorial.
Jane
March 12, 2011 at 8:36 pmFunny! My husband and I were just talking about copy catting Ballard Design's mirror and then I saw your tutorial!! I love it. One question…how heavy does it end up being. Just wondering : ) Thanks for the wonderful idea!
Jane
March 12, 2011 at 8:38 pmhttp://www.twosidesoftherainbow.blogspot.com
Lauren @ YoungNester
March 13, 2011 at 6:37 pmWow! This is incredible! Thanks for sharing!
alicia oakes
March 16, 2011 at 3:14 pmdid you glue the shims together with wood glue? what size of shims did you use. are they the 6 inch or the 16 inch. want to make one badly thanks. im a fan
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
March 16, 2011 at 3:18 pmAlicia, I glued the shims together with hot glue, but glued the wood wreath form to the back with a good amount of wood glue. I guess I used the 6-inch shims, because they certainly aren't 16-inch.
[email protected] Crafty Home
March 16, 2011 at 5:17 pmI just made mine and LOVE it! Can I ask how you're hanging it? Mine is quite heavy and I'm worried it will fall LOL. It's going over the guest bed.
alicia oakes
March 17, 2011 at 10:45 pmanother question. how big around is the glass mirror itself. just want to buy all the right supplies. we live in a small town so when i make a trip to the craft store which is 2+ hours away i stock up on exactly what i am going to need for several projects at once cause i never know when i will be able to make another trip. thanks for your help
Pacific NW Blogfan
March 19, 2011 at 10:32 pmVery creative. Nicely done.
NumberMonkey
March 21, 2011 at 4:04 pm$30! Wow such a great idea. I wonder if it will get too heavy if I tried to make it larger.. Has anyone tried?
Rachelle
March 30, 2011 at 12:10 pmYahoo!!! I LOVE blog-land…what did I ever do before I could learn from others people's experiences who have "crazy" notions like myself. The plus side for me is bloggers are much more creative and actually make some of my ideas possible. I've been lusting after the Ballard Design 48in sunburst mirror and now can DIY for 1/10th of the cost, which means I can actually afford it thanks to you!!! I'm giddy can you tell?
Jennifer
April 5, 2011 at 11:40 pmJust saw this and now I know exactly what I am going to do for my starburst mirror!! I had bought shims and started staining them already because I wanted to create a starburst mirror with them, but I wanted the mirror to have some depth and personality to it, so I was going to do what you where going to do at first and layer the shims. But not now! Now I am going to recreate your second look. It's amazing. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Jennifer
http://alwaysinwonder.com
Pacific NW Blogfan
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmVery creative. Nicely done.
alicia oakes
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmdid you glue the shims together with wood glue? what size of shims did you use. are they the 6 inch or the 16 inch. want to make one badly thanks. im a fan
InMyOwnStyle
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmHI Kristi-
This is truly a work of art you have created. It is perfect. I always see these mirrors in catalogs and was thinking of a way to create them…you did, and quite impressively!!!! I have a feeling Home Despot's all over the country are going to sell out of shims.
My best- Diane
Chris
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmI am not joking when I say this could be in my top 10 favorite projects of all time. This is absolutely brilliant. Genius! I hope you don't mind that I link it on my FB page. Love it and will definitely be "borrowing" the idea!
Orange it Lovely
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmok now THAT is cool!!
Wow!
Tana
Debbie
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmWOW..that is a super fabulous idea and it came out awesome!! This is def going into the "to make" file. Great Job!!!!! I love it!
scotdog98
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmWow, that is totally cool!
Jessa Irene (Holiday-Haven)
April 10, 2011 at 8:56 pmWhat a great statement piece, I don't think I would have ever thought of something this creative! I am inspired.
Courageous Designs
June 6, 2011 at 4:16 pmCan you buy the shims already cut to the sizes you need or do you have to have woodworking equipment? I would love to try and make one of these. They are beautiful and much more affordable than buying one already made.
Ruth Cirillo
June 7, 2011 at 3:10 amWOW! I have the urge to stay up late and try this tonight!
Princessbetht
June 24, 2011 at 8:18 pmI love this mirror. I definitely want to make one myself – such an inspiring idea! Love your blog!
Have you hung this yet, though? I am interested in how it should be hung and whether or not it stays together well with hot glue after it is hung and gravity takes hold.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
June 24, 2011 at 8:21 pmI haven't hung it yet, but I can assure you that if you follow the instructions, it's incredibly sturdy. I wouldn't trust the hot glue alone, but the floral ring glued to the back with wood glue makes it super strong and sturdy.
Princessbetht
June 25, 2011 at 12:59 amGreat! Thank you!!
Taylor
July 6, 2011 at 9:55 pmWOW looks great! I Want to do this.
Jodie M.
August 2, 2011 at 12:32 amLove it! It looks fantastic.
Tamedwards
August 30, 2011 at 1:00 amLove this project so much I made one of my own! Now, I am just trying to figure out the safest way to hang it. I want to hang it over my bed but I am too scared! Did you hang yours yet? If so, please share how you did it.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
September 22, 2011 at 2:37 pmI still haven't hung mine, but I think I would use one of the really small Hangman hangers that they have at Lowe's. There's no way it would fall off of the wall with one of those.
Rmbuning
October 13, 2011 at 6:31 pmJust came across this project idea & LOVE it! I've been looking for the perfect "something" to finish our dining room update, and this mirror is it. I saw that you used about 17 packs of shims…were they 8" or 12"? Contractor pack (42 ct) or regular homeowner packs? So excited to make this….and I don't need my husband AT ALL, LOL!
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
October 13, 2011 at 6:41 pmI used the shorter ones, and I think there were 12 shims per package. Have fun! 🙂
Bzdye
October 29, 2011 at 2:38 amHello! You did a fantastic job on the sunburst! How long were the shims that you used?
3tom58
November 9, 2011 at 2:56 pmYou are an inspiration! I have to watch my budget now and you are providing some wonderful ideas that can be used for re-decorating and updating my home. I look forward to seeing all of your projects… Also, great "how-to" instructions!
Andrea
November 30, 2011 at 5:07 pmI love this. Way more complex than I'm willing to sit through. I recently featured in a post http://decoratingcents.blogspot.com/2011/11/trends-sunburst-mirrors.html. Would love for you to stop by and grab a button.
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Tracey
September 26, 2012 at 4:43 pmWhen I first saw the mirror I fell in love with it and expected to be intimidated by the diy process. But, you’ve inspired me to want to try it. It looks great and I can’t believe it only cost you $30 to create. You could probably sell it for A LOT more!.
Jennyjenkins
December 24, 2012 at 1:39 amAmazing work, Kristi! My fiancee and I are about to close on our first house and i think you are about to be my new best friend! Thank you so much for the inspiration 🙂
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February 15, 2013 at 11:56 ami am in the process of making this mirror and it’s coming out REALLY nice!!! (will post pics when i’m done) i would have been done if i hadn’t kept running out of glue or shims….lol. i have a couple of questions. Did you use wood glue to adhere the mirror? What size was the wreath form you glued to the back? and, what did you use to actually hang the mirror?
Thanks for all the inspiration!!! I absolutely LOVE your website!!!
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dakota
August 22, 2013 at 3:21 pmThis is so awesome!! From reading comments I see that you attached pieces witha glue gun. Just curious if it has held up. What is diameter of mirror and how did you end up hanging it? Thanks so much!!.
Kristi Linauer
August 22, 2013 at 3:28 pmYep, it’s held up perfectly. The diameter is about 18 inches, and I hung it with a small French cleat hanger from Home Depot.
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