Thursday, August 2, 2012

old ladder = new mirror frame


It all started when I was painting and noticed the weathered wood of the ladder
 against the dark gray walls. I knew Detail Boy's bedroom would need some rustic
texture to take the edge off the modern Ikea lines. The ladder was perfect with it's rusted,
 worn metal hardware and I thought it would make a great frame for a full length mirror.

I started by cutting up our ladder, it was old and rickety and we really did need a new one.


I borrowed my dad's miter box and with a tip from my other great neighbor
I was ready to make my 45 degree angle cuts.


There was a lot of marking and measuring to be sure I didn't make a wrong cut.
   

I decided it needed L brackets for support and thought they would be cool on the front
 of the frame instead of the back. I plan to give them a rustic touch like the original hardware.
Good angle cut, huh?  Don't be impressed, it goes downhill from here. :) 


I didn't think about the wood being warped, so that presented a problem.
I'm going with the old, rustic less than perfect look, so I think it will be ok.


Here it's placed on top of my full length mirror, $15 at Walmart.
It needs to be glued down and then it's ready to be hung.
I'm counting on the sophisticated gray paint and the rest of the room to
make it look good! Keep your fingers crossed for me that it ends up in the final reveal.

   
My inspiration came from Whitney & Ashley at Shanty 2 Chic here,
they have a great tutorial for using new wood, if you'd rather not chop up your ladder.    

Thanks for following along on the progress and all of your kind and encouraging
comments. You guys are the BEST!!

Enjoy the weekend and I'm leaving you with this quote as it seems
fitting with my little project...

An Essential Aspect of Creativity.


23 comments:

Katie @ Creatively Living said...

Awesome!!! Great project. I love the final outcome.

--Katie
@ Creatively Living

Rebecca Gray @visitready.blogspot said...

You have such a great eye! The original hardware looks great!

Dana Frieling said...

Oh, I so hope that makes the final reveal. You're such a great 'green' influence!

Luci @Bungalow At Home said...

You could of easily used new wood but I love the idea of recycling the ladder, even if the outcome isn't perfect! I love the original hardware on there too and it's going to look great in his room..

Unknown said...

You cut up your ladder??? hilarious and brilliant. I love the contrast. You inspire me friend! Have a great weekend.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Peggy said...

I love this! It will definitely look great in the completed room!! I did have to chuckle when I discovered you cut up your ladder.... and now I may have to make one for E's room or maybe the musician or even the eldest. decisions, decisions, decisions! :)

Lori said...

I love it and think it will look great against the grey. Your creative process is always so entertaining. "While I was on the ladder..." Too funny and oh so Pam! Will you teach me how to use a miter box? It's on my bucket list!

Cassie Bustamante said...

what a cool idea! it is going to look awesome hung!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Cool! I love it! I think my favorite thing is that you put the hardware on the front! I love a touch of industrial:)

Anonymous said...

It looks great, and the hardware on the front was a brilliant idea. I am looking forward to seeing the finished room.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I love that you used the hardware from the ladder to embellish the mirror frame....looks great!!!...Gotta love anything recycled and worn!
Have a great weekend!

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

Well, I guess I'm creative because I've had plenty of failures! But this project is certainly a winner! Can't wait to see the whole room!

Danielle said...

This looks fantastic. I would never have thought of that. What a fun mirror you now have!

Hyphen Interiors said...

Love it! Looks great- love the weathered wood and hardware.

Beth of designPOST Interiors said...

I prefer "used wood" over new wood any day!

deborah said...

Very neat frame for the mirror. It will look great in the room. Love all the stuff you have for the room!

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

You are so creative....Looks great!

Holly Gruszka said...

I like it just he way it is - are you painting it? I love that you added the L brackets too - but I guess those were needed for support not just details. Do you think we'll see the room soon? I can't wait!

Maureen Stevens said...

love the rustic feel! and isn't that quote so true...ahhh, after failure after failure I'm still trying:) Happy week ahead Pam!

Cindy @ a curious gardener said...

The entire project is inspired. The wood will look perfect against the wall color and your willingness to dive in and use REAL tools is impressive!

L o v e l y t h i n g s said...

Love this! What a brilliant idea...talk about re-purposing! I just checked out your post on your sons room...love the wall color. What color is it? Well actually I love all the details...the lamp from TJ Maxx is great!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Ahhhh girl you are so creative!! I LOVE it!! The L brackets are brilliant!

SHERRY HART said...

You is a crafty little thing! Love that you used the old ladder...and I do think that weathered wood will be wonderful in the room.

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