My husband’s grandmother has been wanting to create a family gallery wall for a long time now – a place to represent every member of her family in one place. She’s asked me to help her in the new year, so for Christmas, I wanted to do give them something to go along with the new gallery wall in their entry/foyer/hallway.
They are one of those people who have everything, and if they didn’t have something they wanted, would buy it, so I knew I had to create something they couldn’t easily buy (that’s why I decided not to give her a stack of matching frames). I threw around the idea of a vinyl monogram on the wall and then a monogram on an empty frame backed with fabric, before I finally came up with the idea of doing a vinyl design on a mirror.
I found this mirror on clearance for $15! I grabbed it, knowing the hooks would be perfect to hang the latest artwork from the great grandkids on. I searched through many designs on the Silhouette store before I went with the idea of a tree and the family name below it. (The design is called “scroll tree” if you want to download it.)
Now something no one ever told me – intricate designs like this can be a real pain in vinyl! Make sure your blade cuts deep enough and its a sharp blade. I ruined my last sheet of vinyl and had to shell out for the more expensive stuff at Michaels, since I couldn’t wait to order any online.
I would write a tutorial, but really, there is nothing to write a tutorial about. Measure your mirror, size your design to fit the middle of your mirror, cut, and transfer. That’s all there is to it… well, besides for the annoying part of peeling the extra vinyl off. That part isn’t so fun. But definitely worth it in the end, I think!
Oh, and if anyone has any tips on how to better photograph mirrors… feel free to pass them on! I hate photographing the things! Its so hard to not get a horrible reflection staring back at you!
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Danette Dillon says
This is such a nice touch to a home.
Hana Haa says
This is such a sweet and thoughtful gift. I might do something similar for my friend when she has her baby; maybe with the baby’s date of birth and name, or something? I’m not sure yet I’ll have to think it through. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.memystyleandi.com
Brooke says
I LOVE this! Your tree is beautiful, and I love the font you used for your family name. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Dawn says
Love the tree graphic, where ever did you get it???
Jodi S says
great idea to put a decal on the mirror- we have something similiar in our home and that would be so fun.
when i have taken photos of mirrors I usually go at an angle and in a well lit place so no flash is needed. it is all about placing the mirror and yourself in the best places not to have a glare or reflection- definitely can be a super tricky feat!!
Ginger Bergemann says
Love! I’m a sucker for family tree type things. 🙂
I’d love if you shared this at my Show & Tell party this week. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012/12/show-tell-6.html
Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says
This is so special, what a sentimental gift. I just love how thoughtful this is. Thank you so much for sharing, I can’t wait to see the completed gallery 🙂
Jean Bullock says
What a great gift!
Kellie says
Beautiful Job! Thank you for sharing 🙂