Mirror of Erised Mural
edited to maintain my daughter’s privacy
This could really be called a Way Back Craft, but I’ve done so much updating, I’m going to stick with DIY.
Six years ago, when my daughter was turning 8 years old, she wanted a Harry Potter room. All those years ago, we created the most magical room we could manage for her, and she’s loved it ever since.
On the back of her door, I created a Mirror of Erised just for her using a basic 4′ wall mirror. It’s been one of the highlights of her the HP theme, and what girl doesn’t need a mirror in her room?
Way back then, I never imagined she’d someday be taller than me. As she grew, it was clear that the Mirror of Erised mural I created for her was going to have to be adjusted for her lengthening height. Just last week, I did what I needed to do to so she could see herself in her mirror.
The original tutorial has been on every variation of my website for six years now. It’s posted on The Leaky Cauldron’s Crafts section and was mentioned, uncredited, in Entertainment Weekly in reference to Leaky Crafts. That original tutorial is below, with edits for the updated version of the mirror.
What You’ll Need
- Basic rectangular wall mirror, with or without frame
- Mirror Clips, if not included with the mirror
- Pencil or chalk
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
- Fine sand paper
- Soft cloth
- Spray paint (primer & gold)
- Gold acrylic craft paint
- Gold or silver paint pen or metallic Sharpies
- paint brush of your choice (to paint mirror body)
- Level (optional)
- Measuring tape
Instructions
Measure the mirror. Save the dimensions for later.
The Mirror
for frame-less mirror, skip to the mural instructions
Lightly sand the frame of the mirror. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Cover mirror with newspaper, taping carefully around the edges of the mirror without covering the frame.
In a well-ventilated area, use spray primer to prime the frame. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow up with 2 coats of gold spray paint.
The Mural
While the mirror is drying, determine where it will hang.
Using the dimensions taken earlier, mark a space 1” smaller than the mirror dimensions on each side.
Use masking tape to tape the area where the frame will be.
Use pencil or chalk to draw the outside edge of the mirror.
This can be done freehand, or using the mirror from the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone movie as a reference. Add clawed feet to the legs. The mirror shown was drawn freehand, as were the updates.
Paint with gold craft paint.
After the mirror is completely dry, remove newspaper and masking tape. Mount to painted mural frame.
Using a paint pen or metallic Sharpie, write Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi across the top
of the mirror.
Using a paint pen or metallic Sharpie, ad details like swirls and stars.
Touch up if needed.
the original mirror, before enlarging
For more Harry Potter DIY, check out the HP Bookcase Mural, the Fat Lady Mural (pdf), and the Hogwarts House Canopies!
If you make a Sew Awesome Craft or any pattern, craft or recipe from sewhooked, I’d love to see a photo. Email me or add it to the sewhooked flickr group.
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