Learn how to make this DIY spooky Halloween mirror with things you probably have around the house.
What do you get when we combine an old black and white photo and a mirror? – A spooky mirror for Halloween. I’m not much for the ultra spooky/creepy side of Halloween, so this project is about as far as I go in that direction. I recently bought an old book for another project, and I noticed this old image on the inside and knew that it would be perfect for this project. I also happened to have this little mirror that my grandma had given me a while back.
So with these two items in hand, this project was a no brain-er. In fact it was fun to make!
Here’s what you need to make a spooky Halloween Mirror:
– a small old looking frame (thrift store)
– an old book (thrift store)
– razor blade for scraping or you can try a paint thinner of some sort (use caution with either one, this is not a great project for kids without the supervision of an adult)
– glossy black spray paint
Creepy image, right?! You could also use an old image of an ancestor. Although that might freak your kids out more.
1. Take the mirror apart.
2. Cut out the picture to fit the frame.
3. Scrape off the coating on the back of the mirror.
4. When scrapping try not to scrape off too much. Less is more here. Check it as you go with the picture underneath.
5. See, it looks good here. If I was to do it again, I would scrape a lot less, trying not to scratch too much.
6. Tape the picture to the back of your mirror.
7. Spray your little frame with black spray paint. Then assemble it all together, and…VOILA!!
There you have it! A spooky mirror that you’ll want to keep face down most of the time…or put on your front door. Either way!
So, I’d love to know…When it comes to Halloween, are you more into the cute/crafty/whimsical side of it, or the spooky/creepy side of it?
Fun News! This little Spooky Mirror for Halloween was featured in the Woman’s Day special Halloween Issue…the 2011 Halloween Issue.
What a spooky project. I love it Kami!
xoxo
Jen
I am more the whimsical, but then again, the only haunted house I can stand to go through is the one in Disneyland. Awesome project–very creepy!
I'm more into going to St. George and forgetting the whole holiday. Sorry. Bah pumpkin!
But the mirror is very creative and I wouldn't look at it, walking by it at night…
This is soooo cool! I had to share on my FB page! 🙂
What a fun idea Kami!!
Great job! I'm definitely bookmarking this one for myself. Lately I've been going for both the spooky/creepy side of Halloween and the crafty, whimsical side. I want the best of both worlds!
This is fabulous! Love it!
This is so cool!
LOVE THIS-GONNA DO THIS!
I like rustic Halloween, a little Whimsical with a dash of creepy.
🙂
So cute and easy… just down my aisle!
The mirror is spooktacular!!! I kind of like the spooky side of Halloween. Just not blood & guts.
Great idea Kammie! I love it!
this is just downright awesome! i love spooky stuff. you could also use easy oven off to get the back of the mirror off. it works great and it sort of antiques the mirror at the same time. off to find a creepy picture…
so totally awesome! and just the right amount of spooky…kind of reminds me of the illusions used in the Haunted House ride at Disneyland. Love it!
Love this Kami! Definitely more into the cute and crafty side of Halloween. I really hate the gory side of things. Not into it AT ALL.
That is a crazy cool idea. I love it!
Paint thinner and nail polish remover also usually work to take the backing off of mirrors. It makes it look a little more smokey though, not the cool, creepy scratched away look.
Awesome! What a great idea! And a great tutorial!
That turned out so cute and I'm with you on not liking the spooky kind of decorations. I go for the cute stuff like this!
This is great and it reminds me of the Haunted House at Disneyland. I love it!
This is a really neat idea.
To remove the backing better without scratching and in a controlled method, try toilet bowl cleaner, esp. if it has bleach. Also, CLR works. Try applying it with a paint brush and washing it off after a few minutes.
I love it, but I'm REALLY mad that you used Jane Austen's picture:) Have a great Halloween!
Awww, Jane Austen isn't creepy!
I agree!
Your mirror looks so great and spooky!! I did something similar this year but I used oven cleaner. Looks like there are lots of methods from the comments haha. But I love that scratched look. Nice and creepy.
~stopping by from Sunday Showcase. 😉
Thanks for the great idea! I just saw a "creepy" mirror in Target and was wondering how to make one. I definitely lean towards the whimsical side but it's fun sometimes to be a little scared when you know it's not real.
http://www.morganmadeit.net
Love your altered mirror !
Super creepy. I almost can't look at it! Ack!
wow, that is creepy! I've seen a sort of the same thing done with oven cleaner instead of a razor. I would have never thought of a razor!
Popping over from the DIY Show Off!
Hi Kami! What a cool idea! I bought a Dollar Store mirror a couple weeks ago, but I have been unsure of what to do with it. I'm going to give this a try!
What a fun project!
What a great idea. I love it. I found you on Made By You Mondays. I became a follower. Stop by my blog at http://www.therapeuticcrafting.blogspot.com
Wow! Super creeeeeepy….but very cool. Love it~
This is so cool! i've always wanted to know how to make one of these.
http://enikoko.blogspot.com/
What a cute idea! Happy spooking!
Hi Kami! What a spooky update. I love the scraped mirror effect – I really want to try this. Hope you have a wonderful halloween! Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase – I greatly appreciate it! So nice to 'meet' you! ~ Stephanie Lynn
I prefer cute…not creepy.
Wow, I really wish I could find a mirror like that! I linked to this project on this week's Link Love post on FaveCrafts: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/link-love-last-minute-halloween/
This is such a great idea!
Love this project! I'm going to have to try something like this for next year. I think I'm done crafting for Halloween this year.
I love Jane Austen. This would be a great project to go with Northanger Abbey. I have a Jane Austen Room (AKA my bedroom)I may try this.
Great idea. I really like this craft, and it can be used in different ways for other occasions.
Thanks for sharing,
Michele
Love this idea!! Looks cool!! Thanks for sharing. I like the whimsical with a little spooky.
Debbie
What a great idea!
I *love* this project!!
Wonderful tutorial. I will remember this one. I love visiting all of these fun parties.
You could also color photocopy the image. That way, the old book can stay intact.
It would probably be more scary if it wasn't Jane Austen… hehe 🙂 I love the project, though.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing project.
I might try this out if I find a creepy enough frame but I was thinking after scraping it I would use some steel wool to fade out the scrape marks.
Love it!
Such an interesting and creative piece of work!
Using oven cleaner and a scratchy (steel wool or something or that sort) works really well to get the mirror coating off too. Just let the cleaner sit for a bit then wipe off with some effort. 🙂
Whoah. That’s a pretty cool Halloween DIY project. I think I will share this with my kids.
Hi! Found your project on Women’s Day, and featured it on my blog. Hope that’s OK: http://dearcrissy.com/halloween-craft-idea-spooky-mirror/
Cant wait to try this!
I love St. George too, but the one year I went there the neighbor kids said it wasn’t even Halloween for them – talk about pressure. I like cute for the house but Halloween night we like to add a little spooky.
Howdy! StumbleUpon just brought me here, and while I see that I’m *way* late to the game, I thought I’d let you know that you can accomplish the same effect on mirrors by spraying the backs with oven cleaner, and leaving it sit, then rubbing the mirror paint off, instead of scraping.
Saves you some irritating noise to listen to! I can’t stand the sound of razor on glass.
Cheers!
Hey do you have any tips in scraping the back of the mirror? LOVE this idea!
I finished mine! I found sandpaper was very helpful to get the metallic part under the black backing.
Defintely the spooky! The more frightening the better!!! Any other ideas on frightening DIY Halloween crafts and foods please let me know :)~
I’m so happy with the one I did!
Here’s a link to mine:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206226127265532&set=pcb.10206226127425536&type=3&theater
Hi Paulette!
I’m so happy you made one! Maybe if you pinned the image – I can’t view it on Pinterest. Or you could email it to me!
I love these mirrors! So cute! Do you mind if I feature this in a roundup post on my site? I am a teen blogger over at suchasweetheart.com. Let me know! 🙂