Framed mirror with cut branches

Being able to make use of branches from your own garden (or from a friend's garden) means that you can make these framed mirrors for next to nothing - and they look stunning in a bathroom.

 

davefox.com

Choose branches that are roughly around the same size and they should be fairly thin branches without any offshoots. The easiest and quickest way to cut the branches is to use a mitre saw. Be sure to clamp the branches securely when cutting.

If you don't have a mitre saw you could also use a Dremel MultiTool for cutting the sections. And while a handsaw will also work, be prepared to put in some time and effort to cut all the pieces you will need.

Cut all the sections to the same thickness unless you are looking for a more rustic finish, in which case it doesn't matter. Use a piece of 120-grit sandpaper to sand away any roughness after cutting and then sand again with 240-grit sandpaper for a nice smooth finish.

You can apply the cut branches directly onto the mirror with 5-minute epoxy glue, or make up a SupaWood frame to fit around your mirror and apply the branches onto this. To finish off, apply Plascon clear varnish over the wood blocks.