Love how the universe works. Sometimes, something broken or discarded gets a second chance—and becomes even more special than it was before.
Take this week’s DIY project, for example: a neighbor accidentally broke a pottery piece full of sentimental value. So, we used its parts, along with other Goodwill-found treasures, to create a mirror that’s both a statement and a sentiment.
Now this pottery shines brightly on the wall—moved from the cabinet to center stage. Thanks to Holly for the chance to turn this “oops” into “awesome” as a gift for her hubby. Happy Anniversary!
Here’s How:
1. Find Your Good (and Your Foundation)
The mirror featured here was picked up for less than $10 at Goodwill and went home with me because the frame was solid with interesting details. The glass had a beveled edge—an instant touch of elegance. Goodwill always has an interesting array of mirrors in all shapes and sizes—certainly to reflect your taste!
While the pottery was provided by my friend, you can always pick up interesting plates, pottery, or bowls from Goodwill to transform into mosaic pieces. Accent items like glass globes, stones, jewelry bits, and even a child’s fairy crown/headpiece (like the one I used here!) are all waiting for a second act.
2. Prep & Paint
Clean your mirror, then give the frame a fresh coat of white paint—inside edge, outside edge, the whole shebang. The original red was nice, but the crisp white brightens everything and will make your mosaic pop.
3. Design the Layout
Play with placement before you commit. I grouped the browns and golds for warmth, then sprinkled in clear and frosted glass globs for sparkle. The fairy crown bits? Those were the icing—a nod to whimsy and love.
Expert tips:
- Take a photo of your layout so you can recreate it later when pieces get moved.
- If your pottery parts are too large or uneven, wrap them in a towel and gently tap them with a hammer to create smaller shapes. This gives you more creative control (and is oddly satisfying!).
4. It’s a Grout Time
Pre-mixed grout makes this step easy. I chose a warm tan that matched the pottery—when dry, it looked just like beach sand. (Instant vacation vibes!)
Use a small plastic knife or spoon to scoop the grout into the frame borders, then smooth it out with a putty knife.
5. Apply Your Pieces with Care—and Fun
Press the larger pottery shards into the grout first—they’re the stars of the show. Then add the supporting cast: glass globs, small stones, heart charms, even bits of jewelry.
Cut up the fairy crown and scatter its tiny leaves, blooms, and diamonds for magic and motion. Fill gaps evenly and smooth rough spots with your fingers.
6. Dry with a Breeze
A small fan is your best friend here. Think gentle ocean breeze, not hurricane. The grout firms up like sun-dried sand—and that’s a good thing.
7. Tidy & Touch Up
Once the grout is dry, repaint the frame edges to sharpen things up. If some white paint sneaks onto the grout, don’t worry—blend it later with a light tan or gold wash to make it look intentional, not accidental.
8. Add the Golden Glow
When dry, lightly brush metallic gold along select grout lines or raised spots. Just a whisper of shimmer ties the whole piece together, giving it a custom, jewelry-box finish.
9. Seal & Shine
Finish with a light spritz of satin polyurethane. It unifies the textures, softens the sheen, and protects your handiwork.
A Final Reflection
What began as a thrift store mirror is now a story of transformation—not just for the object, but for all of us, too. Creating with found and gifted materials is a great reminder that beauty doesn’t begin with perfection; it begins with possibility. Every piece—even a broken one–has potential.
This unique and special mirror will soon head to its new home—a gift filled with love, sparkle, and a little divine order. And that’s the true reflection of Finding Your Good & Goodwill.
Similar Reads:
- DIY: How to Upcycle a Mirror to Reflect Your Pride
- DIY: How to Use Plants & Paint to Upcycle a Mirror
Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
