gardentricks
Mirror magic
This delightful garden mirror creates the illusion of a window opening
onto a distant landscape. It’s simply created by framing a mirror with
recycled timber and adding angled perspective inlays.
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
■ 600 x 900m mirror panel
■ 1 50 x 35mm recycled
hardwood timber
■ Recycled hardwood palings
■ 45mm and 75mm galvanised
screws
■ Handles for exterior use (2)
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
Clear mirror-grade silicone; drill
and bits; spirit level; two 100mm
concrete screws
HERE’S HOW
STEP 1
Cut 1 50mm hardwood
into 50mm strips. Cut strips
to lengths suitable for creating
mirror frame. The frame must be
of a size that allows mirror panel
to fit snugly inside. Predrill ends
and use 75mm screws to join,
creating a butt-jointed frame.
STEP 2
To support mirror, cut
palings to fit around rear perimeter
of frame. Predrill and screw to
frame. Apply a bead of silicone to
face of palings inside frame, ease
mirror into position (back facing
down) and press firmly in place.
STEP 3
Each ‘shutter’ extends
300mm into mirror frame. Using
50mm hardwood strips, cut tops
and bottoms for shutters with
a 10° angle at each end. Each
piece should angle from corner
towards centre. Also plane down
the back of timber to allow for
thickness of mirror.
STEP 4
Put top and bottom
pieces in position and measure
the lengths for the ends closest
to sides and centres. Cut with the
same 10° angle, then assemble
shutters on a flat surface. Predrill
and use 75mm screws to join.
Attach handles, then position
in mirror frame. Predrill through
frame before fixing together
with 75mm screws.
STEP 5
Drill holes through top
of finished frame for hanging
points. Position frame in desired
location, mark wall, drill for
screw-bolts, then screw bolts
into wall through frame.
For project supplies,
see Stockists page
U L L r r r r
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BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, APRIL 2011 bhg.com.au
Photography Adam Woodhams; garden design Jarret Clynick; scenic art Mark Dixon, 0439 181 296
