Copper Pipe Pineapple Mirror DIY

It’s mid-winter but the pineapple trend is going strong, so why not embrace a more tropical outlook and make your very own pineapple-esque sculptural mirror. This was one of those projects I couldn’t stop thinking about once it popped into my head, and I know very few people who couldn’t use another interesting mirror in their house! It’s a fairly easy project as long as you’re comfortable with a power drill and have a steady hand. I finished mine in about an hour minus dry time for the paint. It’s already got me dreaming of the beach!

Supplies:
–pine oval plaque-9″ x 12″ x .63″
–oval glass mirror w/scalloped edge 8″ x 10″
-3/8″ x 2′ type L, hard length copper pipe
-pipe cutter
-super glue
-copper metallic paint
-foam brush
-pen
-power drill
-3/16″ drill bit
-5/16″ drill bit
-3/8″ drill bit
–sawtooth picture hanger
-hammer

Step One: Prep your oval wood by marking five points along the top of the plaque so that they are about 1.5″ apart.

Step Two: Carefully drill into your wood on all five marks with the 3/16 drill bit so that your holes are about 1/2″ deep. This will ensure you have more control over where you drill and will avoid splitting your wood. Follow up by switching to a 5/16″ drill bit to enlarge each drilled hole. Finally, switch to your largest drill bit, 3/8″, and enlarge each hole again. Be sure all holes are being drilled straight up and down so you don’t split your wood.

Step Three: Cut your pipe with your pipe cutter so you end up with one 6″ piece, two 5″ pieces, and two 4″ pieces. This is a good time to attach your sawtooth picture hanger to the back with your hammer so nothing is damaged in the next few steps. I flipped my plaque so that the beveled edge wasn’t showing because I wanted a cleaner line. So I attached my hanger to the beveled edge side.

Step Four: Paint your plaque with two coats of acrylic metallic paint and set it aside to dry.

Step Five: Once your paint is dry, remove the tiny foam feet from the back of your mirror and apply a liberal amount of super glue to the back of the mirror. Center it over your wood and press firmly without dripping your glue. You’ll obviously need to work quickly on this part so be extra careful.

Step Six: Attach each copper pipe cutting into its appropriate hole with a little super glue to help keep it in place. Be aware that you want all of your pipes to be pointing at consistent angles in case you need to hold them in place while the glue hardens.

The copper pipes will develop a patina over time, but you can easily refresh their shine by rubbing a little lemon juice over them with a cotton ball.

Hang your charming new mirror and enjoy daydreaming of warmer weather and tropical drinks! Turn your mirror sideways and drill a few more holes on the top and bottom and you’ll have an eye mirror. Try it with a circular plaque and mirror for a sunburst effect. There are so many mirrors to be made!