Sunburst Mirror

I have fallen in love with do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, especially the ones for the home.  When I came upon http://decoratingcents.blogspot.com/2012/05/sunburst-in-dining-room.html, I wanted to make three variations for my apartment.  Then I thought wouldn't this be such a knock-out project for the kids to do, and one that would impress their parents.  Those paint sticks are free, but try asking for a quantity of stirrers for 23 kids.  You're right.  I had to do some traveling to different paint stores and hit Home Depot and Lowe's on several occasions.  BUT IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

 

It is amazing to me how much little people are capable of doing if we just give the opportunities and have the trust and confidence that they can contribute much.  These children are kindergartners and they are handling the hot gun on their own for the first time.  In the past, I have accidentally burned myself and them on a number of projects, but it is inspiring to me that they don't encapsulate the fear associated with being hurt.  I LOVE them!

These mirrors were modified.  As you can note, the sunburst does not have as many spokes as in Decorating Cents.  Before the kids began, I asked them to consider the color scheme in their bedroom, or whatever room they wanted to mirror to be hung in.

Believe me, the parents were absolutely surprised.  They had accomplished a BIG work, an adult work. :)

And the kids were proud of their work!

Supplies:

1. paint stirrers
2, mirrors
3. hot glue gun
4. picture hanger
5. wire cutters

Directions:
1. paint stirrers (16)
2. cut rounded part of paint stirrers off with wire cutters (8)
3. stain sticks (we used water colors)
4. let dry overnight
5. mark back of mirror in quarters so kids have north, south,east, west directions
6. hot glue 4 stirrers with rounded handles in clock fashion
7. hot glue another 4 stirrers with rounded handles in between
8. hot glue the 8 cut paint stirrers in between the long paint stirrers
9. screw picture hanger onto back

Duration:
This project takes two days for the kids to complete.  You need to add extra day for the cutting of the paint stirrers.