This past summer I fell in love with the captain’s mirror (or sailor mirror). I came very close to buying an adorable one on sale at Potter Barn Kids, but couldn’t quite place it in the budget at that time. However, once I saw this beautifully done tutorial on making one with an Ikea Grundtal Mirror, I started plotting.. I finally bought the mirror from Ikea and painted it copper.
Then I debated how I wanted to hang it, leather or rope? If rope, then what would be the best way to attach it? Then one day I was at Lowes looking in their rope accessories section and saw small boat cleats for ~$1.50. That was it! I knew they’d perfectly glue to the sides AND they’d look great with a thinner rope fashioned around them in a cleat hitch. I bought 9ft of black nylon rope and three cleats for a whopping $9.
I lined the mirror with paper(tape underneath) and spray painted it with Rustoleum’s Hammered Copper Spray Paint. {I have Rustoleum’s Metallic Copper Spray paint coming in the mail, which will probably be brighter. I’ll do a comparison for you when it arrives.) Then I took the two cleats and hot glued them to the sides.
Why do I have the image over my thumb nail?? Well, about 2 months ago I fully shut my thumb in a car door. Ouuuch. Recently the nail fell off and I’m regrowing something that resembles a finger nail, but not quite.. And since I have to take pictures with my right hand, I’m having a hard time covering up the grossness, thus the image. Your welcome! ;)
After I glued the cleats on and decided where I would hang the mirror on the wall. The mirror actually mounts to the wall and the rope is purely decoration, not weight bearing. I found the right spot for the upper cleat and screwed it into the wall, then wrapped the rope around it and the side cleats using the cleat hitch.
I ended up cutting off about 2 inches of rope on either side and searing the fraying ends with a lighter before tucking them up.
Fun fact about myself: Throughout high school I worked as a deckhand on Paraclete Charters, a boat taxi in the San Juan Islands. We’d take people to their homes on private islands; see killer whales, seals, and porpoises; and experience the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. It was the most beautiful job I could’ve asked for growing up! Hence, the boat cleats in this project make me feel happy and nostalgic :) Do you boat? Have you been to the San Juans? Share your stories with me in the comments below!
Moose, our Australian Shepherd pup, is 7 months old now!! He wasn’t thrilled to be in the shoot to say the least. (Check out my instagram feed on the side to see all the tricks he’s learned and the lovely adventures we’ve had!)
He’s a handsome pumpkin weighing in at over 47lbs right now (& still growing)!
I hope you enjoyed this DIY copper captain’s mirror tutorial! $38 for the mirror; $9 for the spray paint; $9 for the accessories = $56
{Linking to Link it or Lump it// Frugal Home Blog Hope // Off the Hook Mondays}
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Sarah @ Little Red Brick House says
So, so cool, Karisa! This looks fantastic! I am obsessed with copper right now and am seriously considering making one of theses.
Erica says
Girl, your house is coming together and I’m in love. It looks straight out of a magazine! I had no idea you worked on a boat taxi – that’s a pretty sweet gig :) Ps. Moose is HUGE! Ohmygoodness!
Petite Modern Life says
Thanks Erica!! Piece by slow piece! And the pup is just ginormous!!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
This is SO COOL!! Our bedroom is sort of sailor-ish, and I’ve wanted to do something with a mirror. This would look awesome! Pinning. :)
Petite Modern Life says
That’s great, I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for stopping by Amanda!
Emily @ Table + Hearth says
I’ve been needing a larger friend for a leather-wrapped mirror I got back in May and we’re going to Ikea next weekend, so add this to the project list too!!! And I love the cleats too, we have two boats and fish all the time so any nautical touches are right up my alley :) We actually have three framed algae prints hanging from rope and cleats in our master bedroom!
Petite Modern Life says
That sounds gorgeous! I really do want to add some more leather accents around the home… Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for stopping by emily :)
Carrie This Home says
Your pup is so cute Karissa! I love your sense of style and the mirror really adds a lot of character to the room. Thanks for sharing this at the Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop–this will be one of my features at our next party! Yay!
Petite Modern Life says
Hey Thanks Carrie! I’m glad I found your fun site! And wow thanks for the feature, truly I’m honored :)
Colleen Pastoor says
This is gorgeous! I love the copper look and my hubby would be thrilled to use boat cleats anywhere in our decor.
Petite Modern Life says
Wow thanks Colleen! And thanks for stopping by :)
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design says
Another fabulous project! We are featuring this tonight at Found & Foraged!!! xo, Laura
Petite Modern Life says
Woop woop! Thanks Laura :) I’m honored!
Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus says
Love this tutorial and that leather couch in the background! So good together. Pinning!
Petite Modern Life says
You’re so sweet! Thanks Ashley!
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says
This turned out great! I love captains mirrors.
Petite Modern Life says
Thank you Jennifer I appreciate it!
Janet says
Love the look of this mirror (and also the cost). Just curious how sturdy is the hot glue in keeping the cleats on? I realize the mirror is mostly being held up by the back and not the rope, but did you have any trouble keeping the cleats in place after you tired on the rope and put it up?
Petite Modern Life says
Hi Janet!
I’ve had this mirror up for about 6 months now and the cleats haven’t budged. It has even been tested here and there by my cats standing on the chair and pawing at the glass (weirdos…) I hope that helps!
Janet says
Great to know, thanks! (Especially w/ the cat test as we also have 2 who like to get into stuff)
Petite Modern Life says
Of course!