TwoFeetFirst: DIY Sunburst Mirror

I am really excited about this project because I am in love with wooden sunburst/starburst mirrors. I just had to post about it before it has even found a home on my wall. Here is my lovely sunburst mirror!!!

After see a couple on the internet, I wanted one and I wanted something on the lines of this example.

Image Source

Supplies Need:

#4 - Wood Shims (at least #12 to a pack)

10" Candle Mirror

Wood Glue
Liquid Nails

Wood Stain/Paint (Optional)
Polyurethane (I still need to do this on my mirror, I told you I was excited about it)

Saw
Round Backing (Plywood would work)

I found my wood shims at the Home Depot because they are a little bit bigger and have more colors in the wood.

Take the wrapping off all your shims and you will have a pretty pile of wood (I love the red in the wood).

I decided to have 11 sets of my pattern around the mirror (you can do more or less, just keep in mind you could need more shims). I then decided on the spacing between the shims and marked #11 shims 1/2" from the top. Then I marked #22 shims 1" from the top. Then take one shim marked at 1/2" and two shims marked at 1", place a number on all three shims, this is a set (Because I decided on 11 sets, I marked 1-11 on my shims).

Place your three shims with the same number at the angle you want them and trace a line on one shim (This is were the lines come in to play, place the top of the two 1" marked shims on the 1/2" line of the third shim. Make sure the corners are about 1/4" into the third shim). The line you just traced is were you are going to cut to make your shims flush.

Take the marked shims to the saw and cut along the line.

Now take your shims sets and glue them together, make sure they have the same numbers. (I used tape to hold them into place and them let them sit for about an hour)

Now its time to decide the spacing on your mirror. Take #11 shims (that are not marked) and place around the mirror spacing them all the same. Mine were about 4" away from the mirror and spaced about 1 1/4" apart.

This is what they will look like after the mirror is moved.

Now place your shim sets on. (I cut my shims sets one more time but I would wait to do this after you place all your shims together because I cut some wrong).

Decide how far you want your sets from the other shims. Your 1" line could come to play now.

I found that I liked 1/2" from all sides and because of me cutting a little to much. Now that you have decided on your placement, you can cut your sets down a little bit more to make things level or just leave them. Place your mirror on to see if you like your spacing.

Now take your backing/plywood and cut to size. (I used a 4"x24" piece of wood that I cut in half. After finishing the mirror I would make sure the backing is round and somewhere around 12" all around, for this size mirror. Round backing will make it easier to put together.)

Now that you have decided on spacing its time to put your mirror together. Its time to get out the liquid nails (This stuff is really strong, I used it for my garage threshold and I drive over it every day!).

Place your backing down and then place your #11 unmarked shims onto the backing. Spacing them like you decided earlier, make sure you place your mirror down just to check things. Then trace were the shims should go on the backing. Place your liquid nails in-between the lines.

Place the shims back on board giving them some pressure.

Now place your shim sets on top. Space them like you decided on earlier, make sure you test with the mirror. Then place the liquid nails under the sets. You can place something heavy on top of the shims and let them set or you can add the mirror. I had to add the mirror because my backing was making it hard, that's why there is a lot of liquid nails in the middle of the picture.