HOW TO: Build a Mirrored Changing Screen with Pin Boards on Back

Difficulty
Intermediate
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Super cute room divider changing screen, with mirrors on one side and pinboards on back.  Make from store bought wall mirrors!  Free plans by ANA-WHITE.com

Hello, Happy Friday!  You know what every Friday in the 12 weeks before Christmas means, right?

It's Handbuilt Holiday - featuring a new gift plan created by me (not usually that serious) and Jaime from That's My Letter.

On our top secret list of Holiday plans to give you this season was a changing screen inspired by this adorable find at Land of Nod.

Isn't it darling?  With the mirror on one side, and the fabric pin board on the other?  I know my daughter would love for me to build her something like this too!

Jaime and I decided to try and keep the cost down we'd use store bought wall mirrors, about $6 each, even up here in Alaska.  I know building is fun, but we are always thinking of way to keep project costs down - so you can build more projects of course.

So Jaime picked up these mirrors from Target (most any full length wall mirror would work), and I got started on the plans.

Now nothing makes more more frusturated than dimensions that are slightly over my favorite numbers - 16", 24", 32" and 48".  I can feel my heart beating faster just thinking about it.  Here's why - let's say you need to cut a piece of plywood 48-1/2" long instead of 47-1/2" long.  Now you need a full sheet instead of a half sheet.  That means you have to spend twice as much money just for an extra inch of plywood.  See why I get so worked up?  Friends don't let friends do that.

The Target mirrors happened to be 49-5/8" long.  Our original plan was to use 1/2" plywood inside the frames and glue the mirrors and the fabric panels to the 1/2" plywood.  But with the 49-5/8" measurement, you'd have to buy a whole sheet of plywood.  Now mind you scrap wood isn't always a bad thing - if you are always building, there's no shame in being a wood hoarder.  

So we re-worked this plan a few times, and this is what we came up with for about $65 plus fabric (you'll need about 1-1/2" yards) -

 

So here's what to do to make your own.  First go check out Jaime from That's My Letter's building post right now (with lots more construction photos and beauty shots) and give her some love!  Then when you go to build, the plans follow (if this is the homepage you'll need to click READ MORE below).

Have the awesomest weekend ever!

XO Ana + Friends

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

7 - 1x2x10

3 - vertical door mirrors (http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-white-framed-mirror/-/A-13568567?lnk=rec|pdp|viewed_viewed|pdpv1)

cardboard

1 - tube construction adhesive

4 - 2” hinges

1 - crib size batting

fabric

staples

1 1/4” brad nails

1 1/4” pocket hole screws

Common Materials
Cut List

INNER FRAMES

6 - 1x2 @ 49-5/8"

12 - 1x2 @ 10-1/2"

 

OUTER FRAMES

6 - 1x2 @ 54"

6 - 1x2 @ 13-1/2"

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Staple Gun
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Drill 3/4" pocket holes with your Kreg Jig on each end of the 10-1/2" long 1x2s.  Attach with glue to the 49-5/8" long 1x2s.  This inner frame should be the same size as the mirrors.

To attach the outer frame in later steps, drill 3/4" pocket holes facing outward on the frame.

Step 2

Staple cardboard over the back of the mirror frame. Add batting to the back, and then wrap the entire back with fabric and staple to the mirror side of the frame.

Step 3

Build the outer frame with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.  Place inner frame inside and attach through the pocket holes you drilled in step 1 (or you can attach from outside with 1-1/4" nails).

Step 4

Apply construction adhesive to the inner frame on the mirror side and place mirror inside.  Let fully dry.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

abluefox

Wed, 03/23/2016 - 21:47

This idea is so great!! I hope I can make this one crying Thank you very much for sharing. Perhaps I will find someone makes it for me :3 Need a mirror but it's better with a room divider