October Make and Take #1: Altered mirror compact

[Elaine]

Welcome to Make and Take #1!

In keeping with the "All About You" theme, we'll be making an altered mirror compact.

Step 1: Find a flat compact that doesn't have any rounded or beveled edges. I used one I had gotten free at a vendor fair.



Step 2: Choose a paper for the outside of the compact and a paper for the inside of the compact. (You may want to choose a color that doesn't clash with your compact, because some parts of the compact will show when it's done.)

Step 3: Open the compact and lay flat on your patterned paper. Trace around the edges of the compact and cut out. Now you'll need to cut this piece into two pieces (one piece for the front of the compact and one piece for the back). It's best to use a paper trimmer for this step, because you want it to be completely straight. Ink edges if desired.


Step 4: Glue to the front and back of the compact (I used a glue stick).

Step 5: Using your second patterned paper, trace around the lid of the compact only and cut this piece out. The lid of the compact will need to fit inside the bottom of the compact, so the paper will end up needing to be a little bit smaller than the actual lid. How I got the right size was to set my cut out piece of paper right on top of the mirror (face down and no adhesive). Then I pushed the piece into the bottom of the compact and used my thumbnail to wedge it into the bottom and crease the paper all around the inside edge of the compact in the exact shape of the bottom of the compact. Then I removed it and cut around the line formed by the crease. Ink edges if desired.


Step 6: Place this same piece back on top of the mirror face down fitting it in exactly. Spread adhesive on the back side of the paper (which should be facing up). Then close the compact tightly and squeeze it together. When you open it, the paper should be glued to the inside of the lid in exactly the right spot.


Step 7: Trim off any excess paper hanging off the edges.

Step 8: Decorate the front of your compact with embellishments.


Step 9: Decorate the inside of the compact. I put "Hello Gorgeous" on the inside of mine, because I thought it would make me smile when I opened it. Another idea I considered was "Mirror mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in the land." You could also put a small picture of one of your family members and have a word bubble that said "Hello". Whatever you choose, make sure it is very flat. Otherwise, the lid won't close.


I also toyed with the idea of decorating the mirror itself with a rubon or a small diecut. But in the end, I decided not to.

I don't know if this would survive being thrown in a purse. Maybe if it was in a makeup bag. I am going to keep mine in my desk drawer at work.
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[frazier]

omg this is so cute! way to alter Elaine!!!!
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Sue Frazier
MW 458287
Teamworks Member
Business Specialist

[Elaine]

[shillrtr]

Cute project Elaine!!!!! This is an awesome idea for m&t. It is quick, easy, doesn't require much supplies. And best of all, this is something that will be used over and over and over.......................Nice job!!
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MW#454542

[kouza99]

That is too cute!!!
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Kinsey