Instructions

1. Paint Mirror Frame: (Optional) If frame is black, proceed to Step 2. Since frame will show from the sides, paint frame black as follows: In a well-ventilated area, protect work area with newspapers. Lightly sand frame to create tooth on the surface. Wipe off with soft cloth. To protect mirror, use tape to cover mirror area with newspapers. Spray frame with primer and let dry. Spray frame black and let dry.
2. Cut Foam Board: Use X-ACTO Knife and ruler on Self-Healing Cutting Mat to cut Foam Board into 20" x 24" piece. (Hint: Score lightly first and then press more firmly to cut deeper, with several passes of the knife. Replace blades often.) Use pencil and ruler to measure and mark 4 in on all sides to create a 12" x 16" centered rectangle. Use X-ACTO Knife on Cutting Mat to cut out opening.
3. Edge Frame: Practice this step on center opening that was removed from frame, before working directly on frame. Work carefully to prevent injury. Use X-ACTO Knife to cut along the Foam Board frames front, outside edge (right along the 90% edge) with irregular scallops, similar to the way you would pare an apple. Still working on the frame front, cut a similar edge around the frame opening. Use same technique on back, cutting outside and opening of Foam Board frame.  Last, go back along the outside edge to cut away a few larger pieces that makes the profile less straight. Brush and smooth away any Foam Board crumbs.
4. Make Stripes: Replace blade in X-ACTO Knife. Also practice this step on the removed center opening, before working on frame. Refer to photo and use pencil to sketch irregular stripes with pointed ends and connecting to one another, onto Foam Board frame along bottom and going partly up sides. Use X-ACTO Knife to cut along sketched lines, going only about half way down into the foam. Use point of X-ACTO Knife to remove top paper layer of stripes.  Gently scrape Knife blade inside the stripe areas to rough up and remove small chucks of foam. Brush away any Foam Board crumbs.
5. Spray Foam Board Frame: To provide a finish, spray Foam Board frames front and edges with two coats of gloss finish. Let dry.
6. Attach Foam Board Frame: Use sandpaper to rough only the top surface of the black-painted mirror frame in the area that will be in contact with the Foam Board frame. Apply Craft Bond Ultra Stix All to sanded area on mirror frame, flip over and press onto back side of Foam Board frame. Let dry.