How to Make a Mirrored Sun Reflector

Time to complete project:

• 20 minutes to make
• 8 hours for glue to dry

Materials:

• 4 - 1/2" glass tiles
• 8 - 1/2" round mirrors
• 6 - 1/2' square mirrors
• 1 glass, wire-wrapped bead
• 24" of nylon monofilament
• E6000 medium viscosity clear adhesive

Instructions:

• Cut a 24" piece of monofilament.
• Create a loop at the top and knot, leaving 1" piece hanging next to the long length of monofilament.
• Lay monofilament on table with loop at the top.
• Lay 1 glass tile, face down on table and apply a small dab of E6000 glue to the back of the tile.
• Starting at the top of the monofilament, approximately 3/4" from the knot, lay the monofilament along the middle of the tile, pressing it into the glue, making sure that the 1" excess piece of monofilament below the knot is also laying in the glue. Turn the tile so that it's at a diagonal with one corner facing upwards. The monofilament should be placed so that it is in the middle of the tile.
• Place a matching glass tile in the same position as the first tile, with the back of this tile pressed against the back of the first tile and with the monofilament pressed between the two tiles.
• Repeat steps 5 & 6 for 4 sets of round mirrors and 3 sets of square mirrors (starting with the round mirrors), working your way down the length of monofilament. Leave 1" - 2" between each set of mirrors.
• After gluing all of the mirrors, glue the second set of glass tiles after the last set of round mirrors.
• With approximately 2" left at the end of the monofilament, tie a knot large enough so that a bead cannot pass through it.
• String the glass and wire bead onto the end of the monofilament and tie off the wire below the bead so that it cannot slip off the end.
• Keep the entire string flat on the table and let dry for up to 8 hours before picking up the sun reflector by the loop.
• Once dry, hang your mirrored sun reflector in your atrium or garden where the sun will hit it.

Extra Tips:

• Use different size mirrors (such as 3/4", 1", 2" or a combination of several sizes).
• Turn the mirrors in different directions (such as diagonally or squared).
• String multiple beads at the top and bottom of the wire for more color.

Cost of this project: Between $5 - $7 depending on the number of mirrors and beads used.