Things You'll Need
- Semi-transparent mirror
- Mirror
- Tracing paper
- Pencil
- 1-by-4 boards
- Handsaw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- DC transformer
- Copper wiring
- Tape
- Wire cutters
- Hand-held soldering tool
- Solder
- Wood glue
- Liquid nails for mirrors
Introduction
An infinity mirror is an optical illusion accomplished by using two mirrors. When an object is placed between the two mirrors, the mirrors reflect the object back and forth between them, making it look like an infinite number of objects exists, moving into infinity. An infinity mirror hung in your home makes an instant conversation starter, and is a relatively simple optical illusion to create.
Step 1
Purchase a semi-transparent mirror and a regular mirror. The regular mirror needs to be the same size as the semi-transparent mirror. Take both mirrors to your local glass shop to have the mirrors cut to size.
Step 2
Lay one of the mirrors on a large piece of tracing paper. Trace around the mirror with a pencil, then set the mirror aside. Lay 1-by-4 boards next to the tracing and mark the mirror's length and width on the boards. Cut the boards to the proper lengths with a handsaw.
Step 3
Drill a hole through one of the strip's ends. Use a drill bit approximately the same width as the DC transformer's cord.
Step 4
Form the boards into the shape of the mirror. Run two strips of thin copper wiring along the inside of the boards. Start the wiring on the board with the hole drilled through it. Use a piece of tape to hold the copper strips to the boards. Place each strip about ¼ inch in from the board's edges.
Step 5
Use wire cutters to cut the LED light's metal ends to approximately ½ inch long. Spread the metal ends out and place one end on each copper wire. Place one light every 1 to 2 inches.
Step 6
Solder each LED to the copper wiring, using a hand-held soldering tool. Hold the solder over the location where the metal ends touch the copper wiring. Heat the solder with the soldering tool and place a dab of solder over the connection. Repeat for each connection.
Step 7
Run a strip of wood glue along the boards' edges. Push the edges together and wait for the wood glue to dry.
Step 8
Insert the DC transformer's cord through the hole you drilled in Step 3. Bend the cord towards the copper wiring's ends. Spread the cable's two ends apart. Solder one end to one copper wire strip and the other end to the other copper wire strip.
Step 9
Lay the normal mirror on a flat surface. Spread a bead of liquid nails for mirrors around the mirror's edges. Place the wood border over the mirror. Spread a bead of liquid nails for mirrors around the wood border's edges. Lay the semi-transparent mirror on top of the wood border.
Tips
- Paint the wood border's outer edges to match your decor immediately after cutting the strips.
- Instead of soldering LEDs to copper wiring, drill holes through the wood border and wrap a strand of Christmas lights around it, pushing one light through each drilled hole.
Robin Gonyo - Robin Gonyo has been writing for several years now. She has a deep love for gardening and has spent a vast amount of time researching that ...
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