This Creative Upcycle Turns An Old Food Tray Into A Quirky And Totally Charming Mirror

Creative DIYers know how to turn all kinds of random objects into treasures. Whether it is something found around the house or picked up at a thrift store, some of the coolest projects are made from the strangest items. For example, if you find yourself with an old food tray, like the ones used in school cafeterias, or a children's plate with divided sections, you have unknowingly stumbled upon a fantastic frame for a DIY mirror. By gluing pieces of glass in the segments, you can both upcycle old mirrors around the house by cutting them for this project and turn an unused tray into unique decor.

While the finished result may not seem overly complex, you will need to cut glass to size, which can be difficult and requires some special tools. For the glass cutting, you will need a mirror, a glass cutter, cutting oil, a straightedge, square-headed pliers, a dowel, sandpaper or a sharpening stone, safety glasses, and work gloves. Additionally, grab your food tray, some spray paint, a hot glue gun, paper, a pencil, and scissors. Glass cleaner and additional decorative items of your choice are also important to achieve a finished look.

If you don't have a usable tray and want to try out this project, check for secondhand options online and in your local thrift stores. Used options should be even less expensive, but plastic divided lunch trays often cost around $5 to $7 new for a single unit. New kids' divided trays can cost as little as $1. For a more chic and natural look, compartmentalized wooden serving trays are a lovely alternative.

Once you have your materials, start by pressing a piece of paper into each segment of the tray so you can trace and cut out the shapes to serve as templates. Double-check that the cut paper lies flat against the bottom of each segment without touching the sides. Next, clean your mirror and glass cutting tools thoroughly, as dust and residue can ruin cuts. You may need aluminum foil to help you bring new life into a worn-down mirror. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles for protection from any shards. 

Then, place the paper templates on your mirror and trace the shape using a marker. Put your mirror on a flat surface with a fabric cushion beneath it to reduce unwanted breaks. Use your glass cutter to score the glass using even, medium pressure and a single, unbroken line. Gently set the mirror on a dowel or table edge along the score, and press down on the other side with one hand to break it. Pliers can break off any smaller pieces left, and smooth the edges with your sandpaper or sharpening stone.

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For the tray, choose a spray paint designed for use on plastic. Bright colors complement the interesting shapes well, but neutrals also work. Check out TikTok's time-saving tips to make spray paint projects a breeze. Apply in light coats, and when it is completely dry, use hot glue to adhere the mirror pieces to their corresponding segment. Puffy paint or other materials to create a border around the mirrors can make them look more integrated. Clean the mirrors again, and enjoy.