Homemade Black Mirror

[brymble]

Ok, the obsidian mirrors in witch shops are pretty, but I just couldn't help myself! I just had to make one of the do-it-yourself jobs! (As with most of the rest of my tools.) Has anyone else ever made one of these?

Get an empty picture frame. It should be the kind that can stand, or else make a stand for it out of bent coat-hanger wire. Ornate frames are nice, but personally, I find that I prefer the simpler ones as they're less distracting. (I guess that's the biggest drawback to many of the store-bought pretties: they're so pretty and decorated it distracts from the actual scrying!)

Remove the glass from the frame. Clean it well with vinegar, and allow it to dry or wipe dry with paper towels. (If you wish you can make an infused vinegar using divination herbs and strain it well, but I used the plain ol' vinegar-and-water cleaning solution that I use for my bathroom mirror and chrome.) Place the glass cleanest-side-up (this is the side that will be on the inside of the frame) on newspaper spread on your porch or somewhere outside or well-ventilated. (Please do not use spray paint indoors!) I'm using a quick-drying semi-gloss black that was about $3.40 at True Value. If you wish, you can spray the frame black too, to cut down on distractions. Use at least 3 coats; with a quick-drying paint allow at least 30 minutes between coats. It's better to use several thin coats than one really thick one. Spray evenly in all directions: up-and-down, side-to-side and diagonally both ways.

When both the frame and the glass are completely dry (if you think it's dry, then allow more time!), insert it back into the frame, paint side down, so that you will be gazing at the back of the painted side, through the glass. If you wish, you can paint divination and protection symbols, god/dess-names or words of power along the edges of the frame using white or silver acrylic, but I don't suggest getting fancier than this or it'll be distracting. Keep your black mirror covered with black cloth when not in use.

A use for the black mirror that is secondary to scrying is to use it for spirit communication. Use a red, black or white grease pencil to draw the sigil of the spirit on the glass (make sure it can be completely wiped away when you're done) and gaze through the sigil to the dark surface beneath it. Don't forget to banish thoroughly when you're done! Clean the surface of the glass with vinegar after each use to keep it free of distracting dust and smudges.

[SilverClaw]

I had to look twice your posts reminds me of a youtube video that I watched a week or so ago.

As for making them not yet my plans for making one on Sahmain was ruined with having to move. So once I am unpacked I will be making some. I have three wooden frames already to use.

I am going to be doing something different though instead of using spray paint I will be using Acrylic black paint. There are some things I want to experiment with and see if it is suitable for scrying mirrors.

[EntwinedScylla]

I believe Runesinger had a thread about this exact topic from -yeeeerz- ago. I have made a few DIY black mirrors, including one made with resins, oils and asphaltum.

Unfortunately, Black Mirrors tend to be the items people walk away with more than any other. *grumble*

[brymble]

Originally Posted by SilverClaw

I had to look twice your posts reminds me of a youtube video that I watched a week or so ago.

As for making them not yet my plans for making one on Sahmain was ruined with having to move. So once I am unpacked I will be making some. I have three wooden frames already to use.

I am going to be doing something different though instead of using spray paint I will be using Acrylic black paint. There are some things I want to experiment with and see if it is suitable for scrying mirrors.

The problem I had with acrylic is that it wouldn't go down smoothly, and applying the second coat, even after extensive drying time, would sometimes peel up chunks of the first. In the end, I decided for me, at least, spray paint would be easier, if "unromantic".

[SilverClaw]

Originally Posted by brymble

The problem I had with acrylic is that it wouldn't go down smoothly, and applying the second coat, even after extensive drying time, would sometimes peel up chunks of the first. In the end, I decided for me, at least, spray paint would be easier, if "unromantic".

Ya I can see that happening hmmm will have to go back to the drawing board then

[brymble]

A cheap can of spray paint is only $3.50. Coats evenly, looks great and works fine.

[SilverClaw]

A cheap can of spray paint is only $3.50. Coats evenly, looks great and works fine.

I know but I try to avoid using things that come out of an aerosol cans that is why I was looking at using acrylic. Oh well I will see what happens.