Faux Tortoise Shell Mirror

I stopped in to Todd Romano's lovely store the other day to look at some Bob Collins fabric for a client. While I was there (after getting distracted by the table covered in juicy Christopher Spitzmiller lamps) I noticed this beautiful bamboo mirror in a blue faux finish and couldn't stop thinking about it all day. I started thinking about trying a faux finish on one of my mirrors.




I've had my heart set on trying a tortoise shell finish. And then I saw this amazing table in this month's House Beautiful and I love the idea even more. Miles Redd had it painted to look like green tortoise shell.


I did some googling and came up with this image for inspiration.


The next step is getting the technique down. Does anyone have any experience with tortoise shell faux finish? Or maybe a good book to recommend?

(PS This Ballard mirror (which is 20% off right now!) would be a good choice for a project like this. You'll want to go as simple as possible with the face of the moulding for a more realistic look.)
on

23 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 18, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Consider "The Art of Faux" by Pierre Finkelstein. Though it gives instructions only for red and yellow tortoiseshell it could probably be easily adapted. It's a fabulous sourcebook for all types of painted finishes. The copyright is 1997 so you may have to do an inter-library search.

    An even older (c 1993) but still good source for painted finish instructions is "Classic Paints and Faux Finishes" by Annie Sloan and Kate Gwynn. Not sure where you could find this one. Library?

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  2. Tonia Lee SmithMarch 18, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Gorgeous mirror. I'd be too scared to try that painting technique. You're a bold lady. Happy Weekend!

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  3. UnknownMarch 18, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I adore that blue mirror as is! So unique!

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  4. thelittlesisterMarch 18, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    I used to have a book that taught the technique. Will look to see what I find.

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  5. opera glassMarch 18, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Are we going to be able to see some of your projects anytime soon?

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  6. AnonymousMarch 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    I am in LOVE with tortiose shell. It's my favorite pattern of all time. I know Half-Price Books would have books like this! I'm going to run by and search for these books and try this out.

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  7. pve designMarch 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I would be happy to help you - I could hop in one day to the city- I painted malachite, tortoise, ostrich and the key is in the color palette. It can range from looking faux or real.
    pve

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  8. LaurenMarch 18, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Book: Paint Magic. I once did switch plates and fan blades. It is easy peasy.

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  9. Mrs. HillMarch 18, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I very often just read through all the blogs in my RSS feed, but I wanted to stop today and tell you how truly excited I am about the light bulb y-joiner-thingy tutorial you posted recently.

    I've been looking for a super cool ikea-sorta chandelier for my daughter's bedroom and this is just perfect. So simple, so different, so very cool. Love it.

    I also wanted to take just a second and tell you that my favorite decorating blogs are the ones that do more than just cut-n-paste the same old magazine pictures that everyone has already seen. I'm glad you do what you do. Please keep it up.

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  10. Alexandra Bee BlogMarch 18, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    i just found your blog and am obsessed!! you have such fantastic style!! i'm new to blogging, so please stop by and share any of your blogging wisdom!

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  11. CinnamonInkMarch 18, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    That table is beautiful!

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  12. Kirsten @ Triple Max TonsMarch 18, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    LOVE this idea and that Miles Redd table....no clue on how to DIY that yourself. That tip from "anonymous" might be a good place to start??

    PS I am hosting my first giveaway - a Wrapped To Wear bracelet. If you are interested in entering, here is the link: http://www.triplemaxtons.com/2011/03/wrapped-to-wear-giveaway.html :)

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  13. First House on the RightMarch 18, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Wow looking forward to the end result! Nicolex

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  14. Kristy @ I Design LoveMarch 18, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    That mirror is stunning! I love the tortoise shell also, so sophisticated.

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  15. Barbara PilcherMarch 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    I adore tortoiseshell, too. I faux finished a coffeetable top and it came out very well. I just now looked through my faux finish books and don't see instructions, so I must have found directions from the Web. It involved dripping rubbing alcohol onto the still wet, sponged surface. Contact me and I'll send you a photo so you can decide if you like the look.

    pinkoveralls@diyhomestagingtips.com

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  16. LauraMarch 19, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Hi Jenny. I also went nuts for the Miles Redd tortoiseshell table and wanted to duplicate in my living room. This book had the best instructions I found for achieving this finish: http://www.amazon.com/Paint-Effects-Bible-Recipes-Finishes/dp/1552977188/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2HJO59729D03W&colid=1UH40PFZMDKJD. If you enter tortoiseshell into the "search inside this book" feature there is a good preview of the technique. Can't wait to see your results if you try it.

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  17. airstreamdivaMarch 19, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    This looks like a pretty amazing set of directions: http://www.xrestore.com/Pages/TShell.htm

    good luck!
    t

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  18. designchicMarch 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    The blue faux finish mirror is stunning...hope you can find out how to immulate it!!

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  19. Erin ShanksMarch 20, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    My goodness, how wonderful to live vicariously through you and visit these wonderful places in New York! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

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  20. KristenMarch 20, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    loved all the faux finishes that miles redd used in the house in house beautiful this month! it made me feel cooler about my chosen profession :)

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  21. It's ok to be average!March 23, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    A trading spaces episode from back in the day detailed a method...did some googling and couldn't find the original link, but did find the directions and feedback from someone who tried it.
    http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2151912904/m/4131900509

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  22. Danika HerrickMarch 23, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Jenny,
    Just saw this post. I was a decorative painter for 12 years and have to agree with Anonymous, The Art Of Faux wins hands down.
    I can do a DIY on my blog for you, this technique is actually pretty easy... just need the right tools. I just did a Carerra marble one, & was going to do a malachite next in honor of Kelly Wearstler. Let me know what you want to learn and I will gladly make a video demo for a "How to Happy Hour" series I do.
    -Danika
    www.gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com

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  23. UnknownMarch 25, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    I have no advice sadly but am just dying over that blue version and the tortoise shell as a whole- so so gorgeous!!!

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)