mirror mirror

I think I mentioned before that we recently* snagged an awesome mirror from a garage sale** here in Old Town.

*I'm embarrassed to realize that that was actually four months ago now. We're really on top of things.

**it was technically the sidewalk in front of someone's townhouse.

Anyway, it needs some serious attention, but I think it's going to be worth it. I'm all for keeping things real, so here it is in its current unloved condition (on top of Darcy's crate. Like I said, all about keeping things real):

Besides the obvious next steps (getting mirrors cut for those spots where they've fallen out), I was kind of at a loss for how to refinish it. It's a wooden frame, but not good wood that could be stripped and re-stained. And there's an odd texture to the circular part that made me nervous about how painting it would look. 

But then I found this DIY that made the heavens open and gave direction to my aimless wanderings. 

It seems perfect for what I'm working with! Wood filler can help even out some of the rough patches in the frame, and the leafing will be more flattering for the odd surfaces than paint. Plus I love the idea of copper. (I'm a gold-loving-gal, but even I know when I'm about to hit my quota in our house.) I think it'll look especially cool against our blue-green walls, if we decide to hang it in the bedroom. 

I'm finishing up a couple of other projects around the house first, but I can't wait to tackle this. But before I do, does anyone have pro tips for working with either wood fillers or metallic leafing? I might be in for a headache with all of those little edges...