How to Make a Glam-Rock Rope Mirror That Slays on $10 or Less

Christina Raines
3 days ago
3 min read

Mirror, mirror on the wall… why are all the DIY rope mirrors so basic?

Need a summer craft idea that’s kid-approved, budget-friendly, and totally fabulous? This easy DIY glam rope mirror hits all the marks! Made with dollar store finds, this project is the ultimate kid summer craft idea under $10.

Let’s be real. We’ve all seen the same jute-wrapped “coastal farmhouse” mirrors cluttering Pinterest like a beige avalanche. Cute? Maybe. Boring? Definitely. But not today, Satan. Today, we go from Dollar Store to Diva Status with a summer DIY that’s part Barbiecore, part disco fever, and 100% head-turning fabulous.

Whether your little crafters are seven or seventeen, this outrageous rope mirror is the perfect “boredom buster” project that’s fun, fierce, and Insta-ready. Bonus: it's totally doable on a lemonade-stand budget.

What You’ll Need (a.k.a. The Diva Supply List)

All from your local dollar store unless noted otherwise!

1 small round mirror (plastic-framed, 8–10 inches)
Nautical rope (at least 9–12 feet, thick)
Neon paracord (in at least 3 wild colors)
Battery-operated fairy lights (clear wire, warm white or multicolor)
2–3 mini disco ball ornaments
Faux pearl sticker strips or flat-back pearls
1 Barbie or fashion doll (just the head or full doll—your call, no judgment)
Small tuft of hot pink faux fur (from a scrunchie or dollar store keychain)
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Scissors
Mod podge
AA batteries (because dead lights = dead vibes)

How to Make It (Like a Total Craft Rockstar)

Step 1: Wrap and Wow

Glue the nautical rope around the mirror frame in a thick spiral or braid. Leave some rope ends loose at the edges for that dramatic, curly Medusa energy. You’re not just framing a mirror—you’re building a moment.

💡 Pro Diva Tip:

Dip the rope ends in Mod Podge (or any clear craft glue), twist them into fabulous swirls, and let them dry overnight. This gives you strong, sculpted curls that hold their shape like a diva’s perfect hair flip.

Step 2: Cord Couture

Weave neon paracord in and out of the rope like it’s a friendship bracelet gone rogue. Loop it. Twist it. Let it snake wildly. We’re aiming for organized chaos.

Step 3: Light It Up

Wrap the fairy lights around the outer edge of the rope mirror like it’s the finale of a school talent show. Tuck the battery pack behind the mirror with glue or tape.

Step 4: Glam Slam Embellish

Stick pearls wherever you need extra shine. Cluster them. Scatter them. Make it rain. Then hot glue your mini disco balls for that ABBA-at-a-rave sparkle.

Step 5: Barbie Bombshell

Pop a Barbie head into a corner (or perch a full Barbie like she owns the place). This mirror doesn’t reflect reality, it reflects fantasy.

Glue a puff of faux fur onto one side like a glam exclamation point. Optional: spray it with glitter hairspray because we don’t do subtle.

Pro Diva Tips

Let younger kids pre-decorate the rope with markers or paint before wrapping. Neon tiger stripe rope? Yes please.
Add charms, stickers, or even googly eyes if you're going full craft goblin.
No Barbie? Use LOL dolls, My Little Ponies, or even that weird troll you found in grandma’s junk drawer.

Style Statement

This mirror deserves a throne. Hang it above a vanity, beside a bunk bed, or in the hallway so every guest knows you raise icons. Bonus points if it lights up during sleepovers or dance parties.

Your Turn, Hot Glue Queen

Ready to make your own Diva Mirror? We want to see it! Tag your masterpiece on Instagram with #DivaMirrorChallenge @DollarToDiva and get featured on our “Dollar to Diva” Pinterest board and Facebook page.