Is a mirror a tool?

This mirror hangs in my hallway. 

Self portrait in vintage folding wooden mirror

I love everything about it — its shape, the light feel of the wood, the little groove framing the glass, the angled cover and the way it slots into place. I love the speckles and patina that have developed over years. I even love the little metal part that you thread a string through to hang it up.

Vintage folding wooden mirror

Old mirror with wooden sliding cover

I grew up with this mirror. I remember when I was very little, watching my father using it when he shaved in the morning.

Does that make it a tool? It's hard to imagine shaving without a mirror, so it's pretty necessary.

Selfie in vintage folding mirror

I'm declaring it a tool.

I have strong feelings about many of the tools I use. As a maker, these tools are almost as meaningful to me as the things I make. I created #toolsontuesday to keep up the practice of sharing stories about the tools we use and live with.

Every Tuesday, I share one of my favorite tools. I hope you'll share yours in the comments — it feels good to honor these everyday objects.

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