hello Arya, not sure if your comment was aimed at me or Paddytray, but i will answer for my part. the cherry branch has already been cut down as part of a maintenance plan at North Wood where we meet. if the carvings i do were cut into a living tree, yes it would severely affect growth or even die, that is something i would not do.
Because it was debarked roots & branches as well as driftwood there was a bit of depth to the pieces of wood, so it projected forwards, and although some carvings faced you directly others were facing the mirror and could only be seen by looking into it.ha! probably not the best plan eh?
trying to imagine what you described, i assume there would be a gap between the glass and frame to allow reflection? hmm perhaps not, sorry to appear a bit dim.
It's a tree stump the tree is dead and all used for fencing and many other projects . 
Driftwood/root/branch frame sticks out from the mirror, some carvings face you from the surface, but the fairies/woodspirits are facing the mirror and can only be seen in reflection. Please excuse drawing, done with mouse pad as I left my mouse out in the car.
Would like to have kept up with them as they were both lovely folk but we just drifted and after 7 years may seem a bit strange. He was a fantastic artist though.
Cheers,
GB.
