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October 9, 2013

DIY Gold Leaf Art

Even though my silver leaf desk still haunts me in my dreams almost a month later, I decided to try gold leafing one more time. I'm not easily deterred, and was determined to conquer this elusive little leaf creature. This time, I thought it would be best to choose something smaller than a desk, and opted for art.
Good news. Turns out gold leafing isn't all that hard. 
As long as you gold leaf something the size of a pepperoni.








I really love the gold foil prints I've been seeing everywhere, but they are usually pretty pricey. So, I decided to make my own instead. I created three different prints, two for the living room gallery wall (seen here!) and one for the bedroom.







I framed it in a Target frame that I talked myself out of buying for roughly 8 months. But then it went on clearance for $5 and my mind said no, but my body walked it straight to the checkout lane.
I think it hypnotized me.


Anyways, turns out they're a perfect pair...
You can't fight destiny.




So, here's what you'll need to make some gold leaf art of your own.




Supplies:
Gold leaf foil (I used this one.)
Stencil (This one comes with letters, numbers, and symbols.)
White cardstock (I love these heavyweight mixed paper notebooks from Target. They are only $5 and I've been using the same one for all my artwork for nearly 3 years.)
Scrapbooking glue (This one worked best for me. I tried basic Elmer's glue, but the foil kept flaking off.)
Large brush (I used a $1 makeup brush from Target.)
*All above links are affiliate links

Let's get started!

Step #1:
Place your stencil on the cardstock and apply the glue evenly inside the stencil. The scrapbooking glue had a sponge tip and a sharp tip, which worked out perfectly. You can also use a small paintbrush to spread the glue evenly if needed.


Step #2:
Carefully remove the stencil and place a sheet of gold leaf on top of the glue. 
It's super flimsy, so go easy with the manhand.


Step #3:
Let the glue dry completely. It took about an hour. I got impatient several times and totally had to start over. True story. When the glue is completely dry, lightly dust the excess leaf off with a large, soft brush. 
It's kinda fun to watch the shape appear.


And that's all there is to it...easy gold leaf art!



I can't wait to show you the other two I made. Hopefully, I'll finish the living room soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
I'm still chasing after that turtle


That's all for today, friends! Thanks for stopping by! 

*Update: You can see the other two prints and living room reveal here.






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21 comments:

  1. I so love looking at all the stuff you create. You give people like me hope!

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  2. Very cute and simple! I need to try this gold leaf! I love the way it looks!

    Laura
    House Envy

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  3. Very cute...never would have thought of using scrapbooking glue for that!

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  4. love love love- especially that frame- what a great look

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  5. This is adorable. I just redid my powder room and put all gold accessories. I might add this in.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, that would be so cute! Thanks for your sweet words, Angela! xo

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  6. That is beautiful! So pretty in that frame. I have been wanting to try gold leafing and you've inspired me to start with a small project. Love the heart

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    Replies
    1. Awesome! You definitely should! It's actually pretty fun...well, the little projects! Ha! :) Thank you Allison!

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  7. Super cute!! I have that frame. I couldn't resist it either. Target totally has a way of taking over my body the minute I walk into that store. I should be banned from entering...or at least my hubby thinks so. ;)

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    Replies
    1. HA! So true! It can't be helped! Thanks Gabbi! xo

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  8. I have been eyeing up the same frame for month. I love how it looks with the gold leaf heart!

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  9. Oh my goodness--I got that same frame from Target on clearance two days ago! I, too, had been looking at it with longing for months :-)

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  10. Adorable! I can't relate at all to getting impatient with the glue drying and having to start over. Not at ALL.

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  11. I loved this so much that I went right to the thrift store and found a round frame in hideous condition and went to work. It cost a whole dollar :) They also had frames that were already gold, but my husband said it perfectly...."I know you didn't get the already gold ones. That's far too easy for you." Ha! I will email a picture of the final product!

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  12. So pretty but what do you do with the gold flecks that are too pretty to throw away?

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment!! I do the hammer dance every time I read one.

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