More Adventures in Gold Leafing

I've wanted to try gold leafing for a while now too. It's always fun to try something new! After we picked up a gold leafing kit from a local craft shop. I read the instructions (this is key if you're new to something. Even though I am often tempted to skip this step!) and checked out the manufacturers website for any tips.This is a slightly different application to the Honey Bear vases we created. I wanted to try something that wasn't a full coverage look. Some designs worked better than others, as you can see. Here's what I did and what I learned from it:1. Supplies: gold leafing kit (this included metal papers, adhesive and sealer), items to embellish (I picked up a mini cake stand and double bowl from TJ Maxx), soft paint brush and sponge. 2. Using your paint brush, add adhesive in the design you choose. Allow to dry until it becomes tacky then lay a thin layer of gold leaf over it. Pat it down with your sponge or your finger. Gold leaf can easily chip or smudge, but don't get frustrated. Have patience. 3. Allow to dry and then gently brush off excess gold leaf with a (clean) soft paint brush or sponge. I tried both and had better luck with the sponge. 4. Apply the sealer over your design and allow to dry.Tips for first time gold leaf users (like me).

-Choose a design that will look good messy. Gold leaf is not easy to work with so you will probably have a few chips or smudges when you are done. This can add a lot of charm! If you really want clean edges you might try painting instead.

-If the gold leaf sticks to your hands too much stop and go wash your hands. There's a good chance you got a little adhesive on your hands, or the oils are sticking to the leaf. Clean, dry hands work best.

-You can fix holes in your design after by apply a tiny bit more adhesive and adding gold leaf again. So don't despair if your first attempt isn't "perfect."

-Practice on a damaged or thrifted item first. It's best to get a feel for the supplies if you've never used them before. I practiced on a chipped mug I was planning to throw out anyway and this really helped me to see how the gold leafing was going to turn out, so I adjusted my original design idea.

-For this kind of application designs with small areas work best. For example, the small ridged edge of the bowl above (left side) worked much better as a design idea than the long stripes design (right side).

-Items will not be dishwasher or food safe. I created items for my bedroom, to hold rings and perfume. You could also make a fancy soap dish or tooth brush holder. But do not plan to create dishes to eat off of or that need to be washed often.Thanks for letting me share my first gold leafing adventure with you. It's fun to experiment and find out what works best, and what doesn't. Try something new this week! xo. Emma

Comments

[A Splash of Ida]

This looks like a very fun project!! I might need to try goldleafing some stuff at home. ;-) Thanks so much for this wonderful tips and tricks for gold leaf first timers like myself. :-)

xoxo
Ida

http://asplashofida.blogspot.com

[Trish]

ooooh I've always wanted to try gold leafing! I've got a handful of wood square scraps that I put wall hangings on that are just dying for some creativity.
Think I found it!
Thanks for the inspiration ladies!
Trish

www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

[Katie]

Ah, gold leaf, the bane of my existence. I once had a commission for a sign, with lettering carved in a bevel from a walnut slab, that they then wanted gold-leaf applied to it...goodness, what a nightmare. These days I stick to spray paint gold, even though the leafing is more authentic.

All the power to you!

[Sigrid Drakhjärta]

I kinda like the long stripes design though! I'm just wondering if silver leafing is the same? The packages you buy them in looks the same but I've never seen anyone silver leafing so I don't know what it's like.
I might actually try this out myself, thank you for the tips! :)

[JMCVL]

This looks like so muh fun. I will def be having a go at this... Fingers crossed I don't end up getting carried away and gold leading the entire flat!!

[nattie]

Amazing, I think I'm feeling brave enough to try gold leaf now......INSPIRED!!!!!!!!
xxxx

[Merle Bootlace]

Niiice idea!

The Bootlace

[Viveca Johansen]

Looks great! I tried once and messed up royally, but it was really fun! :-)

http://stainsofpaint.blogspot.com/

[Lara]

it looks so pretty, such a lovely detail! Would love to try this out some time, going to check if they have some gold leaf at my local craft shop (:

http://bravebrunette.blogspot.com

[Jolene]

I LOVE THIS. gold is soooo fun. I'm just not really crafty enough to make it come together. But its awesome.

http://jolenesblog.com

[Sare]

Gold leafing rules. I've even gold-leafed my nails!

[Emma]

They look fab - it's ages (read: years!) since I did gold leafing, I seem to remember looking a bit like a gold statue myself by the time I'd finished! xx

[Jinna Yang]

This is such a unique & inspiring project, great post!!

xx,
Jinna

http://greaseandglamour.com/

[Maria @ All Things Luxurious]

Your creations turned out lovely! Such a vintage look to them. :-) Well done! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[Heather]

Love! Can't wait to go get some gold leaf!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

[Alexandria]

Wow, what a very neat post. This sounds really interesting. I am going to look into it. Have a great day and good work on your website.

[caroline]

i'm in love. the small cake stand is just perfect. will have to pick up a kit next time i'm at blick!

sweatshirt-weather.blogspot.com

[Marilyn Kate]

Your post is inspiration for me, this is great!

[Johanna]

This looks gorgeous! Your projects are always amazing, thanks for sharing!

higgledypiggledywonderland.wordpress.com

[Jenny]

These all looks very rustic and charming! Great stuff. x

http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk