Today’s feature for 31 Days of Flipping Out is an example of quick, easy and cheap decorating. In several of my favorite stores lately, you see pieces with a little bit of gold leaf “bleeding through” a painted surface. Examples are:
So, since I live on the coast, as soon as I saw this $3 “stardish” at the thrift store, I knew what I would be doing with it.
Supplies needed:
- Metal leafing of your choice. It is sold in gold, silver, copper and a mix of all three.
- Metal leafing adhesive spray. This is sold in a spray or liquid that you can paint onto the surface.
- Small Paint brush
- Metal Leaf Sealer – sold with the adhesive.
- Rubbing Alcohol
This package of metal flakes was $9.99 and will cover multiple pieces. I didn’t get a picture of the work in progress. But, no worries. It is super simple if you’ve never done it.
- Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol.
- Spray on the metal leafing adhesive that is sold in the same area as the leafing and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- Using a small paint brush, pick up the flakes from inside the bag and apply. I only sprayed small sections at a time so I could get the sporadic look I was after. (Caution: gold leafing is very messy as the flakes tend to spread very easily. Be sure to protect your surfaces and sweep up as soon as you are finished.)
- Once you are satisfied with the amount of leafing, let it dry completely and spray with sealer.
I like how it turned out. I think I’ll be keeping my little stardish.
Partying with: Boogie Board Cottage, Keeping It Simple Crafts