Gold leaf cards pile by little luxury list

DIY – Gold Leaf cards

October 22, 2014

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There’s just something about gold that has drawn me in the last few years.
Gold leaf cards top on tray
I’ve increasingly added gold to my accessories as well as my home.  I started seeing more gold accents on side tables and decor and really wanted to do something with gold leaf.  I had the perfect opportunity to do so recently when I was looking for thank you cards for lovely friends that got us gifts for my baby shower.
Gold leaf cards pile
Strangely enough, I couldn’t find a single stationary store nearby though I did find a craft store in my area.  I had already purchased gold leaf adhesive size (aka the glue specifically used for gold leaf) as well as some gold leaf sheets on eBay.  I thought hearts (via favorite cookie cutters) would be an easy shape to create and was able to create lovely, delicate gold leaf hearts on a punchy pink piece of card stock.

I had to get used to using gold leaf because it is very delicate.  But I found that it was perfectly fine that it wouldn’t lay flat.  I could always smooth out the shape later.  I also used thin layers of the adhesive size so the entire shape would take on the gold leaf.  There were some instances where I had to repeat the adhesive size application around the edges and reapply the gold leaf.  I loved the end results though my husband didn’t love the little pieces of gold leaf that ended up everywhere after my project.

It is still a fun project and I would recommend you try it out some time (I can already think of the applications for some other objects around the home!)

Gold leaf cards

Materials

  • cardstock
  • leaf adhesive size
  • gold leaf sheets
  • brush – with regular bristles if it is a smaller shape or foam
  • scissors
  • stencil / shape desired
  • pencil
Instructions

1. Draw the desired shape onto your card stock.
Gold leaf cards tracing shape

2. Paint the entire area inside the shape with a thin layer of leaf adhesive size.  It will change from a milky color to a transparent color within 10-15 minutes.
Gold leaf cards after adhesive
3. Apply gold leaf in a thin layer to the shape and press it firmly to adhere to the card stock.
Gold leaf cards half gold leaf smoothed out
4. Wait 10 minutes and then scrape off excess gold leaf.  The remaining gold leaf will be in the form of your shape.  I would recommend using a flat edge (I used the flat side of a pen) to get the gold leaf smooth.  Enjoy your fancy gold leaf card!
Gold leaf cards from side Gold leaf cards from bottom

little luxury list

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  • Diana Mieczan October 22, 2014 at 09:27

    Those cards look beautiful! So well done, darling. Have a great day. xoxo

  • FASHION TALES October 22, 2014 at 11:41

    This is inspiring. I’ve not tried gold leaf cards, but I have used gold leafing on other crafting pieces. Love these! 🙂 xx/Madison
    Moto-Chic Style

  • Rebecca October 22, 2014 at 12:06

    This is one fabulous idea! I think these are just perfect and the gold leaf really makes the cards special! Thanks so much for the idea!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

    • little luxury list October 24, 2014 at 21:49

      Thanks for your sweet comments! Gold leaf really does make the cards so cool and chic! I hope you get to tryout out soon!

  • Heather October 22, 2014 at 12:34

    These look awesome! Such a fun idea!

    • little luxury list October 24, 2014 at 21:45

      Thanks Heather! Working with gold leaf isn’t easy, but so fun!

  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog October 22, 2014 at 13:59

    those are so pretty! what a wonderful project. i love foil.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

  • Karina Pacheco October 22, 2014 at 16:15

    Love this!! They turned out so pretty 🙂

    • little luxury list October 24, 2014 at 21:44

      Thank you Kary! I love the pink and gold to celebrate the LO and gold leaf is awesome! I have to DM or email you soon pictures of my LO!

  • Lyddiegal October 23, 2014 at 11:30

    These are such a fun and pretty DIY! I’m in love with gold everything, in my wardrobe and in my home.

  • MizzJ October 25, 2014 at 01:40

    The cards look great, but dang that gold leaf looks finicky to use! I don’t know whether I’d have the patience haha

    • little luxury list October 26, 2014 at 22:09

      J, you are totally right! Gold leaf is so delicate to use and gets everywhere. I just kept going because I love the results! I’m getting gold leaf paint next time!

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