Do you have a thing for DIYing, upcycling or just prettying up a pre-existing item that’s laying around and not getting loved anymore? This week we’ve been looking at gold foil techniques and the many wonderful ways you can use it in your art or DIY. Below are a few of our favourite projects we’ve come across, try them and you might be surprised to see how easy it is to work with gold leaf!

Image: Gold Standard Workshop

Perfect for sprucing up your garden and adding a touch of glint to catch the sunlight! Or, revamp your tired old indoor pot plants and create some inspiring and unique décor.

Pots of any size.
Foam brush or paintbrush.
Spray paint or acrylic paints or of your choice (optional).
Adhesive (gold foil glue or Leafing Size).
Gold leaf sheets.
Painter’s tape.
Clear spray varnish.
Cactus or succulents of your choice.

Find the step by step lesson here.

HANDY TIP: Use a soft brush to avoid the leaf flaking off the hard surface of the pots.

Image: The Crafted Life

Looking for relaxation with a touch of panache? These little candle holders are great for adding gold as a highlight colour for your bedroom, bathroom or living room.

Gold leaf sheets
Adhesive (Leafing Size)
Sealer
Basecoat
Antiquing glaze
Jars
Brush
We loved this little lesson we found here.

HANDY TIP: Wear cotton gloves when applying leaf to ensure it doesn’t stick to your hands.

Image: This heart of mine

These bowls are beautiful for storing jewellery, rings and earrings with style. Most of us have wooden bowls stored away in the pantry or sideboard – give them a makeover and entertain or decorate to your heart’s content.

Wooden bowls
Gold leaf sheets
Adhesive (Leafing Size)
Brush
Find our suggested lesson for this project here.

HANDY TIP: Seal the inside of the bowl with spray varnish so the leaf stays intact and unmarked.

Image: Design Sponge

Personalise your next entertaining event with handmade initial stones instead of traditional place cards. Alternatively they make for a unique gift idea, and they’re also beautiful little personalised paperweights.

Pebbles or smooth river rocks, thoroughly washed and dried
Gold leaf sheets
Double-sided sticky tape
Small brush
Small sharp scissors or craft knife

Find the instructions here.

HANDY TIP: Speed-dry with a hairdryer.

Image: The Happy Home

Goodbye store bought, dime-a-dozen balloons! Hello beautiful, glitzy and glamorous balloons for your next party. Use your favourite cut-outs for ready-made designs or create your own.

Balloons - choose a few different colours for varied effects
Clear contact paper
Scissors
Gold leaf sheets
Adhesive (Leafing Size)
Paintbrush
Find out how to make your own dazzling balloons with this simple tutorial here.

HANDY TIP: Double tie balloons to secure while handling and applying leaf. This will stop any extra air getting out.