I used to get exasperated when I’d go into stores and see their Christmas displays out when I was still wearing shorts and flip flops.
But now that I’m a blogger, I have to work ahead on most of my holiday crafting and decorating. So, I’m thankful for those early displays that let me work ahead and wrap up projects early.
That way, I can share these projects with you while you still have plenty of time to make them.
Today, I’m sharing a simple tutorial for making gold Christmas ornaments that will really make your tree shine. (I first shared this tutorial in a guest post at Sugar Bee Crafts.)
Don’t they look so luxe?
I love using metallics throughout my house for Christmas, so there are any number of places I’ll be able to use these ornaments, like on the staircase garland or on (one of) my Christmas trees!
Who knows how many trees I’ll put up this year!
Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
- Clear glass Christmas ornaments
- Adhesive size for metal leafing (you can find this in craft stores and art supply stores)
- gold leaf sheets
- 2 paintbrushes
- soft cloth
- sheer ribbon
- clear sealer, optional
To make the gold Christmas ornaments, begin by coating the outside of each glass ball with adhesive size, which is a thin, ultra-sticky glue made especially for metal leafing. Allow the adhesive size to dry for 20 to 40 minutes, until the surface of the ornament is sticky to the touch, but not dry.
Carefully, place a sheet of gold leaf over the ornament. It will adhere to the glue.
Gold leaf is very thin and it tends to turn to dust when you touch it. So handle it gently and be sure you’re not sitting near a fan, vent or open window — anything that will kick up a breeze and blow the leafing away.
Use a soft, dry paintbrush or a soft rag to burnish the gold leaf onto the ornament and remove any excess. You can reuse any pieces of gold dust that fall off.
You may need to fill in some spots you missed with more adhesive size and gold leaf.
Use a soft cloth to carefully smooth the ornament’s surface and brush away any excess gold leaf.
Gold leaf will develop a patina over time if you don’t seal it. Most gold leafing kits include a clear sealer that you can brush over the surface of your ornaments. Or you can use a spray sealer.
I did not seal mine, as I prefer to allow a patina to develop. But this does make the finish more fragile, so I will wrap the ornaments in tissue when storing them after Christmas.
Finally, thread a piece of sheer ribbon through the ornament, knotting at the top, and hang on your tree.
If you liked this project and vintage-inspired Christmas decor, be sure to check out my holiday home tour, which is packed with inspiration.
Mrs Major Hoff
LOVE THIS! Gild it all!