I’m so excited to share this tutorial with you guys! I’m just going to say it now. These gold leaf Easter eggs are the bomb. They are beautiful and sophisticated, and that’s saying a lot for Easter eggs. I experimented with adhesive a bit and have some tips for you depending on the look you’re shooting for. I’d say this is an adult activity because it can be a little time-consuming and kids might get bored easily.
GSW tip: Try leafing in a different color! Silver, copper, rainbow, red, turquoise…GO FOR IT! Michael’s has a great selection.
Materials
- Eggs, hard-boiled or craft eggs
- I would recommend craft eggs as the gold leaf isn’t edible–but there is such a thing as edible gold leaf. I used craft eggs from Target; I’ve also seen them at Michaels. Plus, they’re the same price as real eggs and last forever, so…
- Gold leaf sheets, Michaels
- 2 paintbrushes, one for glue, one to rub off excess gold leaf
- Transfer adhesive or gold leaf sizing, Amazon (I used Martha Stewart transfer adhesive at Michaels, but it’s not available online)
- Super Tape, any width, Paper Source
- Glue dots, any size, Paper Source (I used medium)
Basic Idea
There are two ways to go with decorating with gold leaf. Either way, it won’t be perfect. Believe me, I tried. So give yourself some wiggle room and just have fun with them.
- Style #1: Straight lines and solid shapes. If you want more structure to your designs, use Super Tape or glue dots. Super Tape is a VERY sticky, clear double-sided tape that has a ton of uses. It comes in various sizes, from 1/8″ (what is used here) to full sheets in which you cut shapes from. I recommend it for a variety of crafts. Glue dots are also double-sided adhesive, come in various sizes, and have lots of uses.
- Style #2: Freeform stripes, blocks of gold. If you want less structure and more willy nilly/freestyle, use transfer adhesive or similar. You’ll use a paintbrush with it and paint the areas where you want gold leaf. It’s much more organic and really quite beautiful.
#1 Super Tape
1. Apply Super Tape or glue dots in the design of your choice. Remove the backing (red plastic for Super Tape or paper backing from glue dots). Take the gold leaf sheet and press it against the adhesive. Gold leaf will only adhere to the sticky surfaces, so you’re golden and don’t have to worry about wasting any. Get it, golden?
2. Press the gold leaf with your finger to make sure it is adhered to the adhesive. Carefully pull the gold leaf away. If there is a spot you missed, simply press the sheet to that area.
4. You’ll most likely have a few places where there’s some extra leaf hanging around (see above). Use a paintbrush and/or your fingers to brush off the excess leaf. It might take a little pressure but shouldn’t harm what is already adhered. Buff the entire area with the paintbrush or your finger to make it really shine.
5. Done! Admire your hard work and pretty eggs. Set them on the table. Stare at them in the middle of your Portlandia marathon. Think to yourself, wow, I made those. I’m awesome.
#2 Transfer Adhesive
You’ll generally follow the directions above. It produces a completely different look.
- Apply an even layer of adhesive with a paintbrush to the areas of the egg you would like to cover with gold leaf.
- Let the adhesive become tacky for several minutes and then apply the leafing sheet to the egg.
- This is where it’s a little hit or miss and you want to let the leafing do its thing. The leaf will adhere to most parts but not all and lines are hardly ever straight. But that’s the beauty of it. I really ended up loving the jagged lines and spotted look. So pretty.
- Follow steps #2-6 above. If it’s too spotty for you, you can reapply adhesive to the gaps and even over the current layer of leaf and reapply it. This will provide a more even layer.
Yay! More DIY Easter egg projects to come. Until then check out my DIY Home section for more fun projects.
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