DIY Gold Leaf Planters

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I enrolled in my first pottery workshop last year, while 6 months pregnant with Coco. It was only after the first class that I immediately gained a newfound respect for the art of mastering clay. Pottery requires patience, endurance, and tenacity – all are traits which could use a little polishing. In pottery and in life. I never quite got into the rhythm before Coco was born, but I’m looking forward to re-enrolling and experimenting with more interesting vessels and glazes. In the meantime, I’ve got some new plants that are in desperate need of homes. I stumbled across a lot of awesomely simple $3 terra pots from a recent Ikea pilgrimage. They went from being a temporary solution to a bevy of chic planters, thanks to some extra paint and gold leaf I had laying around in my craft closet. The possibilities are endless here but there’s nothing quite like gilding with high quality gold leaf. Besides, it’s such an easy way to make something look far more expensive than it really is!

You’ll need:

Start by painting the pots with a wide foam brush. I like using Martha Stewart’s Vintage Decor Paint for it’s matte finish. It also dried very quickly which makes this project so much easier.

Then, use the sheets of painters tape to draw your shapes. If you feel comfortable just applying the glue free-hand on the pot, go ahead. I, for some reason, can’t draw the “perfect” oblong for the life of me. After you draw your shape, cut around it and then cut the shape out without cutting into the outline. Place the section, with the negative space, onto a pot.

Spread a thin layer of gold leaf adhesive over the shape. Definitely use gold leaf adhesive here. Mod Podge or other glues won’t work as well. As soon as the glue is spread on, remove the tape. The glue will spread on in a milky, translucent hue. Wait for at least 20 minutes or until the glue becomes clear or transparent before adding the gold leaf.

I like using the transfer style sheets of gold leaf. It’s much easier to use and is less wasteful. Place the sheet, shiny side down, onto the adhesive. Take a clean and dry foam brush and rub it over the sheet of gold leaf and over the shape.

Carefully remove the sheet. Take the dry foam brush and brush away any loose edges. At this point, you can just leave it or carefully apply sealer to help keep the gold leaf in place. Especially if if you had to apply gold leaf in patches.

(images by HonestlyWTF)

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21 Comments

  1. Rena wrote:

    I have to admit they look much better than the plantpots I use 🙂
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    5.24.17
    Reply
  2. These are super cute, I feel like it would make even the smallest garden sparkle!!

    xo
    Phyllis
    http://desgeulasse.com/

    5.24.17
    Reply
  3. Rose wrote:

    I love the pots? Where did you get your modern looking terra cotta pieces? I seem to only come across the old-school kind.

    5.24.17
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Rose they’re from Ikea!

      5.24.17
  4. Posh planters! They came out great.

    5.24.17
    Reply
  5. Michelle wrote:

    They look so precious now, great idea!
    https://www.makeandmess.com/

    5.24.17
    Reply
  6. Kay Nguyen wrote:

    This is so cute and easy to do, I will try it out for sure <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com

    5.24.17
    Reply
  7. Mirabellka wrote:

    B52 Najwazniejsza w odchudzaniu jest motywacja dziewczyny, ja codziennie ogladam metamorfozy przed i po odchudzaniu i daje mi to powera do cwiczen, kto chce tez troche motywacji niech sobie wpisze w google: odchudzanie przed i po by sasetka

    5.25.17
    Reply
  8. Heyyyyyy I have done this myself before, and have actually written a blog post about it (though it has been deleted). Mine didn’t come out half as pretty as these – because I was impatient, and clumsy and I messed up. HAHA

    http://thiscache.blogspot.com

    5.26.17
    Reply
  9. Very interesting to read.

    Couponorcode.com

    5.29.17
    Reply
  10. sun wrote:

    very good

    6.4.17
    Reply
  11. Beautiful color. Thanks for great idea.

    6.13.17
    Reply
  12. Charles wrote:

    I’m impressed! This is really fantastic and beautifully done. You have well worked with excellent color combinations. Great! Please share more such DIY tips.

    6.13.17
    Reply
  13. daniel wrote:

    These are such a pretty idea. My girlfriend loves getting busy in the garden in summer. I bet she will be making some!

    6.19.17
    Reply
  14. Claire wrote:

    These are beautiful, but unsuitable for outdoor use. The gold leaf is not pure and will dull after a few rainy days.

    7.30.17
    Reply
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    10.14.18
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