DIY Gold Leaf Ampersand
I’m a little bit obsessed with gold. I’m also a little bit obsessed with ampersands! Put them together and what have you got… my latest diy upcycle!
You could obviously use this technique on anything you like, doesn’t have to be an ampersand! I picked this guy up in a charity shop, but you can also buy cardboard letters etc from your local craft store! Or just add a bit of gold leaf to anything you have lying around really, this technique would work for so many things!
What you’ll need:
Ampersand/Letter
Gold leaf
Modge Podge
Paint
A few paintbrushes
OPTIONAL: Sandpaper (if your object has any rough bits!)
Method
Sand any rough patches off your ampersand and give a quick once over to help any paint adhere to the surface (this step isn’t necessary if you’re using a new cardboard letter)
Make sure your ampersand is clean and dust free!
Paint your ampersand with your chosen paint (I just used some leftover primer I had, but any emulsion/acrylic/test pot should be fine - they’ll all just give a slightly different finish!)
This might take a few coats, just keep going until it’s covered and streak free.
Cover an area of your ampersand with Modge Podge.
Carefully place your gold leaf onto the glued area
Wait a couple of seconds, before using a dry brush to smooth the gold leaf onto the ampersand, breaking away a few sections to give a slightly distressed look
Continue this until the whole ampersand is covered
Leave to dry!
I hope you love displaying your newly gold leafed ampersand (or letter) in your home! I use mine as a bookend, but it could so easily slot in anywhere! I just love how simple this is to elevate an old item you might just have lying around!
Remember to share your photos if you give this a go, I always love seeing when you try out my diys!
Eliza x
