Gold Embellishment Ideas for Upcycled Materials
When it comes to crafting and DIY projects, I often find myself surrounded by a veritable treasure trove of upcycled materials. You know what I'm talking about the remnants of previous projects, forgotten items lurking in the garage, and those intriguing finds from thrift stores. But how do you take these forgotten pieces and give them a golden touch? The answer lies in gold embellishments, which can breathe new life into almost anything! Let's explore some fabulous ideas that I've personally tried and tested, along with a sprinkle of gold magic. 1. Revitalize Old Furniture
I remember the chair I found at a garage sale; it was sturdy but had seen better days. After a little sanding and a new coat of paint, I decided to add gold accents to the legs. Applying gold leaf to the feet of the chair transformed it from an eyesore to a statement piece. Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Gold leaf, adhesive size (a glue for gold leaf), paintbrush.- Method: Apply the adhesive size to the areas you want to embellish, wait for it to become tacky, then carefully apply the gold leaf, and gently brush off the excess. 2. Glam Up Glass JarsDo you have a collection of old glass jars? I do! They are perfect for storage but don't exactly scream decorative. So, I decided to turn them into chic storage solutions for my office. All it took was some gold spray paint on the rims and a touch of gold acrylic paint on the sides to create a stylish marbled effect. Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Gold spray paint, painter's tape, and gold acrylic paint.- Method: Tape off the areas you want to keep clear, spray the rims, and then use a sponge to dab on the gold paint to create a textured look. 3. Create Stunning ArtworkOne of my favorite upcycling projects involved transforming an old canvas into a statement piece. I painted over the existing work with a bold color and used gold acrylic paint to create geometric shapes. This not only upcycled a forgotten piece of art but also added a touch of glam to my living room. Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Old canvas, bold paint colors, gold acrylic paint, painter's tape.- Method: Start with a base coat, let it dry completely, then use painter's tape to create shapes before applying the gold paint. 4. Jewelry That Tells a StoryRemember those mismatched earrings or broken necklaces sitting at the bottom of your jewelry box? Instead of discarding them, I decided to repurpose them! I created a unique gold-embellished necklace by removing the charms from unused pieces and adding a splash of gold paint to them. Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Old jewelry, gold paint or leaf, ribbon or chain.- Method: Paint or leaf the charms, let dry, then string them on a ribbon or chain for a completely new look. 5. Stylish Bookends from Old BooksI had several old, damaged books that were too far gone to be useful for reading. That's when I had the bright idea to convert them into bookends! By stacking and gluing them together, I applied gold leaf to the edges of the pages. This inspired my friends to ask where I bought them, and I proudly declared, I made them! Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Old books, glue, gold leaf, craft knife.- Method: Stack the books, secure them with glue, then apply gold leaf to the cut edges for a luxurious look. 6. Sparkly Picture FramesLet's not forget about the basic picture frames we often overlook. I had a couple of outdated wooden frames that needed a facelift. With some gold spray paint and a little creativity, I transformed them into eye-catching pieces. Adding embellishments like stencils or even gemstones can take these frames to the next level. Practical Tip:
- Supplies: Old picture frames, gold spray paint, stencils or gemstones.
- Method: Paint the frames, let them dry, then add stencils or stones for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
The joy of upcycling is not just in the final product but in the journey of transformation. Adding gold embellishments is an easy way to elevate your projects and, trust me, it can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. Whether you're refreshing old furniture, jazzing up glass jars, or creating unique jewelry, incorporating gold can add that touch of glam that makes your creations shine.So, what's your next project? Dive into your closet or garage, pull out those forgotten items, and let your imagination run wild! And who knows? You might just discover a hidden gem waiting to be transformed. Happy crafting!
