Looking for Valentine’s Day decor ideas? Then see how quick and simple it is to create this glam Valentine’s Day decor using gold leaf! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to work with gold leafing! After this project you’ll want to apply gold leaf to everything because it is so easy and gorgeous! 😆
Desiring a more elegant look, we chose to paint a blush pink pinstripe background for the gold heart. In these next steps you will see how we created ours using painters tape and paint. If you can find a scrapbook paper you love you could use that instead. It would make this step a lot quicker. It’s totally up to you!
(Sometimes we just get this vision in our minds of how we want things to be, and it can be hard to find that specific look. That’s why we chose to paint our background.)
👇 WATCH here to see this decor from Start to Finish 👇
Valentine's Day Decor Supplies: For Creating the Perfect Pinstripe Pattern
This entire project was created using supplies we already had on hand, except the wood heart. We picked that up at our favorite local craft store.
Here’s a list of supplies we used to create our pinstripe pattern.
- Masking tape 3/4″
- Painters tape 1/4″ (we found ours on Amazon)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Blush paint (Ceramcoat Normandy Rose)
- White paint
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To begin, we cut our scrap wood to 11″x 11″. Then apply the first coat of blush paint (Ceramcoat Normandy Rose). Once the paint is dry to the touch, use a ruler to make a small pencil mark at both the top and bottom edges to determine the center of the wood.
PRO TIP: Use a hairdryer on medium heat to speed up the drying times between each coat of paint.
Once the center of the wood has been marked take a piece of masking tape and apply it to the center of the wood. I was able to see the pencil mark through the tape, so I was able to see that the mark was in the center of the tape.
Then place a strip of the 1/4″ painters tape next to the masking tape.
Repeat these steps to create the pinstripe pattern over the entire piece of wood.
Once all of the tape has been applied to create the pinstripe pattern, simply remove the 3/4″ masking tape. As a result, you will have a perfectly aligned pinstripe pattern. Firmly rub your fingers across each strip of the painters tape to ensure that it is well adhered.
Next apply another coat of blush paint on top of the painters tape. This will save your bacon from getting any bleeding under the tape! 😂Once the blush paint is dry to the touch apply a couple of coats of white paint to create an opaque finish.
PRO TIP: This technique will ensure a perfect crisp line everytime!
We’ve also used this technique while painting stripes on a very textured ceiling and they were perfectly crisp and clean. You can see this space here.
This technique is not limited to creating stripes alone! See how we used this technique in our master bedroom makeover.
In this case, we applied 3 coats of white paint to achieve an opaque finish. 😉
Immediately after applying the last layer of white paint (or at least while the paint is still wet) remove all the painters tape. Voila you’ve created the perfect pinstripe pattern!
Valentine's Day Decor Supplies: For Applying Gold Leaf
Supplies needed for applying gold leaf:
- Painted wood heart
- Crafter’s Pick Ultimate Glue (you can use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby)
- Small paint brush to apply glue
- Soft bristle brush to apply gold leaf
- Gold leaf (You can get a pack of 25 sheets for $4.79 using a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby!)
Begin by applying one coat of black paint to the wood heart and allow to dry. Then apply another coat if desired (we just applied one and it was a little transparent.)
Once the heart has dried apply the water-based glue to the sides and top of the heart. We watered our glue down a little so it wasn’t as thick. This allowed us to get a smooth even coat of glue. Allow the glue to air dry until it’s tacky. To test, dab your finger on the glue, if any comes off on your finger it’s still too wet.
When the glue has dried the appropriate amount, you’re ready to start applying the gold leaf. Although this may seem a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before, it’s really simple and fun!
The gold leaf directions suggest wearing gloves so it doesn’t stick to your hands.
Gently lift up a sheet of gold leaf while it’s still on the tissue paper backing. Carefully place the gold leaf onto the heart and lift the tissue paper off.
Using the soft bristle brush gently dab the gold leaf onto the heart. The gold leaf will not stick to itself, just the tacky glue. If there is any overlapping simply brush away the loose pieces, once you’ve finished dabbing it all into place.
Be sure to apply the gold leaf on the sides of the heart as well.
After the gold leafing had been applied we embellished the heart by tying a black ribbon holding a gold key.
Apply wood glue to the back side of the heart, position in the center of the board, and press into place.
To create the frame for this project we used the same technique as our Reversible Holiday Signs tutorial last Spring. For the complete tutorial click here.
Check out these clever DIY Valentine decoration ideas too!
Don’t you just love the way this glam Valentine’s Day decor turned out? Are you excited to give gold leafing a try? Without at doubt, this really is a lot of fun! After just one project you will be wanting to apply gold leaf to everything! 😂
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And as always here at Sunny Side Design
WE HOPE TO BRING YOUR HOME TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET!
Check out this Valentine’s Day decor we made using Target Dollar Spot finds!
You may also want to see our Valentine Home Tour which includes FREE printables!
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Have a plain, clear vase around the house? Upgrade it for Valentine’s Day with a simple gold leaf heart. It’s minimal enough to keep out year-round.