Hello everyone, today I’m sharing clear ornaments with silver leaf.
Today is also our DIY Challenge hosted by Terrie from Decorate and More with Tip. If you are coming here from Gail’s Purple Hues and Me welcome. Wasn’t her seeds and beads ornaments pretty?
This month’s challenge is anything with clear ornaments. This is a fun challenge, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s ideas.
I purchased plastic Christmas balls from Michaels for $5, pretty good right?
I purchased my my silver leaf from Amazon I have worked with Mona Lisa before. It’s a great product and you can find the the adhesive here as well.
Silver leafing can be a bit messy, so I suggest putting a drop cloth or paper underneath when making this ornament project. As you can tell from the paper, I have been busy with mess y projects.
This product has been much improved from years ago therefore, don’t let the phrase “a bit of a mess” scare you off.
Let’s Begin with Adding Adhesive for the Leafing
Step 1: Adding the Leafing Glue
After adding your adhesive, let it dry. By the way the glue with be a white color. It will dry clear and become tacky.
I use throw away sponge brushes for this step because a brush can get sticky.
Adding Silver Leafing
It’s also important not to use too much adhesive. It’s best to make sure it’s smooth and has no bubbles.
As an example, I find it best to apply the silver leaf in small sections at a time on the balls. Especially because less leaf is wasted, and I find it easier to work with for clear ornaments with silver leaf.
Smoothing the Silver Leaf
Step 2: Smoothing the Silver Leaf After Application
The leaf needs to be smoothed and for this step I find a stencil brush works best.
This craft isn’t too time consuming however, it takes patience. Overlapping of leaf is normal and the imperfection of the leaf adds the aged look to the ornaments.
Apologies for not having more pictures. This is a relaxing project and I forgot to stop to take pictures.
Piled into me French wired basket they look pretty sitting on a Christmas book on my bookshelf.
Now hop over to visit Christine at Pallet and Pantry to see her ornament.
I hope you think about giving clear ornaments with silver leafing a try?
They turned out beautiful!
Thanks Penny
What a great way to spruce up inexpensive ornaments. I love the look and how you have them styled in your wired urn. Looks expensive Cindy!
I don’t think the plastic come small sized. I’d love to make some
Cindy these are absolutely beautiful! Great job!!!
Thanks Tammy
I’ve never tried anything with silver or gold leaf. You make it look really easy! Very pretty! Pinning.
It’s relaxing for me that’s why I forgot to take more pictures
Your ornaments are lovely, Cindy and look so expensive! I’ve never used silver leaf but now you’ve inspired me to try it! I also love how you arranged them in the wired basket!
You inspired me with your Mercury glass ornaments
Your patience paid off these are beautiful. They look so pretty in your wire basket. Happy Wednesday. xoxo Kris
Happy Wednesday Kris 😘
Oh wow! I love these. They are so pretty.
Thank you Jodi
This looks so pretty, Cindy. Thanks for all the tips. I’ve done this with pumpkins for fall but never ornaments and I don’t know why! I need to do some this year for sure!
Try it, I found it relaxing. With kids and dogs you may not
What a fabulous and unique way to color ornaments, Cindy! Silver leafing certainly does add lots of elegance and style to clear ornaments! I love how they turned out!
Thank so much. I’m hoping to find small ones next year and do some.
Your ornaments are so pretty! I’ve never used silver leaf before, but you make it look so easy.
Try it you are good at everything
Cindy, these are so beautiful and elegant! They look so impressive arranged in that pretty container! Thanks for the tutorial! I may try my hand at it sometime.Take care, sweet friend!
Thanks so much!
oh my goodness, Cindy these are gorgeous! They look like real antique treasures. You did a beautiful job, thanks for the diy!
Thanks so much!
Hope all is well