How to make a gilded metal pumpkin decoration...
(The finished product)
Supplies Needed:
Rustic metal item (seasonal items available in local craft stores)
Gilding Leafs (gold, variegated, silver, copper, etc.)
Texture Sponge
Sponge paintbrushes
Alcohol Inks (such as Pinata by Jacquard)
Perfect Paper Adhesive – matte finish (US ArtQuest)
Duo Adhesive (US ArtQuest)
Disposable rubber gloves
Here's how to make this gilded metal pumpkin decoration:
 |
Step 1: Paint front and backside of pumpkin with Perfect Paper Adhesive (PPA). This is to seal the surface to prepare for gilding. Set aside until dry.
|
 |
Step 2: Once metal is dry, apply a generous coat of Duo Adhesive to both front and back and pay close attention to cover all the areas. Set aside to dry. |
 |
Step 3: Once metal is dry again, apply gold leafing (might help to have it in a large ziplock bag and place metal item right into the bag). Make sure to cover front and back with the gold leafing.
|
 |
Step 4: Utilizing texture sponge, gently buff excess gilding off of the surfaces and back into your bag (leafing product goes a long way, so don’t waste scrap pieces). Once surface is nicely buffed until smooth, check to make sure there are no spots of metal showing. If needed, spot add Duo adhesive and let dry and add more gilding to fill in any spots.
|
 |
Step 5: Here's how the pumpkin should look after the excess gilding is removed. |
 |
Step 6: Apply green and orange alcohol inks to tips of foam paint brushes. Following the natural curves and contours, highlight the pumpkin with the colors on the brushes.
|
 |
Step 7: Go over areas more than once to create darker areas and lightly sponge brush in open areas to create the lighter areas. Add as much color as you like until desired effect is achieved. |
 |
Step 8: Set aside to dry. Hang and enjoy.
|
|
