Faux Gold Leaf Box

Create this beautiful box for holding special mementos, cards, hats, etc. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

round hatbox
oil or latex paint in desired base color
shellac
size (available at art supply stores)
imitation gold leaf
earth-toned paint pigment
varnish
sandpaper
tissue paper
rag
2 paintbrushes

Steps:

1. If necessary, paint the hatbox to cover a busy pattern and to provide a good base for leafing (figure A). Choose a color that is acceptable if some shows through the leafing.
2. Once dry, sand the box lightly and buff with a rag to clean it.
3. Brush on a thin layer of shellac with even strokes in one direction.
4. Once dry, apply size (figure B).
5. Apply imitation gold leaf one sheet at a time (figure C). Be sure not to touch it or it will tarnish where it comes in contact with skin. Overlap the sheets at the edges until the entire box is covered.
6. Brush over the leafing with a soft brush to press it onto the glue below and to rub off any excess at the seams.
7. Create a glaze by mixing an earth-toned paint pigment with varnish in a ratio of four parts varnish to one part pigment.
8. Brush on the glaze (figure D) and use tissue to blot it for texture and color depth.
9. If desired, add a stencil motif and finish with beautiful ribbon.