I’m slightly obsessed with gold leaf. I’ve been using it on a variety of projects lately.
So, when my good friend asked me to make a pillow and have it monogramed for her to give as a gift, I agreed and started thinking about the simple project. I’d cut the pillow to the correct size and bring the pillow front to the embroidery shop and have the monogram embroidered on it in a nice gold metallic thread. Then I thought …why don’t I try gold leaf instead?! So that’s exactly what I did and I’m pretty happy with the result. Plus, this technique could be used on any pillow, homemade or store bought. You just need to be able to take out the filler and flatten the pillow
I started by printing the monogram in my desired font and size.
I traced the letter on transparent contact paper and cut it out. I had to do this part twice because the first time I traced it on the wrong side, when I stuck the contact paper to the pillow my “L” was backward.
I stuck the contact paper to the pillow and used the end of my ruler to make sure the edges where really sealed so the adhesive wouldn’t bleed under. We want crisp edges right?
I did have the foresight on my second cut to make the contact paper big enough to cover the whole pillow to avoid adhesive overspray on the pillow. Also, if the pillow has a zipper, be sure the zipper is located on the bottom of the monogram.
I used general purpose adhesive. Not the adhesive sold along with some gold leaf kits. I’m not sure what difference it makes, but on this project it doesn’t seem to make any. On a smooth surface like wood or glass it may. So if you don’t already have adhesive then certainly purchase the stuff made specifically for leafing.
I used Mona Lisa Brand Gold Leaf. The” press and peel” type. Which is very important because there’s also a “loose leaf” type and it’s much harder to work with because it’s not attached to a parchment paper backing and it just floats around in the slightest breeze and is very naughty. I stick with the press and peel.
I’m very happy with the result. I hope mi amiga is too.
How do you think it compares to real embroidery?
