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Weekend decorator: Gold leaf cushions

A fine coating of gold leaf brings a metallic lustre to everyday items, and can add a hint of Versailles-style grandeur
Melissa Heath

Bring a little glitz and glamour to your interior with these stunning cushions.

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You will need:

Plain scatter cushions (we used Target ‘Axis’ cushions,  43cm x 43cm, $10 each)

Tape measure

Tailor’s chalk

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Masking tape

Stencil brush

Gold leaf size (a quality adhesive used for gilding); we used Jo Sonja’s Tannin Sealer, $13.99, Riot Art & Craft

Cotton gloves

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Gold leaf or imitation gold leaf; we used AFC Gold Leaf Composition, $11.99/25 sheets, Riot Art & Craft

Soft, dry paintbrush

 

How to:

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1. Remove the cushion insert. Measure and mark the centre of your cushion with tailor’s chalk. Use this mark as a guide to create the boundaries of a cross with masking tape; keep in mind that each side is the same length, so for a 30cm cross, you would need 12 x 10cm lengths of masking tape. Do not move onto step 2 until you are satisfied with the shape and position of your design. See note below for gold frame instructions.

 

2. Using your stencil brush, dab a 1mm coat of gold leaf size onto the exposed area (your design) and leave for about 20 minutes, or until the adhesive becomes tacky.

 

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3. Wearing cotton gloves, adhere gold leaf sheets by pressing down gently onto the size. When complete, set cushion aside for a few hours to allow to dry.

 

4. Using the dry paintbrush, gently brush away any excess gold leaf. Remove the masking tape to reveal your design.

 

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5. Seal the gold leaf with your tannin sealer, or a clear acrylic spray, such as White Knight Crystal Clear Acrylic.

 

Note: To create the template for the gold frame cushion, use the edge of the cushion as a guide. Measure in 5cm and apply masking tape in a long strip along all four sides. The inner square requires more careful measuring – aim to leave around 5cm between the inside and outside border.

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