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Gold Gilded Bird Art

Learn how to make this gold gilded bird art to dress up any space in your home. A simple and beautiful DIY art project that’s inexpensive too!

I was really impressed with the fabric paint projects the gals came up with last week. You? I’m certain this round of the One Item Project Challenge will be no different. 

One Item Project Challenge Hosted by Satori Design for Living

This time I chose GOLD GILDING or LEAFING as the supply we had to work with. I’ve been wanting to introduce a bit of gold into our home for a while now, and thought this was the perfect opportunity. After working with silver leafing in the past, I thought it would be fun to give something new a try, so I picked up Martha Stewart’s liquid gilding on one of my trips to Michaels.

After pondering what I could do with it for a couple weeks, I remembered a beautiful bird tray I saw at Pier 1 Imports in the spring. I decided to use it as a source of inspiration for an art project.

DIY Gold Gilded Bird Art

DIY Gold Gilded Bird Art

Supplies

  • cardstock (I used a 12″ x 12″ piece of glossy linen-look called glass slipper from the scrapbooking section of Michaels)
  • small paint brushes
  • gold gilding
  • bird graphic (I found mine HERE)
  • fine pencil
  • scissors
  • frame
Supplies to Create Your Own Gold Gilded Bird Art

Instructions

  1. To start with, I printed the bird graphic, cut it out and traced it in pencil onto the cardstock.

Note: next time I would print it out onto cardstock so it doesn’t curl up and stays in place better while tracing.

Bird Graphic Cut Out
  1. Next, I shook the gilding bottle really well, dipped the larger paint brush into the gold, and began to fill in the drawing, starting with the bird, working down, and then left to right on the branch. I switched between the very fine brush and larger angled brush as needed.
  2. After the first coat dried for an hour or so, I went back and touched up the fine detail areas, making sure everything was covered. I also used the smaller brush to give the bird and leaves a little definition.
How to Create Your Own Gold Gilded Bird Art
  1. To finish it off, I used an inexpensive frame I found at a big box store. I like how the white keeps it looking fresh.
DIY Gold Gilded Bird Art in White Frame

I leaned the bird art on our bedroom dresser against a hanging mirror for now, but I’d like to create one more piece so I can hang them above our nightstands on either side.

I love how the light bounces off the gold and adds a subtle touch of sparkle.

DIY Gold Gilded Bird Art in White Frame

Now, head over to Simple Details and check out Pam’s DIY Gold Accents.

Be sure to come back next Wednesday to find out what the final craft supply was on our One Item Project Challenge list and see what we all did with it.

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.

xo,

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

12 Comments

  1. My favorite is the little sparkle too, Shauna! What a great idea for creating a custom piece. Love your fresh, crisp style! Thanks again for your idea for the series! :)

    1. I was a little cautious adding gold to our space (after living through the 80’s), but I really like the shade of gilding I used and think it adds shimmer without being too much. Thanks again for partaking- your project looks great!

  2. Gorgeous!!! I totally have left over gilding for an art project, too! Your art is making me want to do it today!!! Thanks so much for coordinating the fun One Item social party! I love it! XO, Aimee

    1. You should do it. The site where I found my bird graphic has a whole whack of bird images, but you could basically do whatever you like. I’m so glad you’re partaking. Enjoy your day!

  3. Beautiful!  What a great way to bring gold into a space.  I always tend to think frames or little accent pieces, I never would have thought of artwork.  You did a really great job!

  4. Gorgeous!!! I totally have left over gilding for an art project, too! Your art is making me want to do it today!!! I love your blog. You have a New follówer from Chile
    Angélica

  5. That is so pretty Shauna.  I’ve never used the gilding before.  I’m definitely going to have to think of something to make with it.

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