Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

DIY: Gilded Holiday Decor

Search

DIY: Gilded Holiday Decor

December 7, 2012

Creating holiday greenery with foraged plants and a little gold paint is easy and fun. The true beauty of this project lies not only in the results, but in the fact that the outcome—depending on where you live and what's available to you—will always be uniquely your own.

My passion for working with foraged greens (and not-so-greens) is twofold. First, operating within the confines of what I can find in my own yard forces me get creative. Rather than simply copying a DIY project, I have to dispel preconceived notions about the desired results, and open my mind to new opportunities presented by the materials at hand. Second, in so doing, I learn to see the plants in my withered yard in a whole new light.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 3

Above: Let the materials guide you. Find the intrinsic beauty of each specimen and seek to enhance it. Here, a humble weed in its desiccated state becomes a thing of rare beauty with a bit of gold paint.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 4

Above: This project is about what you already have: paint brushes and whatever twigs and greens you can get your hands on. All you may need to buy is a little gold and silver paint. I used Martha Stewart's Multi-Surface Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint and Liquid Gilding, both available at Michaels.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 5

Above: Remember to think outside the box. I happen to have holly in my yard, but eschewed it in favor of non-traditional greens like thorns and dried oak leaves.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 6

Above: Be extemporaneous. I didn't want this project to be fussy (OK, let's call it what it is: I didn't have time to painstakingly paint each leaf). But I actually found that quick brushstrokes often had a more desirous effect than more deliberate applications.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 7

Above: Mix and Match. My little holiday "boutonniere" of beech, oak, and dried Black-Eyed-Susan is waiting for a package or a lapel to adorn.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 8

Above: Use your gilded greens on packages, mantels, as a centerpiece for the holiday table, or to enhance wreaths and garlands. (Note that any leaves that are not already dried will wither once inside, unless you put them in a bit of water.)

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 9

Above: I have to admit that I've never really been a fan of the summer flowers and foliage of either azaleas or bar berry. But this holiday vignette has made a convert out of me.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 10

Above: Another little boutonniere includes azalea leaves, rose hips, and dried red leaves of burning bush.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 11

Above: So much fun, I got a little carried away. My bureau received a little holiday bouquet as well.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 12

Above: Not holly berries. Withered rose hips complement the plum-tinted azalea leaves.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 13

Above: I'm just going to leave this little guy right where he is next to the ink drawing by my aunt.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 14

Above: One of my first attempts resulted in a more "obvious" holiday assemblage. But it's still very pretty.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 15

Above: The ridges and tiny buds of this burning bush cried out for a little silver paint.

DIY Gilded Holiday Decor portrait 16

Above: Life beyond its dramatic scarlet leaves: the green stems and aubergine flowers of burning bush are lovely next to silver paint.

N.B. Looking for more DIY decor? See 235 inspired Holiday Projects is our DIY section.

(Visited 1,228 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Product summary  

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0