Tut Tuesday: DIY Gilded Cake Stand

What up, what up, what up? To keep up with the old school crafts I’ve been bringing your way, let’s talk gold-leafing. It’s a lost art. But it’s makin’ a comeback. Isn’t that the best? All these cool old trends are now cool and new again? I have a few friends over 65 and they’ve been showing me how to do this. It’s actually super easy. In fact, I tweaked it a little so that you really don’t have to do anything. So let’s get started shall we? Read the how-to after the jump. ;)

To make your own gilded cake stand you’ll need:

• cake stand (I used a plate and candle stick holder glued together)
• white spray paint
• gold-leafing kit ($9 from Michael’s)

Spray paint your cake stand. Remember to use short and light bursts to avoid drips. Let the paint dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

While the paint is drying, cut a sheet of the leafing into irregular geometric shapes. The leafing has a small film over it so make sure you keep that in tact. You’ll want to leave a little tab of that hanging over the edge of the actual leafing. You’ll hold on to that piece each time you place the gold on the plate.

Take the little cut pieces and press them onto the plate. The paint is still a little sticky so the leafing will just stick right on. Peel the transparent film away and that’s it! Repeat these steps placing the gold anywhere you please.

Pretty? I think so. Now, remember that this isn’t dishwasher safe. You’ll need to wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it clean. I didn’t spray the top of the plate so that I could still put food on it. Because food is the most important thing there is in this world.

That’s it. You can make pretty little designs with the glue, but I was too impatient for that. Stick it to the paint, my peeps. Oh and p.s. – that red velvet cake on top? I ate the whole thing. By myself. I feel like I can tell you these things because this is a safe place.

Have you ever tried gold-leafing? Are you a pro and have just been holding out on us?