6. Gold-Leaf Keepsake Ornament
Gold leafing turns an ordinary ornament into something that looks like it came from a high-end shop. It is one of those wedding ornament ideas to commemorate your big day that looks far more expensive than it actually is, which is wonderful for couples on a tighter budget.
You will need adhesive size, gold leaf sheets, a soft brush, and a plain ornament in glass, ceramic, or wood. Painted wooden ball ornaments work especially well for beginners because they are lightweight and easy to hold. Apply a thin coat of adhesive size to the areas you want gilded, wait the time listed on the bottle until the size is tacky, then press a sheet of gold leaf gently onto the surface. The leaf sticks only where the size is, leaving you with a beautifully aged, irregular gold pattern.
Brush away the excess with the soft brush, then seal with a light coat of clear sealant so the leaf does not flake off over the years. Tie a velvet ribbon in a deep color around the top for contrast, and write the wedding date on the bottom with a fine-tip paint pen in dark brown or black.
Gold leaf can be tricky the first time, so allow about an hour and a half, mostly because the size needs time to reach the right tackiness. A common mistake is touching the leaf with bare fingers too much, which can make it clump. Holding the sheets with a dry soft brush keeps the surface clean and even.