Pebbles with gold leaf design

Gold or copper leaf is surprisingly affordable and when used with double-sided adhesive film or tape, it's really easy to use. Cut to any design, regardless of how intricate or delicate it is. You can add gold leaf to just about any surface, but I thought I'd use it to transform the humble river rock into something special.

 

poopscape.com

YOU WILL NEED:

Pebbles or smooth river rocks, thoroughly washed and dried
Gold leaf
Double-sided sticky film or tape (carpet tape is also perfect)
Small brush
Small sharp scissors or craft knife

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. Trace the outline of your rock onto the adhesive paper. I highly recommend doing this first because it insures that your design will fit and be centred on your rock. Draw your design on the paper.

2. Cut out your design using a pair of small, sharp scissors. Told you this project was crazy-easy!

3. Peel the back side off the adhesive paper and stick your design on the rock.

4. Peel the facing side off the adhesive paper design. See how it leaves a sticky layer?

5. Grab a piece of gold leaf to cover your design. If you don't have a large enough piece, you can use several smaller pieces. Any scrap you have left over can be used later for another project.

6. Use your brush to push the gold leaf against your design. When it's firmly stuck, brush off the excess gold leaf.

7. Brush up against the edges of your design to remove the remaining bits of gold leaf and then you're done.

Other possibilities: I thought it would be nice to make letter/initial designs to use as place markers for a fancy dinner or paperweights.