Copper Leafing

Okay- so you may or may not remember the piece of furniture I bought and mentioned in my 'Repurposing a Lost Corner' post- but here it is- making a comeback.  

I definitely felt this piece was too much of a black hole.  Sure, the accessories could have brightened it up, but I wanted a reflective backdrop.  So I decided to try my hand at some copper leafing.  I was getting my hands dirty (not really- I was wearing gloves- there is a very nice manicure I need to protect!). I didn't feel intimidated and nor should you!  It's basically a spray adhesive applied, then the copper gently rubbed on.  Any creases, folds or tears just add to the character.  What could go wrong? This is usually where I hear, "With you Blondie- anything!"

The piece before the copper leafing.

I purchased the copper leafing and spray adhesive online.  (Also available are gold and silver leafs, but the glitz I chose is copper.)

The first step to the project was to tape off the areas that I didn't want the adhesive to get on.  This was probably the most annoying and time consuming part.  Next I sprayed the adhesive (should have had a window open- or wore a gas mask- this stuff stinks!). I suppose I might have got a little spray crazy-as my husband said 'this isn't the 80"s and this ain't your hair!' 

Watch where you're aiming!

Once the adhesive was ready to go I began to carefully apply the copper leafing.  

Once I filled the area (this goes pretty quickly) I then dry-brushed/burnished it all flat.  This step helps to remove any tiny pieces that didn't quite stick. I am glad this piece wasn't any bigger- I was beginning to lose focus (might have been the spray)! 


Love how the dark wood shows through the squares- just the look I was after!

The finished product!  I love how it turned out! I have a bit of copper leafing left over so now I'm thinking of doing a picture frame or the bottom of a tray.  I'll let you know.

I can't wait to reupholster that chair--- soooo boring!

Then came the accessorizing.  With a few purchased things and some items I repurposed, I'm pleased with the outcome.  But I also know it will be a work in progress as I accumulate some loved things.  I am digging the chairs on top... oh! and that's where I left my crown!

Inspire yourself. 

Dawn