How to Make Gorgeous Gold Leaf Christmas Ornaments

Looking for a way to add sparkle to your holiday decor this year? Learn how to make gold leaf Christmas ornaments that add a warm, metallic shimmer to your tree!

Metal leafing might sound intimidating but it’s a simple way to make your ornaments stand out.

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Crafting With Gold Leaf

Today is The Handcrafted Society’s monthly gathering, and I’m so thankful to be part of this talented group!

Each month we come together to share creations centered around a specific theme or craft medium.

This month we were challenged to make something using glitter, foil, or metal leafing.

I have wanted to try metal leafing for quite some time, which motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new!

Earlier this year I made beautiful trinket dishes by decoupaging oyster shells with napkins containing gold flecks.

I had some napkins left over and thought they might make pretty ornaments if combined with gold leaf!

Here’s what I came up with!

Four gold leaf and decoupage ornaments on greenery.

Isn’t that gold leaf gorgeous?

It’s so beautiful by itself, but I adore how it looks paired with the napkins!

I can’t wait to share this DIY with you and at the end of the post, you’ll be able to see what the other members of The Handcrafted Society created!

Steps to Make Gold Leaf Christmas Ornaments

First I’ll show you how to add gold leaf, then explain how I used decoupage and napkins on some ornaments.

Gather Gold Leaf Materials

Learn how to gold leaf with a kit, glass ornaments, napkins, rub-n-buff, and ribbon.

Clear or white ornaments- you can use glass or plastic
Metal leaf kit -contains adhesive size, sealer, and 25 gold leaf sheets
Paintbrushes– 4
Rub-n-Buff
Ribbon- Hobby Lobby white and gold
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Silicone finger protectors
Paper plate
Styrofoam
Wood skewers- Dollar Tree
Disposable gloves- optional

Prep

I am using glass ornaments I bought on clearance after Christmas last year for just a few dollars!

glass ornaments on wooden skewers with their caps laying in front of them.

First, remove the caps from the top of the ornaments.

Then, make a holder to separate the ornaments.

I used a piece of styrofoam, if you don’t have any you can use a cardboard box.

Push wood skewers into the base and spread them out so the ornaments don’t touch.

Apply an adhesive size

Step one for how to gold leaf is to paint adhesive size on a glass ornament.

Apply the adhesive size to the outside of the ornament with a paintbrush.

Make sure it is applied in a thin layer with no puddles.

Place the ornament on a skewer and let dry until the size is tacky, this usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Apply Gold Leaf

Step two for how to gold leaf is to place a sheet on the ornament and adhere it with a paintbrush.

Place the metal leaf sheet over the ornament.

Press it down with a dry paintbrush (or soft cloth).

Step three for how to gold leaf is to brush away the excess gold leaf with a paint brush.

Brush the gold leaf onto the ornament, you will have pieces that don’t adhere and stick out.

Rub lightly to remove the excess gold leaf.

Do this over a paper plate to save the pieces that fall off.

Check the ornament for bare places and fill it with small pieces that fell on the plate.

Seal the ornament

Step four for how to gold leaf is to paint the sealer over the ornament.

Paint the sealer over the gold leaf ornament.

Place it on a skewer and let dry.

Do not skip this step because the gold leaf can tarnish.

Paint the ornament caps

Ornament caps with a paint brush and Rub-n-Buff.

Our caps are silver and I want them to be gold, so we’ll use Rub-n-Buff for a completely different look.

Wear disposable gloves, paint the Rub-n-buff onto the cap, and let dry.

Apply a second coat of rub-n-buff to get complete coverage.

Embellish the Ornament

Gold leaf ornaments with two types of ribbon.

Add ribbon around the ornament with hot glue.

Be careful as hot glue can burn you.

We suggest silicone finger protectors.

How to decoupage half the gold leaf ornament

Gather Decoupage Materials ( optional)

Napkins -Walmart
Decoupage -Walmart
Scissors -Walmart
Paintbrush
Painters tape -Walmart

Divide the ornament

glass ornament wrapped with painters tape.

Use painter’s tape to wrap around the ornament.

Make sure the edge of the tape is flat against the ornament.

Prepare the Napkin

Glass ornament, torn napkins, and bottle of Mod Podge.

Separate the napkin and discard the extra white sheets.

Look for areas with gold leaf, and tear the napkin into pieces.

Apply decoupage

Paint the Mod Podge onto the ornament and press the napkin into it using a paintbrush.

Since the ornament is round, you will get bumps in the napkin like in the picture above.

Napkin piece with triangle cut out of it.

To keep from getting big wrinkles, I like to cut a triangle shape out of the napkin and then press it down.

Napkin piece attached to ornament with Mod Podge.

Continue steps until half the ornament is covered.

Apply decoupage to the surface with the paintbrush.

Place on a skewer and let dry.

Remove the painter’s tape and use the steps above to apply the gold leaf to the other half.

Ornament with half gold leaf and half decoupage with ribbon between it.

Embellish with ribbon to hide the seam and attach a gold cap.

The finished ornaments

A plain ornament and a DIY gold leaf ornament.

What an amazing transformation!

A bust statue with gold leaf ornaments displayed in front of it.

I am so excited to hang these on our Christmas tree!

DIY gold leaf ornaments in front of a bust statue.

They would also look gorgeous displayed in a crystal bowl filled with greenery!

The Handcrafted Society

Ready for more inspiration?

Now it’s time to see what my amazing friends in The Handcrafted Society have created with glitter, foil, or metal leafing!

Click on the image or the blog name to hop over to each post!

A close-up of a Christmas tree adorned with white and gold baubles. The ornaments have a golden leaf design on the bottom half. Soft white string lights add a warm glow to the scene. — WM Design House

Festive ornaments on a textured knit background, including a glittery mitten with floral detail, pink ribbon, a ball ornament, a decorative Eiffel Tower, and a shiny crown. — The Crowned Goat

Wooden nutcracker figures with gold accents stand beside a decorative golden Christmas tree. Warm lighting creates a festive atmosphere, complemented by green pine branches at the base. — Sout h House Designs

Close-up of miniature snowy houses in pastel pink and green surrounded by artificial pine trees and snow. The scene has a festive, wintery feel with various shades of green adding depth to the decoration. — Sonata Home Design

A glittery blue ornament with a light blue ribbon hangs on a Christmas tree, surrounded by twinkling lights and green branches. Nearby, a green bell-shaped ornament is visible. — White Lilac Farmhouse

A collection of copper-colored, uniquely shaped ornaments arranged on a bed of evergreen branches on a white surface. The décor includes round and pointed designs with a metallic finish. — Thistle Key Lane

A small, decorative birdhouse with a glittery roof sits on a floral-patterned plate. It has a label reading "George." The setting is on a table with warm-toned decor, including a lit candle and amber glass bottle in the background. — Skylark House

A white marble bust surrounded by decorative gold and silver Christmas ornaments, with greenery at the base. The background features a soft-focus white interior with square wall accents. — An Organized Season

A wooden bowl contains four decorative gift tags, each adorned with colorful glitter and lace ribbons. The tags are painted in pastel shades of pink and mint green. Scissors and loose rhinestones are partially visible on the table. — Live Laugh Rowe

Conclusion

Creating your own gold leaf Christmas ornaments is a wonderful way to add a touch of sparkle to your holiday decor.

So gather your materials and have fun transforming simple ornaments into treasures you can use year after year.

If you enjoy the blog, please sign up for our email list so you won’t miss a post!

Blessings, Donna and Rich

More DIY Christmas Inspiration

Don’t leave yet, if you love making Christmas decor as much as I do, you’ll want to check out the posts below:

Pin it for later

Be sure to pin this so you can remember it!

Simple Way to Create a DIY Neutral Ribbon Wreath

How to Make the Cutest Pumpkin Basket Ever

Kitchen Table and Chairs Painted With Chalk Paint

Simple St. Patrick's Day DIY Decor Makeover

Comments

Missy says

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So beautiful, Donna! I especially love how you combined the gold leaf with the decoupage…inspired! These ornaments would be gorgeous on any Christmas tree!

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thank you Missy! I am so happy with the combination of the two techniques as well! Now I just have to put up my tree!!
  
Rachel @ The Antiqued Journey says

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Wow, Donna!! I’m SO impressed!! These ornaments look so high-end…beautiful! I love the gold leaf and what a great way to use materials that you already had on hand. These will look so pretty on your tree!

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thanks Rachel! Yes, I was happy to find another use for those napkins! They are too pretty to use as normal napkins, lol!! Isn’t it amazing how perfectly they matched the gold leaf!
  
Tammy says

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Donna, these ornaments are stunning! They are very elegant and beautiful for a tree or in a bowl.

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thank you so much Tammy! I’m so happy with how they turned out and can’t wait to decorate with them!
  
CoCo says

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As someone who’s always wanted to work with gold leaf, I’m so excited to try these ideas, Donna! I love how you made each ornament feel like part of a collection yet unique at the same time. They are just gorgeous and I can’t wait to see how you decorate with them. Hugs, CoCo

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thank you so much, CoCo! I was a bit scared to try gold leaf but it was very easy and enjoyable to work with! I can’t wait to use it again! Now I just need to find time to get the tree put up!
  
MaryJo Materazo says

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These came out lovely Donna. I like that you made them all a bit different rather than all the same. They will look beautiful in your home this holiday season. I love gold leafing and don’t use it enough. You’ve inspired me. Pinned. XO- MaryJo

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thanks MaryJo! I thought it was so fun to use and now I’m sorry I waited so long to try it! So glad I found a new way to add a bit of sparkle to my holiday decor! Thanks again!
  
Michelle | Thistle Key Lane says

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Donna, these ornaments are so pretty and would make lovely small gift or gift topper! Love the gold leaf with the napkin pattern! Gorgeous!

- Donna Allen says
  
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  I agree Michele, these would be perfect to give as a gift or to add to a package to dress it up! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks so much!
  
Kelly Rowe says

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I love the two-tone look of your gorgeous ornaments, Donna! The gold leaf and decoupage napkin are a perfect pairing.

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thank you Kelly! I thought the gold flecks in the napkins looked just like gold leaf and that’s what made me think to pair them up! So glad it worked out!
  
Anna Price says

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Hi Donna! First, I love that you took the time and thought to paint the ornament caps! That’s so smart – a total game changer. It completely elevates your ornaments! The napkins are gorgeous with the swirls of gold. I love the ornaments you created. I hope you keep them for future Christmases. Thanks for sharing another great project. I always love to see what you are working on. Also, I am glad you made it through the hurricanes safely.

- Donna Allen says
  
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  Thank you so much Anna! We can not wait until hurricane season ends at the end of this month! Rub-n-buff worked so well for those caps!! I love how the ornaments turned out and will keep them for many years! Thanks again!