Metalics are so hot right now. I want to make everything shiny! Unfortunately, bling comes at a price. Fortunately, faux finishes give you the right look and variety for much cheaper. If you enjoy this article, there’s part 1 (vellum) and part 2 (chipboard/Kraft paper) and I will also be posting a bonus article on custom washi tape coming up!
I use a variety of methods to create gold elements.
“Gold Foil” from paper and paint. (I used paper from my sketchbook, its a bit thicker than copy paper, and gold acrylic paint from the dollar store. I used horizontal strokes to cover the paper in two
PROS:
-can take really detailed cuts, looks shiny, cheap
-variety of shades of gold acrylic paints to choose from (you can do silver too!)
-pretty brushed effect
-can use paint right on stuff instead of doing a big sheet, or for other artsy applications
CONS:
-isn’t “printable”
-can see brush strokes in larger pieces
-takes time to make and dry
-is a magnet to cat butts when wet
Cut settings: a bit up from copy paper, do a test cut
Wrapping Paper
Some kinds of wrapping paper have gold foil on the back. This one is from the dollar store:
There is also door paper that I got from Staples last Christmas that is a beautiful full roll of gold shiny:
PROS:
-so shiny
-super cheap
CONS:
-flimsy
-rips easily
Cut settings: vellum
Tip: glue it onto a piece of cardstock to prevent ripping, it helps a TON, especially on intricate designs.
Here it is without cardstock, its ok for simple designs but you can see the corner of the star is a bit wrinkled.
Raid your recycling bin
Dylan actually found these for me as liners from a chocolate box! So sweet :)
PROS:
-free
-eat more chocolate
-different textures
CONS:
-amount of money spend on chocolate….
Cut settings: they are about the thickness of cardstock- do a test cut!
I love using gold and silver elements on my projects. They are an easy way to add shine, class and dimension.
Silver wrapping paper:
Where do you get your shiny stuff?
xoxo
-A
