Gold Leaf Decoupage Coasters

How to Make the Coasters

Since these coasters are comprised of several layers, it is important that the layers are exactly the same shape and size.

• Fiskars Shape Boss Embossing System
• Shape Cutter tool
• Shape Cutter “Squares” template
• Cork square
• 2 cm thick chipboard
• Decoupage images (Click here for sources of decoupage art.)
• Mod Podge
• PVA Glue (like Elmer’s Glue-All)
• Mona Lisa Gold Leafing Kit

Use the largest square of the template to make coasters that are 3 ½ inches square. The square shapes have rounded corners – perfect for coasters. Cut out your artwork and one square each of cork and chipboard for each coaster.

I wasn’t sure the Shape Cutter could handle such diverse materials but it did fine. The paper, of course, just took one pass. I used two passes on the cork; then folded along the break and cut away the square. The chipboard required four passes with the cutting tool to make a deep enough cut to fold and cut away.

If the ink on your artwork is subject to bleeding, seal it first. Read How to Prevent Ink Bleed.

Notice that my work surface for this step is covered with wax paper to keep the prints from sticking.

The Mod Podge seeps through thin paper.

Use PVA glue to attach each chipboard square to the top of a cork square.

Use Mod Podge to glue your artwork to the chipboard. Apply two or three coats of Mod Podge, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.

How to Gold Leaf Your Decoupage Coasters

If you want to apply gold leaf to the edges of your decoupage coasters, you can do it the old fashioned way, or you can use the Mona Lisa Gold Leafing Kit like I did.

I've wanted to try gold leafing for a long time, but I've seen people do it and it looks extremely difficult. Gold leaf flying all over. Arms, fingers, clothes covered with little flecks of gold.

This was so easy, I couldn't believe it. A very nice low cost way to try leafing and have excellent results the first time. Instructions are simple enough for all beginners. A really nice product.

The kit includes everything you need. The kit contains generous bottles of adhesive and sealant, along with 25 (5 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in.) sheets of the fine gold composition metal leaf.

Follow the simple package directions. Here are a couple of tips for this project.

You don’t need to seal the cork edges. When spreading the adhesive, use your fingertip and aim for a thin even coat. That makes the leafing part go smoother.

This project only needs one coat of adhesive.

Let’s see now, what else can I gold leaf?!

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for decoupeurs. Not only do you get tips and techniques, but also artwork that you can use in your own projects.

New Decoupage: Transforming Your Home With Paper, Glue, and Scissors By: Durwin Rice The Victorian Scrap Gallery: A Collection of over 500 Full-Color Victorian-Era Images By: Dee Davis Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage By: Alison Jenkins Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera By: Claudine Hellmuth 930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series) By: Trina Robbins Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts By: Dee Davis

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