Gold Leaf Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Creating Luxurious Cards

Gold leaf wedding invitations can be expensive, but you can save money by making them yourself. You can doll up your printed wedding invites with just a little bit of glue and a few sheets of gold foil. The beauty of this DIY is that gold foil looks best when it's a little chipped and rustic with torn edges and a hint of paper peeking through, so you don't need to spend much time making them look incredible.

Printing your invitations

The first step to creating your gold leaf wedding invitations is to print your desired design onto a heavy-duty card stock. You can do this at home or use a professional printer. It is recommended that you print a few extra copies to test out your technique before committing to the final invitations. Once you are happy with the design and layout, trim the card stock to size.

When it comes to the design of your invitations, you can choose from a variety of templates available online or create your own. Some websites offer customisable designs, allowing you to personalise your invitations with your own text and even add a photo. You can also request design changes or consult a stationery expert for advice on creating a unique and bespoke invitation.

If you are looking to add a subtle shimmer to your invitations, consider using a luxe paper type such as TripleThick™ heritage stock or recycled paper. These paper types can enhance the elegance of your invitations and make them stand out.

Remember to print a few extra copies in case of any mistakes during the gold leaf application process.

Applying glue

When applying glue to your wedding invitations, it's important to work carefully and efficiently to ensure the best results. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including a high-quality glue stick or extra-strength adhesive designed for paper crafts. You don't want the glue to be too watery, as this can cause the cardstock to become soggy and warp. Test the glue on a small piece of cardstock before starting, to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or leave visible marks.

Start by printing your invitations on heavy-duty cardstock, either at home or using a professional printer. It's a good idea to print a few extra copies to practice your technique and ensure you're happy with the result. Once you're confident, trim the invitations to size.

Now you're ready to start applying the glue. Think about where you want to place the gold leaf before you begin, as this will help you be more precise. Apply a light coat of glue to the desired areas, using a thin layer to avoid any unsightly lumps or excess glue seeping out from under the gold leaf. Work slowly and carefully, ensuring the glue is evenly distributed.

If you're only adding gold leaf to certain corners or edges, focus on those areas. For example, you might choose to apply glue to the bottom edge and upper right corner of each invitation. This will create a stylish, rustic look, with a hint of the paper peeking through. Remember, when it comes to gold leaf, imperfection can add character, so don't worry about making it absolutely perfect!

Once you're happy with the glue application, you're ready to move on to the next step of adding the gold leaf.

Tearing gold leaf

Gold leaf is an extremely delicate material, so it's important to be careful when tearing it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to tear gold leaf for wedding invitations:

Before you begin, make sure you have a clean workspace free of drafts or moving air. Close any nearby windows and turn off fans to avoid the gold leaf being disturbed. It's also a good idea to wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling small particles of gold.

When you're ready to start, take a sheet of gold leaf and lay it on a gilding cushion or a smooth, leather surface. The matte side of the gold leaf should be facing up. Gently tear the gold leaf into smaller pieces with your fingers, being careful not to apply too much pressure. You can also use a gilding knife, a sharp blade, or a pair of scissors if you prefer. For wedding invitations, you'll likely want to create thin strips or small pieces of gold leaf to apply to the corners or edges of the invitations.

If you're working with multiple sheets of gold leaf, it's best to work with one sheet at a time to avoid tearing or damaging the others. Take your time and be gentle, as gold leaf is very fragile and can tear easily.

Once you've torn the gold leaf into the desired size and shape, you can proceed to apply it to your wedding invitations using a light coat of glue. Remember, the beauty of this DIY is in the imperfection, so don't worry if the gold leaf pieces are not perfectly shaped or sized. The rustic, torn edges will only add to the charm of your invitations!

By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful, glinty gold foil wedding invitations that are sure to impress your guests.

Smoothing out air bubbles

Before placing the gold leaf onto the invitation, ensure that the glue is still tacky. This is crucial, as it will help the gold leaf adhere properly and avoid air bubbles. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the glue should take around 15 to 30 minutes to become tacky. To check if it's ready, gently tap your finger on the surface; if it feels sticky, you can proceed.

When applying the gold leaf, work in small sections to ensure maximum control. Use a soft-bristled paintbrush to gently smooth over the gold leaf, ensuring it comes into full contact with the glue. Be careful not to overlap the gold leaf pieces, as they won't stick together. If you do overlap, simply brush away the excess gold leaf.

If you find that there are still air bubbles after applying the gold leaf, don't worry. You can use a soft cotton cloth to gently rub across the surface of the gold leaf, smoothing out any remaining air bubbles.

In some cases, you may need to apply an additional coat of adhesive and gold leaf. If there are areas that aren't fully covered, simply apply a small amount of adhesive, let it become tacky, and then gently lay a new gold leaf sheet over it.

Finally, once you've achieved a smooth finish, let the gold leaf cure for at least two to three days before handling or sending out your invitations. This will ensure that the gold leaf is fully adhered and any remaining air bubbles have been removed.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of gold leafing your wedding invitations. With these tips, you'll be able to create elegant and professional-looking invitations that will wow your guests.

Removing excess foil

When it comes to removing excess gold foil from your wedding invitations, there are a few methods you can try. One popular method is to use an excess leaf removal brush. This brush is designed specifically to remove excess gold or silver when water gilding on glass. Be sure that the glue is completely dry before using the brush, and consider applying a small amount of water to the brush before using a soft swirling motion to remove the excess gold foil.

Another option is to use a Magic Eraser (melamine foam). This method is ideal for removing excess gold on reverse glass work. Cut the Magic Eraser into tiny pieces, and use it with a small amount of water. Pair it with some rolled cotton to manage the water, and test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn't remove the paint.

Additionally, you can try using rolled cotton with Bon Ami, a mild abrasive cleaner. Dip the cotton in a small amount of water, and carefully remove the excess gold. Alternatively, use a Q-tip with a little Bon Ami, being careful not to remove too much gold.

For a quicker solution, simply use your fingers to remove any excess gold foil not held on by glue. This method works best when you want a rustic, chipped look for your invitations.

Frequently asked questions