Geometric Ikea Candle Hack

My mom knows my style well, and for Christmas one year she got me a stunning geometric mirror from West Elm with a brass stand. It is a real show stopper and statement piece in my living room. This year she got me am Ikea collection of marbelized geometric candles and I love them! As soon as I got them, I couldn't help but wonder what they would look like if I gold leafed them...
I didn't plan on ever burning them, so I figured why not give it a try? I pulled out some supplies from my craft closet and went to town.
I used the below products and a included a helpful Youtube tutorial I found for gold leafing. So far I have gold leafed jewelry and these candles. I don't plan on stopping there...

1.) Gold Leaf Hobby Lobby - $6.99
2.) Metal Leaf Adhesive Hobby Lobby - $5.99
3.) Metal Leaf Sealer Hobby Lobby - $5.99
4.) Craft Paintbrushes Hobby Lobby - $4.99
5.) (2) Shot glass - to pour the adhesive & Sealer for the application process.
* Don't forget about your 40% OFF Hobby Lobby coupon too!
First I apply the adhesive in a thin layer to the surface with a paintbrush. Applying it in a thin layer allows you to apply the gold leaf with was and ensures a polished end product. I wait until the adhesive is nice and tacky, and that normally takes about 5 minutes.
Applying the gold leaf is really fun and also a delicate process. I wet another paintbrush with water so that the leaf sticks to the brush. Try not getting the adhesive stuck to your leafing brush. I find it easy to smooth each piece with my fingers. Once you are happy with your gold leaf, let it set for about 30 minutes.
After letting the adhesive sit and cure, you will then apply the gold leaf sealant. I poured a little in a shot glass and just painted away. The consistency is much like water, so it goes on very thin. The sealant dries rather quickly, so once it is - you're done!
This is a quick and easy DIY project that can upgrade anything around the home!
