DIY Gold Foil Napkins
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About a month ago, I packed up my little suitcase plus a larger one full of dinnerware and crafting supplies (I’ll explain in a minute.) and headed off to Boston.
As I’ve mentioned here on IBC, I was invited by my friends at Wayfair to be an Ambassador for their first ever Heart Home Conference. (Um, where does the time go. I’m so sorry it took me this long to write this post.) This conference was designed for anyone who has a passion for home decor. It was a two-day event comprised of numerous sessions focused on new design trends, how to master the art of creating video content, and other decorating-related topics. There were also wonderful brands, including all of the subdivisions of Wayfair: Birch Lane, AllModern, Joss & Main, and DwellStudio. And, as if it couldn’t get any more exciting, on the last day of the conference, bloggers like myself taught some DIY classes.
DIY Gold Foil Napkins:
I happened to be one of the lucky folks who was selected to teach a DIY class. I was paired up with the fabulous and talented Jen of City Farmhouse. Our class was titled Dueling DIYs. Our “weapons” of choice were napkins. We each brought our personal style to life by coming up with unique ways to embellish a standard napkin.
Jen opted to create a Dipped Watercolor Napkin. You can check out her napkins here along with a full tutorial on how to make them. I decided to bring on the bling and make Gold Foil Napkins.
Pretty fabulous, right?
With the holidays fast approaching, I thought today was the perfect time to teach you how to DIY these napkins. They are so simple to do, and they will add sparkle to your holiday table, be it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
(Speaking of Thanksgiving tables, you can find the tutorial for this fun color wrapped wheat here. I used the wheat here to dress up a plate, but in the tutorial, I also show you how to make it into a centerpiece.)
What makes this project so easy is the metallic transfer sheets and liquid adhesive. In a nutshell, you apply the liquid adhesive and let it set. Then you apply and remove the sheets.
You can create any pattern or design you can dream up. From stripes to brushstrokes to dots, the options are endless.
The foil transfer sheets come in a variety of colors and can be found on Amazon (links below). I chose gold and rose gold. For this project, I used the Deco Foil Liquid Adhesive. Through some experimentation, I found that there are two versions of this “glue.” You want Liquid Adhesive which is no-iron. (Just be sure to check the packaging before you begin.)
Let me walk you through the tutorial.
How to make DIY Gold Foil Napkins:
For this project, you will need:
Deco Foil Liquid Adhesive
Deco Foil Metallic Transfer Sheets (gold or rose gold)
Napkins
Paint Brush
Begin with a smooth, ironed napkin.
Next, apply the liquid adhesive with a paint brush. As I said above, you can paint any pattern you wish. When applying the adhesive, you want it to be thick but not clumpy or heavy.
Next, allow the adhesive to dry. The longer the better. I’d say at least an hour or two. When ready, the adhesive will be tacky, not wet.
Then, apply the foil transfer sheets, metallic side up.
Using your hands, rub the transfer sheets where you applied the adhesive.
Then remove the sheets. If any areas are still tacky after removing the sheets, just apply the sheets again. Rub; then remove. Repeat until you achieve the coverage you desire or until the adhesive is no longer tacky.
That’s it. Your napkins are complete.
These napkins can be hand washed in cold water.
With a variety of oil options, patterns, and napkin colors, you have endless ways of bringing the bling to your tablescape. I’m confident these napkins will be the perfect addition to your holiday celebration.
What do you think?
This is so beautiful for the Holidays. I really like the idea of a DIY Gold Foil Napkins. I am going to try your idea. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a lovely yet simple idea!! Did you make the adorable mini wreath in the last picture? I’m wondering how to make it or where to buy! Thanks!
Danielle, no I didn’t make it. I actually found them at a local shop a few years ago. I honestly don’t have a source for them. So sorry.
xo Michael
That’s alright! Thanks for the response!
Gorgeous and creative! Beautiful for any holiday party!
Ack! Had I known about the show, some friends and I would’ve popped up from SECT! Love this simple, yet elegant craft!
I’ve tried this technique before but with very thin gold foil sheets and it was kind of a TASK, but those gold foil transfer sheets you used look so much easier! I will need to give those a try now. Your’s look amazing on the napkins!!
Yes – this is SO simple! You’ll love it.
xo Michael
These are so neat! How badly did you want to foil all the things after this? Silver foil and black napkins would be pretty for a NYE party!
Yaaassss! Love that idea, Gabby!
xo Michael
These are beautiful, but will the gold foil hold up in the washing machine?
According to the package directions it will. However, as I mentioned in the post, I recommend hand washing to be safe. 🙂
xo Michael
Wow this looks fantastic…and it looks like fun too 🙂
Love this idea. I need to make some of these. Such a fun and easy but chic craft.
what a fun idea! so festive for fall.
-kim
midnight snark
Wow! I absolutely adore these! I cannot wait to make them for my holiday table. What a beautiful and sophisticated way to add some bling to the table year round!
You said it Karin! Thanks so much!
xo Michael