Handcrafted:: Gilded Bird Boxes

I recently had one of those leisurely afternoon where I could take my time wondering in and out of shops on Fifth Avenue.  One of my favorite stops is Bergdorf Goodman, in particularly the 7th floor that features an exquisite array of luxurious home goods and now holiday decor that always fills me with inspiration and DIY ideas.  There have been a few amazing projects floating in the blogosphere that turn plastic animals into beautiful objects like this project from Nadia which is one of my favorites.  Both Bergdorf Goodman and Nadia's project inspired me to create a decorative glossy box with a gilded bird that is perfect for a vanity, desk or mantle.  This project is easy and the results were just pretty.  This would be a fantastic hand-crafted holiday gift especially if given as a set.  Continue for more...

Directions

1//Place newspaper onto surface of table. Using foam brush coat plastic birds with gold leaf adhesive and let set for about 5 minutes.  

2//Gently peel gold leafing away from plastic and lay gently atop bird.  It is best to tear the sheets into a few pieces to allow for it to coat the bird completely.  Don't fear if it begins to tear because if needed you can do two layers of gold leaf.

3//Once gold leaf has set, using a clean foam brush gently place sealer on top of place gold leaf.  Allow to dry completely about 1 hour.  

4//Once dried, take the glossy box and locate the center of the lid.  Place a dot of super glue and secure bird on top of box.  Hold for a few seconds then let dry.  

Where to Buy:

Plastic Birds

Glossy Boxes (via the Container Store, they have an array of beautiful colors)

Gold Leafing Kit

Foam Brush (2)
Super Glue

*Photographs & Styling by Alison