Tools and Materials

• Leaf template
• Tray with four sides
• Glass cut to fit inside bottom of tray
• Adhesive stencil film
• Craft knife
• Acrylic paint (dark gray)
• Gilding size
• Paintbrush
• Patent silver leaf
• Gilding brush

Silver-Leaf Serving Tray How-To

1. Download and print leaf template, enlarging to desired size to fit tray.
2. Remove backing from adhesive stencil film and smooth onto underside of glass.
3. Place template on a flat surface and place glass over template, film side up. Following the template through the glass, cut the leaf shapes into the stencil film with a craft knife. Remove the film from inside the leaf shapes.
4. Paint two coats of paint over the stencil, letting dry between coats. Remove stencil from glass. 
5. Paint entire underside (painted side) of glass with gilding size. 
(Note: Size will be milky when applied and turn clear as it sets and becomes tacky.)
6. Apply patent silver leaf over size, and use a soft brush to remove excess leaf. 
7. Place glass in tray.

Resources

Small rectangle lacquer trays from West Elm; Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Paint in Arrowhead, adhesive stencil film, and paintbrushes from Plaid; silver leaf and leafing supplies from Gilded Planet and New York Central Art Supply.