DIY Gold Leaf Votive Holders

I'ma let you finish, but gold leaf is one of the best craft materials of all time.

I must be excited about this project if I'm quoting Kanye! These votive holders are relatively easy to make, but are so pretty and unique. The gold leaf mixed into translucent clay gives the pieces lots of dimension. The clay makes them glow when holding tea lights but they're also just as lovely when holding little bunches of flowers.

Here's what you'll need:

• Premo Sculpey Translucent Clay (one block of clay will cover two holders with a little left over)
• Glass votive holders
• Wax paper
• Xacto knife
• Rolling pin
• Gold leaf (this is a great way to use up scraps from other projects!)
• Spray sealer (not shown)

Break off about 1/4 of the clay block and knead it until it's pliable. Roll into a ball and then roll flat with a rolling pin between two sheets of wax paper. Repeat with a second piece of clay the same size as the first.



Sprinkle small pieces of gold leaf over the surface of one of the clay rounds. Layer the second piece of clay over the first, sandwiching the gold leaf flecks. Roll out between wax paper again, as thin as possible. Cut the clay piece in half and place the pieces on top of eachother. Roll out again.



Add a few pieces of gold leaf to the top clay surface. Continue to roll out the clay as thin as you can get it, checking to make sure that the piece is at least as tall as the glass votive holders. When it's as thin as possible, trim the top and sides of the clay straight with the xacto knife.



Roll the clay around the glass votive holder, keeping the top straight with the top edge of the glass. Overlap the clay edge and trim the excess with the knife. Trim the bottom edge even with the bottom of the glass (you could also measure the height/diameter of the glass and pre-cut your clay to match the dimensions). Carefully blend the clay seam with your fingers. Add a couple flecks of gold leaf over the seam to help it blend in.



Place on a baking tray and bake upright in the oven per clay instructions. Let cool. Spray with spray sealer.



I love how these glow with candles! They also make pretty little vases!



If you're looking for more projects featuring my favorite material, check out my gold leaf confetti bowls, gold leaf manicure, and gold leaf clutch. Do you love gold leaf as much as I do? I'd love to hear about any other diy projects I could try out! Let me know if you have any recommendations.