| Japanese Decorative Tray |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-226 |
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Materials: 1 piece of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or wood (1" x 12" x 21" long)
2 pieces of wood (2" x 2" x 10" long)
Wood glue
Latex primer
Black gloss spray paint
Black oil-based gloss paint
Paint thinner or turpentine
Red-orange semigloss latex paint
Disposable paintbrushes
Dutch metal or gold-leaf sheets
Gold sizing adhesive
Pressed fern fronds
Spray-mount adhesive
Clear gloss sealer
Clear glass bubble votives
White rice
Incense sticks or taper candles - Press fern fronds in a flower press or between the pages of a heavy book.
- Construct the tray by measuring in 3-1/2" from the ends of the 1" x 12" x 21" MDF board. Glue the 2" x 2" lengths of MDF to the bottom to form the feet. Allow the glue to dry.
- Paint the entire tray with latex primer (figure A). Allow to dry. Paint all exposed areas of the tray except the top with black gloss spray paint. Apply 2 coats to cover the surfaces completely. Paint the top of the tray with red-orange semi-gloss latex paint.
- Apply 2 coats to cover the surface completely. Allow to dry.
- Apply an even coat of gold size adhesive to the tray top. When the gold size is slightly tacky, it's ready for leafing. Starting at one corner of the tray, begin to apply the individual sheets of gold leaf. Lower it carefully into position. Begin at one edge and ease it into place. If the sheet tears, match up the edges as closely as possible. With a soft brush, smooth out the metal leaf by dabbing it (figure B). Don't wipe, as this may tear the leaf. Continue to cover the entire surface. Overlap the sheets slightly. Use the soft brush to brush away any excess. Areas of the base color may be seen. This lends authenticity to the finish.
- Lightly spray the pressed ferns with spray-mount adhesive. Place the ferns in the desired position on the gold-leafed surface (figure C -- right) and gently pat down. Lightly dust the surface with black spray paint (figure C -- left). Gold leaf should be seen through areas of the spray paint. Allow to dry.
- Spatter the entire surface with black paint thinned with turpentine. When completely dry, remove the fern fronds (figure D).
- Apply three coats of polyurethane sealer. Surface may be waxed and buffed if desired.
- Fill the bubble votives with white rice and insert incense sticks or tapered candles. Arrange in an asymmetrically balanced composition to continue the Japanese mood.
Tip: Almost any plant life can make a natural stencil. Look for interesting shapes. Small leaves or even herbs can be used. From the ginko leaf to Italian parsley, use your imagination and create a lasting impression. Products: Your local hardware store or home center should yield all the building and finish supplies that you will need for this project.
RESOURCES :
Centerpieces Through the Year
Author: Kurt Cyr
(2000)
Finkelstein & Fink Publishing
GUESTS :
Kurt Cyr
Author/Interior Design & Decoration
Cyr is the author of Centerpieces Through the Year. See Resources for information on the book.
Phone: 818-881-0006
Website: www.kurtcyr.com
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