DIY Gift for Dad: Gold Leaf Planes

How about a super simple Father’s Day craft that the kids can help make?  Try these gold leaf planes to give Dad something to add to his desk at home or at the office.  This DIY gift for Dad will be something that he will proudly display.  You will just need to put together a super simple plane model and then add paint and gold leaf.  You may even love these too much to give them all to Dad, so be sure to buy several of our wood model kits.

Supplies needed to make your own DIY gift for dad gold leaf planes:

• Wood Model Kit of Your Choice (there are several versions to choose from)
• Spray Adhesive
• Gold Leaf
• Paint of Your Choice
• Paint Brush

Start by assembling the wood model according to the directions in the packaging.  Allow any glue to dry before continuing.  Older children can definitely handle the assembly on their own however, younger ones will need some help.  Next paint your entire plane in the color of your choice.  I used a dark grey spray paint on my versions.  The gold leaf will be imperfect so this color will show through in some areas.  Try a color that Dad loves or one that goes in your home.  Allow the paint to dry and cure completely before continuing.

Next just spray the plane with the spray adhesive (always use this product outdoors!).  After just 3 to 4 minutes you can start adding on the gold leaf.  You will want to have a dry paint brush to smooth down the thin sheets of gold leaf onto the surface of the plane.  You can watch below as I gold leaf one of the planes from start to finish.

The gold leaf is definitely something most kids can handle.  For younger kids, try adding on the sheets yourself and let them operate the paint brush to smooth it all into place.

Dad will love one or two of these gold leaf planes on Father’s Day.  The kids will be proud of their DIY gift for dad creation and these will look great adorning the desk in Dad’s office.

Are you making a DIY gift for dad this year? Share with us in the comments and make sure to check out this DIY leather key fob idea for Dad.

Angie Holden

Angie blogs at The Country Chic Cottage where you can find creative crafts, vintage finds, home decor, and DIY all with a little farmhouse flair. Angie has been blogging for over 2 years and is married with three kids. Stop by her blog where you will find everything from small, quick crafts to major furniture and home makeovers.