Can I use a different color foil instead of rose gold?

Absolutely! Gold, silver, copper, and variegated foils all work beautifully with the same adhesive sizing. Just keep in mind that lighter foils (like silver) show the dark brown base coat more dramatically through any cracks, while warmer tones (gold, rose gold, copper) blend more softly. Pick the one that matches your decor.

Do I have to use a satin finish paint, or will matte or gloss work?

Any acrylic paint finish will work, but I really do recommend satin. Matte paint can look a little flat next to the shiny rose gold, and gloss paint can compete with the foil for attention. Satin gives you just enough sheen on the base to feel polished without stealing the show from the metallic accents.

What can I use if I don't have wooden beads for the feet?

You have a few options. Small wooden cabinet knobs work great and already have a flat side for gluing. You can also use wooden spools, small wooden cubes, or even skip the feet entirely and leave the shadow box flat on your desk. The feet just give it that little pedestal-tray look.

Why does my foil look dull or patchy after I apply it?

This almost always means one of two things: the adhesive sizing was either still wet (not tacky enough yet) or it had dried completely past the tacky stage. The sweet spot is when it feels like the sticky back of a Post-it note. If it's wet, the foil slides off and looks dull. If it's too dry, the foil won't grab at all. Wait the full 30 minutes to 1 hour and do a quick finger test before you start.

How do I keep the rose gold foil from rubbing off over time?

Once your project is fully dry, you can seal it with a thin coat of clear acrylic sealer or Mod Podge in a matte or satin finish. Spray sealer works best because brushing can disturb the foil. I also recommend adding a small felt pad to the bottom of each foiled bead to prevent friction against your desk surface.

Can I wash or wipe down the finished tray?

I'd stick to dry dusting with a soft cloth or a barely damp microfiber cloth on the painted areas only. Water and moisture can lift the foil, so avoid wiping the rose gold beads directly. If you sealed the project with acrylic sealer, you'll have a little more flexibility, but I still wouldn't soak it.

What other small items can I store in this shadow box tray?

So many things! I've used similar trays for everyday jewelry, paper clips, push pins, hair accessories, lip balms, small crystals, business cards, washi tape rolls, and even tea bags on a coffee bar. It's also a sweet little catch-all for a nightstand, holding rings and earrings at the end of the day.

Is this project beginner-friendly?

Yes, it really is. The foil application looks fancy, but it's forgiving — the slightly crinkled, distressed look is part of the charm. If you can paint a flat surface and use a hot glue gun, you can absolutely make this. The most important skill is patience while waiting for the adhesive to get tacky.

Can I personalize this tray with a name, monogram, or design?

Definitely. You could stencil a monogram on the inside bottom of the box before applying any foil, or use small alphabet stamps with the rose gold foil to create a foiled name. Another option is to add a printed label or vinyl decal to the back of the box after everything is dry.

Wooden Shadow Box Makeover with Rose Gold Foil Craft Project

Description

I've upcycled a shadow box before and have purchased several from Michaels to create cute trays to hold and organize my favorite small things. Last time, I organized my daily jewelry (affiliate). This time, I am going to create a tray for my frequently used sticky notes (affiliate). Follow along to see step-by-step instructions on how I made this wooden shadow box makeover.

Materials

- Unfinished wooden shadow box picture frame

- 4 Wooden beads (for feet)

- Dark brown acrylic paint - I used FolkArt Real Brown 2908CA SATIN

- Rose gold foil sheets - I purchased a variety pack.

- Rose Gold Foil adhesive sizing (foil glue)

- Foam brushes for Acrylic Paint

- Foil Leaf application brushes

- White cotton gloves

- Wooden skewers - go with the ones that fit the hole in the wooden beads

- Hot Glue Gun (affiliate) and hot glue sticks for attaching the feet to the tray

Instructions

Begin by painting your unfinished wooden shadow box. Use a rich, dark brown acrylic paint (SATIN FINISH) to create a sophisticated contrast with the metallic accents. Ensure you get into every corner and let it dry completely. It looks very pretty with the rose gold (affiliate) foil.
To turn a simple box into a pedestal tray, use wooden beads as feet. These are about 1 inch in diameter. A great tip for easy handling is to slide the beads onto wooden skewers. This allows you to glue them without getting your fingers messy. Be aware that the glue is very sticky.Using a disposable sponge brush (affiliate), paint the wooden beads, then let them sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive sizing to the beads using a foam brush. It will look white when applied, so make sure you get it everywhere, including all around the beads. When ready, the adhesive will feel tacky, like the super-sticky back of a Post-it note. It will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. I like to keep it on for 1 hour to make sure it is sticky enough for the rose gold (affiliate) sheets.
Gently lay the rose-gold (affiliate) foil sheets over the tacky beads using white gloves and tweezers. Try not to touch the white gloves with the glue, as it will transfer the gold (affiliate) leaf to them. Use a soft, dry brush to smooth the foil into the curves. If your gloves are cleaned, you can also use a figure and smooth out the rose gold (affiliate) foil on the bead. Don't worry about minor imperfections; the "crinkled" texture is part of the artisanal charm. Brush away any excess flakes. You can store the flakes in a metal container (affiliate) to use for future projects if you want.
Once dry, glue the foiled beads to the bottom corners of your painted box. I used a hot glue gun (affiliate) and added a dollop of it on each order, and added the rose gold (affiliate) foil-leafed bead to each order. Once the glue has set, your custom pedestal tray is ready! It's perfect for holding index cards, jewelry (affiliate), or office supplies. Optional: add a small piece of felt to the bottom of each gold (affiliate)-leaf bead to prevent the beads from peeling off the foil when placed on a surface for a while.

Tools

Glue gun

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Prep Time: 1 hour
Category: DIY, Tray
Method: Assembly, Step-by-Step