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How to Apply Gold Leaf

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For a lavish surprise at a dinner party, hide a chocolate truffle under a gilded shell at each place setting. Here's how.

1. Gather or buy clam, oyster or mussel shells (available at crafts stores or for $1 a clamshell from www.seashellworld.com; 888-9-SHELLS).

2. Apply size (a kind of glue) to the outside of each shell ($4 for Rolco Quick Dry from Pearl Paint; 800-221-6845). Let dry for two to three hours, until surface is sticky.

3. Slide imitation gold leaf off tissue backing and onto shell ($17 for 100 5 1/2-inch-square sheets from the Gold Leaf Company; 718-815-8802). Cover surface with leaves, allowing a slight overlap. Gently smooth out wrinkles, using pieces of tissue backing. Let dry overnight.

4. Run a cotton ball around the edge of each shell to remove excess gold leaf. Lightly sand shells with very fine steel wool (available at hardware stores), rubbing unevenly to give a slightly weathered look. Coat with clear water-based varnish (available at hardware stores). Let dry.