Save $77 by recreating this high-end gold and marble home accessory using simple dollar store finds.
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I am so excited to share this project with you because it’s a true high-end dupe that looks like it came straight out of a designer catalog. I was inspired by an $80 piece from Z Gallerie called the Acropora Coral on Stand, which features a gleaming gold finish on a white marble base. I knew I could capture that same sophisticated look for a fraction of the cost. My version swapped the gold for a sparkling silver finish and costs just $3 to make! Whether you prefer gold or silver, this elegant piece is the perfect conversation starter for your bookshelf or mantle.
📺 WATCH: See the DIY Z Gallerie Acropora Coral tutorial here.
Materials
Browse my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments
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Metallic Silver Dinner Placemat: (Available in Gold too!)
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Wood Panel (4.5” x 4.5”): (Or stacked foam board scraps)
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Small Plastic Plate: (From an 8-pack)
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Solar Garden Light Stick: (We only need the hollow stick)
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Plastic Champagne Glass Base: (From a 4-pack)
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Silver Paper Straw: (Or a painted wooden dowel)
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White Marble Contact Paper
Tools
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High-Temperature Hot Glue Gun
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Tacky Glue
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Painters Tape
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Scissors
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Pencil & Paper: (To sketch your template)
💡 Sandy’s Crafting Tips & Hacks
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The Template Method: Since coral has such an organic, intricate shape, I like to draw my design on a piece of paper first. I then use painters tape to secure the paper to the placemat. This acts as a perfect cutting guide and ensures I don’t leave any marks on the metallic surface.
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Hiding the “In-Between”: I found that using a paper straw as the inner core for the stand is a great budget hack. By sliding the solar light stick over the straw, you get a much sturdier structure that looks professional and sleek.
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Marble on a Budget: Don’t worry if you can’t find a real marble base. Wrapping a simple wood panel or even stacked foam board in marble contact paper gives you that heavy, luxurious stone look for pennies.
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Precision Cutting: When cutting the placemat, don’t worry about being perfect! Coral is naturally irregular and unique, so those small variations in your cuts actually make it look more authentic.
Instructions
Project 1: Building the Display Stand
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The Foundation: I start by removing the base from a plastic champagne glass and filling the center hole with hot glue. I insert my silver paper straw and hold it for about 10 seconds until it’s secure.
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The Stem: I slide the hollow stick from a solar garden light over the straw. This adds thickness and a clean, metallic finish to the stand.
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The Mount: I apply a combination of hot glue and tacky glue to the top of the straw and press a small plastic plate onto it. This creates the platform where our coral will sit.
Project 2: Creating the Marble Base
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Wrap the Base: I take my wood panel and carefully wrap it in the white marble contact paper. I make sure to smooth out any air bubbles and fold the corners neatly like a present. Once it’s finished, I set it aside to act as the weighted bottom for the sculpture.
Project 3: Crafting the Coral
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Cut the Shape: I use my paper template and painters tape to cut the “Acropora” shape out of my metallic placemat.
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Final Assembly: I use hot glue to adhere the placemat cutout vertically onto the plastic plate. Once the glue is dry, I set the entire assembly onto the marble base.
Related Content & Resources
▶️ Watch Next: More DIY Z Gallerie-Inspired Decor
▶️ Browse the Collection: See all my DIY Tabletop Decor
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Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.
