We traced our design onto Arches 90 lb. watercolor paper using Saral transfer paper. Reggie gave us Instacoll (gilding base) and patent gold (4 inch sq of gold leaf).
If you're new to gilding, it's scary and exciting. Mainly, because you don't know what to expect and not sure how to work with the materials. Intstacoll is an easier base for beginner's to work with compared to traditional gesso. There's some wait time for the base to dry and a small window of opportunity to be able to lay the gold, but the results were impressive. After all the steps were complete, (transferring the design, applying the Instacoll with a brush, sharpening edges with a fine nib, waiting for the Instacoll to dry, laying the gold, adding a second layer of gold, removing excess gold with silk, and burnishing the gold) we passed our papers around and oohed and aahed over everyone's efforts. Even though some of us chose the same design, they were all a little different.
This is beautiful. I have never seen gilding before. I have, however, seen sheets of gold you apply after applying either PVA or a special glue to a design. Lay the gold sheet in place, press, brush the excess away. Seems much easier that Reggie's technique. Less build-up than yours, though. It was lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat you are describing is gilding. Reggie's technique is the traditional, centuries-old process with a modern base. Multiple layers (at least 2) of gold are necessary because sometimes the base doesn't get completely covered and a dead spot will show. Multiple layers of gold will also give a raised appearance as opposed to one, flat layer.
DeleteVery pretty. Glad it was fun. Will you be able to incorporate the design into a finished piece?
ReplyDeleteThat's the idea.
DeleteLovely. Who would have thought so much was involved.
ReplyDeleteThe Instacoll makes things a little easier, but you have to work fast before the Instacoll dries completely. It needs to be a bit tacky so the gold will adhere.
DeleteImpressive! ♥♥♥
ReplyDelete:-D It's amazing how a little bling makes the flaws disappear.
DeleteWow- this is SO cool. I can't wait to see if you start using this with letters like those medieval manuscripts. Nice work CJ. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI have. (-;
DeleteBeautiful! A lot of work! I just read the above comment! I can't wait to see your medieval writing!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what I'm going to do with this just yet
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