Gold Leaf Gilding

Historically seen as a symbol of divinity and wealth, gold leaf has been used continuously since 2300 BCE, to adorn religious artifacts and royal items, as decoration in icons, mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, artwork and as architectural embellishment. Fast forward and gold leaf can still be found across contemporary culture, used in art restoration, bookbinding, ornamentation of luxury goods and of course, gilding! The latter use is something that professional sign painter Kirsten Bauer knows all about.

This three-hour workshop will focus on the process of surface gilding - the practice of applying thin sheets of 23 karat gold to surfaces to create images, designs or lettering. Kirsten will guide students on designing an image, making a pattern, and the delicate process of applying gold leaf and burnishing to create beautiful shimmering works of art!