Let there be Gold (or Silver)

February 22, 2008

Gilding as defined in Wikipedia is the art of applying a thin layer of gold, simulated gold, or other metal to a surface. Products employed may be real gold leaf ranging in karats from 9 up to 24; imitation leaf–composition gold, Dutch metal leaf, aluminum leaf, copper leaf; variegated leaf, mica powders; etc.

Lately, I have been getting some requests for wedding invitaions edged in gold or silver.  Since this is quite new to me, I did some research online and this is what I came up with.  First, sandwich 100 (or however many) invitations together, using a book press or any 2 flat heavy objects.  Make sure you put a scrap piece of paper on top of the stack and one on the bottom.  Next, with a paint brush, brush glue to the edges of the paper. Once glue is applied, and almost dry I add the gold or silver leaf to the edges and lightly push down with a clean paint brush or some glassine paper if you have any.  Once dry,  remove the remaining leaf from the paper.

Here is an interesting video from Crane’s and about 4/5 way thorugh the video is a nice clip on how Crane’s creates gold edging to their paper. 

I have also heard of people painting or applying gold powder to the edges of the paper. If anyone else could share how they get gold edging on paper, that would be great!  I am always interested in learning new techniques.