Tips for using Gold Leafing on your Gourd Art reviews the products needed, illustrates the process, and lets you watch an expert demonstrate the process on a gourd.
Buying gold leaf
One of the most popular embellishments we can add to our gourds is gold leafing. You use just a few inexpensive products to create a “wow” factor for your gourd.
When shopping, you are going to find several different options. Authentic gold leaf is a decorative material made by hammering gold into fragile sheets varying in gold content and weight. The higher the gold content, the more durable and expensive it is.
The gold leaf is fragile and must be between tissue sheets to remain flat when stored. I can attest that it also blows away at the slightest provocation. Unless you create gourd art that will bring a high price, you probably won’t need a genuine gold leaf product.
Gold foil is another option
This Imitation of gold leaf gives the appearance of solid gold even though it does not contain any gold. It is composed of some combination of copper, zinc, and brass and is much less expensive than gold leaf. The foil also comes in varying thicknesses but is easier to work with than natural leaf. You can buy gold foil in many tones of gold and even silver foil.
Gold Foil Flakes are also Great
Be adventurous, buy variegated colors. These are my favorites because they add depth and interest to the section of the gourd you want to be the focus.
Gold Foil Flakes are also Great
Additionally, you can use the Gilding/Leafing Flakes which consists of imitation metal leafing. You sprinkle the flakes over an area and press them into place. The color and pattern tend to be more condensed with the variegate foils.
You can buy the leaf and the foils at most hobby stores and on Amazon.
The glue to use for gold leafing
I use only one glue for leafing and most powder products.
You will also need a heat-setting glue gun.
I like to use black glue. Black is easy to see and adds depth if showing
When the glue is hot, press the leaf over the bond. Then brushed off the excess gold leaf. Buy the black version of the adhesive. So you can see it! My choice is Palette which you can buy from our demonstrator, Maria Delos.
Optional tools
A nice, soft bristle brush or a sponge brush is also an option. Maria also uses a sanding stick. My best advice is to keep it all in a covered box. Keep all the excess foil you don’t use in a separate container. You shouldn’t throw any of it away! It is all useable and will last forever if it doesn’t blow away!
Five steps to Success
- First, brush the black glue on with a brush.
2. Use a heat gun to turn the shinny surface to a mat surface.
3. Now, press a piece of foil over the glued area.
4. Next, pat it down with a sponge brush.
5. Finally, use a sanding stick to remove the left over speckles of foil.
Now watch how Maria Delos does it!
Where do you use it on a gourd?
You might consider covering the entire gourd or perhaps the interior of a bowl
Most use it on design lines that move the eye around the gourd.
Make the focal point or main object shine with gold leaf.
Notice how the variegated gold leaf foil adds depth the area.
Take a loser look at how many places Carla used different pieces of gold leaf on her gourd. By the way, say this amount of mastery will take you time and plenty of practise.
You should seal all metal leaf because it is thin, delicate and can be scratched, but some metal leaf will also tarnish if you don’t seal it. Read the package before you spray. I really like Maria’s clear varnish for this. Find it on her store.
Gold leaf is a great embellishment for gourd art. The product lasts forever and gives the design a pop. How have you used it on your work? And what products do you like to use?
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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