[Scriptoris] Gold leaf questions

[g_r.cathan@att.net]

> Ok, so where can I get the gold leaf?  Who has the best prices?  Who has the
> best reputation for quality?  Can I get it on-line?

You can get leaf on line buy the best price I have seen has been at Texas Art
in Houston ( www.texasart.com ) make sure you get the leaf that's approx 3 in.
square. The lager stuff is composite (not real gold). Get double ducket(sp) or
XX. It is slightly thicker easier to handle and can cover in one application.

> Can I get the size from the same place?  Is this the same stuff they used in
> period?  Or is it different now?

The gesso (size) that is carried by most art stores is for wood not paper or
velum.  If you want period gesso (for a raised look) you might be able to get
it at JOHN NEAL BOOKSELLER (www.johnnealbooks.com/online-store/scstore/) or
PAPER & INK BOOKS (www.paperinkarts.com  for catalog).  Period gesso is made
with white lead. (It can be made with titanium white) You can use a modern
substitute PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), a high quality Elmers Glue.  I suggest
reading SECRETA by Joyce Grafe for different methods of gilding.

> Can I get glair already made?  Or do I have to whip that up myself?  Speaking
> of whipping up.... How do you whip it up and how long will it last?

Make your own.  Whip up an egg white then let it sit overnight to break down.
Mix with an equal amount of distilled water.

> Aren't there gold leafing brushes out there?  How are they different from my
> paint brush?  What are they made of?  Can I get by with using just tweezers
> and a prayer? What exactly is a guilding knife?  And where can I find it?  Do
> I have to have it?  Can't I just use something that will work roughly the
> same way?  What is a guilding pillow?  how was it used?  Has anyone out there
> used one? Do they work?  Is it worth my money to use?

I have put all of your last questions together as there is one answer.  Use
patent gold.  Especially if you are just starting.  In patent gold the leaf is
pressed into a sheet of tissue.  It was developed to be used by sign painters
working outside.  It can be cut with scissors and won't blow around.

Besides SECRETA I suggest you read THE CALLIGRAPHER'S HANDBOOK 2nd edition
edited by Heather Child.  A must for all CI practitioners.  Articles on all
aspects of calligraphy - essays on paper, ink, tools, quills, etc.  The article
on gilding is by Donald Jackson.

As Lisabetta wrote I plan on giving the gold leaf class if West Gate gets
Kingdom H & S depending on all of the usual circumstances.

Geoff Cathan