While I don’t do gilding on a daily basis, I do occasionally, and the Cabinet of Curiosities project asked for some gilded, carved feet to offer to these unbelievably talented embroiderers.  So here they are.

Since individually hand carving each one would have put them beyond the reach of most people, we carved the original and then made a mold and cast the rest.  Then sizing, gilding and distressing them leaves us with a nice, lightly aged foot that fits the casket.

We thought these would be easy and simple, but it turns out, as with most things, that to get it right is no easy matter.  First, the size didn’t work well, so we had to undercoat the entire foot with a base color that mirrored the coloration of the gilding.  Then a different size (this allows the leaf to stick to the foot) and waiting – lots of waiting – to get the correct amount of tack for the leaf to stick in the crevices.

Then, of course, all the leafing is done by hand.  More waiting.  This time for all the size to harden up before we put outer, aging coats on.  They have to be just the right consistency to stick in the correct parts and yet rub off the high spots, so that they look age-appropriate.

Finally the first batch is done.  Lots more furniture making to do this week, and only today to do it…

-Richard