Frame with Gilt Decoration

There is a name for this decoration (which has fled my mind at the moment) that is often seen on old European frames. Likely a less expensive and time consuming option than sgrafitto, inlay or applied/carved ornament, it has its own charms.

I had long wanted an example of this, and as I had to make a fairly simple frame for one of my paintings (as yet unfinished) it seemed like a good time to try it.

I drew up a simple scroll design, scanned and mirrored it in Photoshop to make the patterns.

These were transferred to the flat of the frame using transfer paper, and gold size (tinted with a small amount of ochre oil color) was applied by brush.

After leafing, skewings were brushed away. After completing layers of tinted shellac, casein, and a final waxing/rottenstone application, the design looks as if it is part of the surface, not merely applied. Will certainly do more of these in the future.