Handmade Gilded Mirrors
Tuesday, September 26 9am - 4pm
Class price: $265
Class description: In this one-day class we will complete 2 small mirrors. We will use genuine silver leaf to gild the mirrors, and we will explore several methods to achieve an antique look to the mirrors. We will then back the silver to protect the gilding. The class is open to all skill levels, but if you have experience with using gold or silver leaf, that would be a plus. We will also discuss other techniques that can be incorporated in the gilded mirrors. The possibilities are endless, whether you are looking to create a simple antique look mirror, a contemporary style mirror, or a work of art within the mirror.
Tools Required by students: Gilders Tip – Squirrel 3.5”
Gilders mop
2-3 foam brushes 1” or1.5” wide
Sharpie
Ruler
Sterol (White) cotton
An old toothbrush or another brush you like for flyspecking.
Gilders Knife – Optional
If you need to purchase gilding products, I recommend purchasing gilders tip & mop from W&B Gold Leaf - Ph: 920.459.8206
Gilders Tip - 09-H0022 Long Hair = $19.85
Gilders Mop - Artisans Gild Mop - Natural Black Goat Hair, 09-U0101 = $11.95
Products used in class: ¼” clear glass
Genuine Silver leaf – 20 gram weight Complements of W&B Gold Leaf
Gelatin for gilders liquor
Denatured Alcohol
Bon Ami cleaner
Gilding Screen (Provided for students for use during this class only.)
1-Shot Lettering Enamel – Black
Steel Wool
Micki Cavanah
Born 9 September 1959, in Aiken, South Carolina, she came to Nashville, Tennessee with her family in 1962. Having shown strong artistic inclination at an early age, Micki, cultivated her talents throughout her primary education and continued with her studies in Commercial Art under the direction of instructor Frank Nichols, in 1975. Upon completion of her courses, she began working in the Advertising field as Art Director for a national retail store. She worked in this field for 18 years.
She has continued to pursue her art through painting in many mediums over the years. Micki’s work can be seen in private collections and commissioned works from Nashville to the East coast and to the West. She has shown her work in galleries and public showings all over the south throughout her career.
Currently Micki is the owner of Reed’s Gold Leaf Studios
Micki works with her husband, Mitchell, they are dedicated to the craft of conservation and restoration of fine art picture frames and other gilded objects, both interior and exterior. RGL also offers gilded signage, Verre églomisé and glass/mirror gilding. They work with their staff in ongoing gilding projects, both inside and outside the studio. They also teach gilding, from beginning gilding classes to more advanced water gilding, repair, restoration, and glass gilding. Classes are one on one with the student either at their studio or on location, or at SOG conferences and other craft/arts events. For more information on Reed's Gold Leaf and examples of our work visit the website - reedsgoldleaf.com and reedartisans.com
Professional memberships
The Society of Gilders
Serving as the Vice President 2005 to 2010, now serving as a member of the board of trustees. This international non-profit organization is dedicated to education within the gilding arts. For more information on the Society of Gilders visit the website - societyofgilders.org
As a second generation gilder, I've been around the gilding arts for many years. I am very proud of my mother, Lou Reed, who began the family gilding business when I was about 16. I was privileged to work with her on her last big project before she passed away in 2004, the gilding of Athena, Alan LeQuire’s sculpture at the Parthenon. Micki was initially taught by her mother Lou Reed, and since has attended various gilding courses throughout the years focusing on several gilding disciplines to round out her gilding techniques and abilities.
