We, at the Gilt Studio, not only repaired the existing damaged areas, but also took measures to prevent unsuspecting Flaking problems from arising in the future by injecting Rabbit Skin Glue into the wood throughout the frame.

To repair the existing problems we first salvaged what original material we could by re-sculpting the Gesso from underneath each flake by injecting Rabbit Skin Glue through the cracks and holdng them in place until they dried in shape. As for the areas that had lost its gilding work entirely, we built up the gaps with a new base of a Rabbit Skin Glue Gesso and Red Bole , and sanded them level to match the rest of the gilded surface. Once the Grecian Key design was etched back in, we water Gilded the new surface with 23 1/2 karats genuine gold leaf and antiqued the finish to match.

Bruce and his wife bought this unique Don Quixote Sculpture during their visit at the Murano Glass Factory in Italy. Unfortunately, this Man of La Mancha’s adventures back to Austin proved threatening , and survived with a broken arm and hand.

Though well glued back in place, the seams of this surgery remained distracting from the fluidity of his original makers. As result of a one -on- one design consultation, we decided to disguise the seams by sculpting gloves to match his existing gilded armor…

Gilding Repair:
These side tables arrived with a few dings here and there accrued during shipping. Commissioned by ABODE, we went to White Glove Movers where the furniture was temporarily stored and, on sight, seamlessly repaired any of the gilding damage…

I was given this Sample Chip that came from the original gilded glass table top, which had broken. Working backwards in technique, we deciphered not only the UNIQUELY original gilding techniques, but also the unusual use of mixed mediums;

Water Gilding, Composition Metal Leaf, Etched Glass, Earth Pigment, Sign Paint

Original

Our Match

…Or, inside “The Square”, rather. Think: The Gilt Studio Valentine’s Day Tile!

We had a  year full of Creativity, Collaboration, and Celebration last year, all of which is “The Gilt Studio”, and all of which is thanks to you.

I wanted to express how much we love the fabulous excuses you have given us to play with new materials and explore our imaginations: Thinking Inside, Outside and all Around “The Box”. So, I created this Valentine’s Day Tile in honor of You and what we love most here at The Gilt Studio: “Creative Opportunity”

Hand Died Silver Leaf- Cranberry Red; $30 for one Tile (acrylic base included) Hand etched “Valentines 2011″

~10% of the proceeds go to Art From the Streets

Though your love has no price tag, here are a few tokens I found that express it, costing  just a couple of bucks!

FOR HER: These are Mini-Roses Growing Kits for $1.00 at Target right now! Perfect for keeping as stock in my car to pass out amongst friends during these next two weeks, as the count down to Valentine’s Day approaches. They are cute, small and unique… just a little gesture to make for a lasting impression!…

FOR HIM: I Found this “Mounted Chocolate Bass” at The Dollar General! Just right for a “Little Something” for any  Friend with a Fish Fetish … $2.00, Unexpected, Funny and Yummy!… and by Palmer’s Chocolates no less, haha!

“And is Gone, Way Gone” hums the apology at The Gilt Studio that we never unveiled to you our 2010 Holiday Ornament Design!… As an offering of gratitude for your support in the past, we would like to offer those of you who purchased the 2009 Design for your collection the 2010 at 50% off this next Christmas!

Many Blesssings

-Palmer

Aden, of West Lake’s Community Impact Newspaper, paid us a visit here at The Gilt Studio yesterday. She was curious to learn more of what The Gilt Studio was all about… And of course! it was my pleasure to give her the schpeal, the tour and a little demo. And, though I want you to be sure to check out her article when it comes out in November…

It was nice to revisit the questions by which I have been challenged myself to answer through the processes of conceptualizing, developing and promoting that of which is The Gilt Studio… First off, “What is The Gilt Studio?!” haha

Well, that is a good question!… One, that has taken me many years, and many projects and adventures later to figure out… So, while this mirror is still freshly in my face, I thought this might be a nice time to take a moment to either remind some of you, or introduce for the first time, what I came up with in 2007 as an answer.

What is The Gilt Studio:

• We are a Custom Gilding and Creative Design Studio for the Decorative Arts.
• Our fundamental mission is to express a “Quality of Life” of Balance and Luxury.
• Through our own designs we express balance and luxury through application of quality materials.
• Through our process we look to blend the History of Gilding’s Traditions with Contemporary Designs.
• Though our skills, talents, and associated artists, we desire offer you a resource of genuine joy and creativity.
• Custom Art, Home Accessories, Specialty Gifts, Repairs, Event Decore~Life is an event, Let us Celebrate it like one!

Welcome to The Gilt Studio, where our Gilt is your Pleasure!

-Palmer

A bottle of wine is most certainly a sure fire, ace-in-the-hole, always welcome and appropriate Hostess Gift any day of the week… But, when S.J. greeted us at our door for a Sunday Night “Magazine Test Recipe Dinner” bearing a bouquet of Elephant Ear Palms last August… well, let’s just say the impression has stuck with me even today. (3 months later)… though I must mention she also had a Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake in tow, as well…

I was so impressed with the unexpected creativity, yet simplicity of the concept, that it made it even more fun to receive them…I mean, it wasn’t even flowers. Not only was vase-ing this collection of palms a contribution to the ambiance of our dining pleasure. But, thinking about where her inspiration came from brought me great joy as well! That is to say, she was obviously inspired… on our behalf! I can just see her now, walking from the kitchen with a pare of scissors in her hand, saying to herself:

“These palms look so pretty. I think I will cut a few to bring over for dinner tonight with Elena and Palmer for them to enjoy.”

I guess what I am trying to say is that the subtle nature of  her gesture made it that much more transparent the obvious thought S.J. put into anticipating our company that evening… it felt nice.

After all, who doesn’t like knowing they are thought about?! haha

Thanks S.J. I look forward to many more Test recipe Diners in the future!

-Palmer

Blossom came across literally boxes of silver from both her mother and mother-in-law, that had long since been paid attention to. Yes, polishing silver is traditionally a line of subject on one’s intended “To-Do” list.  But over the years, it has become a tradition for my mother and I, as more of a bonding experience: in both making memories and remembering.

With every exquisite piece either inherited or collected comes a story. Where it came from? Who used it? How was it used? …Who’s Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary does it commemorate?

As Blossom groaned at the sight as boxes to tackle, Mom and I jumped right in fishing for what treasure we knew would find. As the silver shined up, and our wine bottle emptied, monograms and engravings revealed themselves to inspire tales of lineage, heritage and loved ones. Before we knew it, Blossom was having so much fun remembering bits of family history, her husband was soon hooked into participating, as well!

As a result, the exercise of wiping away tarnish on these treasured items may not just bring them back to brilliance, but can also lend itself to polishing up memories that may be fading underneath the clutter of today’s “To-Do”.