This is what is called ‘gold foil’ which is really a type of plastic-cellophane type product with a highly reflective surface bonded to it. In the pic below, it looks like this, once it’s been applied to the glue you’ve allowed to dry. It is always placed with the shiny side up and the ‘dull’ side down. You can see the swirl pattern of the glue underneath as it’s raised and I’ve also burnished it to the surface. I burnish it with my fingers. You could use a pressing tool, like a bone folder, or a wooden, finger pressing-type notion, or whatever works best for you.
- Jones Tones Foil Glue
- Glue gun type glue
- fusible web
There is also the traditional type of silver, or gold, or multi-colored ‘leafing’ foil products. (see below) in the flat package. It’s meant to be used with a ‘sizing’ product, but I have found that sizing glue absorbs into the fabric, and doesn’t remain tacky. However, you can build it up with multiple applications and it does eventually stick if you have patience! I did this on my Montana Treasure quilt. It can be applied pretty effectively using the Jones Tones Glue, too.
Always place the dull side of the foil facing down onto your project, with the shiny side facing up at you. After you’ve burnished the foil onto the glue, it will look like the picture below where the dull side is shown.
And when you are done it will look like this picture to the right. If you’d like to see how the gold leaf flakes look, check out the post on the “Let Love Be Your Guide” here. It’s right next to the the hearts.
If you’d like more information, there are lots of resources out there. One of them is a book titled “Complex Cloth” by Jane Davilla. My biggest challenge is finding the foil, in colors. I am sure I can find it online. If anyone has a favorite place to buy such things, I would appreciate hearing about it!