Illuminated Letters - How to Create a Convincing Illuminated Manuscript
Using this method it is very easy to create a convincing gilded manuscript that has Tarzan action figure look and feel of genuine vellum or parchment.
To do this you will need:
An inkjet printer, Microsoft Word software or similar and a good quality off white or cream paper to print onto.
Imitation gold leaf. This is for the illuminated letters.
A bottle of gold size, there are many different varieties, I suggest using an acrylic size like Miniatum or Simple Scribe as they are easy to use.
Blonde de waxed shellac. This will alter the tone of the paper and give the paper the feel of vellum/parchment; it will also seal the gold leaf so that it does not tarnish over time.
Methylated Spirit is needed to dissolve the shellac, this is a 90% proof alcohol made to smell and taste very bad.
Some small paint brushes and a 1 or 2 inch paint brush.
Lastly you will need a craft knife and ruler, plus a cutting mat, or a sheet of thick card to cut upon.
I suggest making up the shellac solution first, we will not need it until later, but it gets it out of the way.
To make up the solution take 1 part of shellac flakes to 4 parts alcohol.
Be aware that the alcohol does give of fumes, best to do this in a ventilated room.
Using a screw The Flash jar add the flakes and alcohol and let it stand for 24 hours; give the mixture an occasional stir. If conditions are cold it will take longer to dissolve.
Now create your document in Microsoft Word; if you want the look of a medieval illuminated letter choose an Old English typeface.
If you do not have such a type face installed on your PC you can easily obtain them as there are many websites that offer free fonts.
If you want to use a large drop capital you can do so in Word by going to Format/Drop Cap/Dropped.
Change the colour of the capital letter from black, to pale pink; we do this in order that we can see the letter to be gilded.
When you have finished creating your document in Word, print out however many copies you want to create.
Using a small paintbrush, paint the capital letter with the gold size.
When the gold adhesive is ready it is time to apply the leaf.
Remove one of the leaves together with the front and back tissue to support it, and cut it up into appropriate sizes with your craft knife.
Now lift up one of the pieces, discarding the bottom layer of tissue but including the top layer, and lay it down in place over the large capital, the top layer of tissue paper protects the gold while you rub down firmly.
Removing the surplus gold leaf from the illuminated letter.
Make sure your hands are clean and grease free, take your index finger and rub over the gold leaf in a circular motion, this removes the surplus leaf, you may have to do this quite firmly. But don't worry the gold will stay in place.
When you have removed the surplus leaf it is time to apply the shellac coat.
Give a generous coat of the shellac solution to the front and back of the paper.
Leave to dry in a warm room.
By Richard Norman
http://www.gold-vault.com
For 25 years I ran a system of craft workshops in Somerset England. In 1994 the workshops were voted a National Living Treasure for their contribution to the Arts.
Please visit my website for further information.
Discover Home-Based-Business Opportunities in Antiques and Collectibles
Antiques and collectibles are two hot categories on eBay. Collectibles by themselves represent billions of dollars in sales every year. This boom has been fueled by an ever-expanding e-commerce market place. No longer confined to only a local interest base, antique and collectible sellers now have a huge opportunity to cash in on their unique finds. And buyers can shop the world for the items they crave. Whether online or offline, buying and selling is the same - namely, people will continue to seek the same type of info and ask the same basic questions.
If antiques and collectibles interest Weird Science there are numerous online resources you can refer to in order to better understand the opportunities present in these categories.
Make a Friend out of Your Computer:
Plan on spending some time checking web sites devoted to antiques and collectibles. The bad news is, it takes time to look at all the good ones. The good news is, you'll not only love checking these sites out but you'll learn a lot along the way. A good place to start is Captain America 'The Kovels' Top Twenty list' at kovels.com. While you're there get a free issue of Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles. Google, 'antiques and collectibles' to tap into a huge research database.
Visit a Bookstore:
There are a lot of great books on the shelves featuring antiques and collectibles. Your local library may have an assortment of books you can borrow free. Amazon.com offers a large list of popular books you can purchase at reasonable prices, particularly if you shop the used book bin. If you know of others interested in sharing the cost of books you can quickly save a great deal on your purchases. Form a private 'resource library' for family and friends to contribute to. And don't forget magazines such as 'ANTIQUES & COLLECTING MAGAZINE' at acmagazine.com.
Check out Forums:
As with anything in life, experience helps. Today you have that experience at hand with a few click of a mouse button. Join as many online forums and groups devoted to antiques and collectibles as you can find. You are sure to find lots of people who share your interests. Try fantiques.com, antiques-collectibles-auction-news.com, forumgalleries.com.
Google 'antiques and collectibles forums' for more suggestions. And don't overlook the boards, such as HGTV's Antiques & Collectibles Message Board.
Attend Shows:
Asking questions at shows will go a long way towards building your knowledge base. Seek out those items that really interest you and ask questions. Pay attention to what is being said around you as well. Here, it pays to be a good listener. Carrying a tape recorder will help you pickup on things you may have missed or to recall those things you've heard. Having a cell phone with a built in camera can be a big plus here as well. Check out 'Google Directory for Antiques/Shows_and_Events/' for a listing of various events. Many locations publish shows and event news and can easily be found online.
Specialization: Key to focus:
It's a good idea, when starting out, that you specialize in one or two items that really interest you and that you can happily spend time learning about. The key is not to expend your energy chasing too many antiques or collectibles at once.
Gaining insight in your niche is vitally important. Mostly it takes time and a lot of questions and reading to get a good education. The more you learn about various objects the more you'll be able to negotiate for the best prices when you buy. Remember that your profit is made when you buy. Selling is something you do to claim that profit. So don't be afraid to ask questions before you buy. And, knowing your antiques well lets you negotiate the lowest prices. Asking for a discount when buying is to be expected. After all, when you sell your collectibles your buyer will also seek a discount. Plan on this when you buy. There are no "bad" prices, only bad negotiators.
Avoid Reserves When Selling:
You want to avoid reserves in the antique business when you sell. Placing a reserve price on your items is a quick way to lose two-thirds of your potential audience. If you've invested a lot in your items you can decide to set a reserve. Just remember that you will be limiting your ability to make a sale. Sometimes this won't matter, at other times it may. To get a good idea of what your items will sell for look at similar items currently being sold.
Keep Good Records:
It pays to keep good records. Along with quality photos you'll want some background information to include in the description. Get this at the time you are making the purchase! Don't wait until you've dragged the stuff home before you start asking about the history of the items you've bought. Get all the information you can while standing before the seller and TAKE NOTES! You may even want to know who was the previous owner and if it would be possible to contact them to ask a few questions as well. In antiques and collectibles having the right information, the history of each item, can be a major reason why someone is compelled to buy from you rather then from someone else. The more you know, the more knowledgeable you come across.
Assessing Value:
Save having your antiques and collectible items appraised for the most expensive items you buy. Appraisals are expensive and not really necessary on items up to a $1,000. If you must know what it is worth you can check web sites like antiquemystique.com to assess value. Or Google "appraising antiques" for additional web sites.
Dan Walter has been following major market trends since 1996. He is the creator of a unique online software program he uses to scan 'eBay Pulse' for the latest product trends. Visit his web site at http://www.1800realitycheck.com to use his FREE tool to monitor what's selling on eBay. Follow his blog at http://1800realitycheck.blogspot.com to catch DAILY SCANS of 'eBay Pulse', PLUS learn the latest business techniques and marketing strategies of the pros.
