Gold leafing

The decoration phase is finally, gradually, coming to a close. The painting is all done, the gilding is mostly done, and the Flemish papers are on order.

Here's the front flap, masked for painting the internal color:



And here's the lid, flap, and fallboard, all with painting complete.



Next up is the gold leaf application. Gold leaf comes in rolls, about a half-inch wide and 200 inches long, which amounts to about a tenth of an ounce of gold. It's tricky stuff to work with, because it's so thin and light the slightest breath of breeze causes it to flutter away.

Here's the case with gilded moldings:




And the lids, with gold striping:



And the first part of the case striping, on the tail: