Book Study - Metal Leaf

 On NGS group, we're doing a study of Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson's book "Surface Treatment workshop" . This weeks' section is using metal leaf. The authors have an interesting tip for using wax paper to pick up a sheet of metal leaf and use it when applying the metal leaf. I only have bits of left over metal leaf in plastic containers, which I used with some of the other suggestions by the authors.
The authors state when applying metal leaf over a stencil you may spray glue through a disposable stencil to get a tacky pattern, but there is a nontoxic way to use a stencil. Rub a glue stick over the surface (I'm using one of the plastic wrap technique backgrounds).

Attach stencil with masking tape over your surface, then use your fingers to apply metal leaf in the stencil openings.

 The authors recommend using masking tape to remove the excess metal leaf.

 The metal leaf adhered to the glue through the stencil. However, I had a difficult time removing the glue in between the metal leaf, and accidentally removed some of the metal leaf.

 Decided to reapply the stencil and use a paint brush to apply Leafing Adhesive through the stencil. Removed the stencil and once the adhesive became tacky, rubbed on the metal leaf.

 I forgot about the remnants of glue between the Roman numerals, so it is are very grungy looking (I like it anyway).

 Another use of metal leaf in the book, is to apply adhesive to a textured surface (used one of the gesso backgrounds done earlier).

 Applied metal leaf, then pressed the surface adhesive side down into my plastic container of metal leaf bits, next brushed off most of the excess with a dry brush. Then use masking tape to remove even more of the metal leaf.

 Here's my sample. The photo doesn't show the metallic gleam. Fun mixture of painted gesso and metal.

 The other variation mentioned in the book that I tried was applying leafing adhesive to a rubber stamp, stamping onto a  surface (watercolor paper painted with purple acrylic paint). Remember to wash you stamps immediately.

 Once the adhesive was tacky, I brushed on metal leaf, and brushed off the excess with a dry paint brush. I like this one having a mixture of metal leaf bits.

Other suggestions by the authors are to use objects with holes (such as doilies or lace), spray glue through the holes and apply metal leaf. Use metal leaf on various textures to add to your surface. Use a squeeze bottle with a thin tip to apply apply leafing adhesive and draw or write over your surface, then apply the metal leaf.
Another sample to check out is over on Jan's blog.  Jan showed me this tag she made with metal leaf and a tree stencil when I was at her house to do the Valise Book Class. It's a stunning tag!!!!