This stack-exchange question inspired me to dig out old skills and tools. Untouched for years, I got out my bookbinders gilding cushion and related paraphernalia. Getting back into the fiddlyness of handling gold leaf, I have squandered a few sheets. But it is fun. One thing: you cannot be impatient handling it, breathing is forbidden, and sighing spells catastrophe.

It is impossible for a photograph to capture the glittery shinyness of polished gold. What I really want to get done well is raised gilding, so I am waiting for some tools and mysterious chemicals to give it a proper go. As of now, I am using PVA glue (wood glue, childrens glue) for gesso,  and a jade goldfish for polishing. Not the best solution. Updates later.