- Home > Education
In order to increase awareness and enjoyment and to further the art and craft of gilding, the Society of Gilders proudly presents regional classes, lectures and workshops by a group of talented, qualified teachers.
Register Online... By selecting the class that you want to take. This will take you to the online purchase page. Follow the instructions from there. If you are a member and want to register with the discounted member rates, you must be logged in to receive those rates.
Or if you would rather mail in your class registration, click the button below and send in your registration to the address shown.
If you would like to make a deposit of half the class fee to hold a space in the class, that will have to be done by check. The remainder of the balance must be paid 3 weeks prior to the start of the class. Download the PDF form from the link below, and mail your check to the address shown below.
Download a registration form in Adobe PDF format
Registration for all classes:
Society of Gilders, P.O. Box 323
Rochester, MN 55903-323
Phone: (888) 991-7676, toll free
www.societyofgilders.org
education@societyofgilders.org
Please support the Society by coming to the classes and bringing your friends. Early registrations are greatly appreciated.
Notes about class schedule and registration:
- All dates listed are inclusive.
- Please contact instructor if you need additional information. However, you must register for classes through SOG: 888-991-7676 (toll free) or (education@societyofgilders.org).
- All class fees include a registration fee payable to the Society of Gilders. This fee is $35.00 (members) or $85.00 (non-members).
- Full payment must be made 21 days prior to start of class.
Early registration is suggested because classes will be cancelled three weeks prior to the commencement of the class, if the minimum number of students has not been met. Students will be contacted by e-mail regarding the status of the class. Cancellations by the teacher will result in a full refund.An $85.00 Cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellations made by the student within three weeks of the start of the class.
- 'Class size': the first number is minimum number of students, the second is the maximum.
- Once a class begins, no refunds will be given. If days are missed due to illness, family emergencies, or other hardship, the student is allowed to make up the lost class time at a future class for no extra fees. Once the material/tool boxes are opened the student must pay for them.
State: California
Class Name: Traditional Water Gilding 3.26.jlClass Image: 
Date: 26-29 March, 2013 (9:30-4:30)
Location: Easy Leaf Products, 6001 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. 90038
Short Description:
The class is for anyone who is interested in water gilding and wants to learn more to improve their skills. The object we will gild will be a Florentine picture frame. Students will learn to prepare rabbit skin glue, chalk gesso, bole, gilding liquor and toners. These materials will be applied as a demonstration and each student will work on his/her own frame. Gold leaf will be handled and we will learn how to gild out of a book of gold leaf. We will discuss various techniques and open up discussions about other types of gilding options. Students may use their own tools and supplies, or purchase a supply kit. Students should be dressed for working in a studio.
Fee Members: $900.00
Fee Non Members: $950.00
Materials Fee:
$116.00
8”x 10” wooden picture frame, chopped and joined, 1 book of 22k gold leaf, cheese cloth, horse-hair cloth, 1lb.whiting, wet dry sand paper, cotton, mica powder, rabbit skin glue, Selhamin red clay, shellac, rottenstone, pumice powder and raw and burnt umber earth pigments.
8”x 10” wooden picture frame, chopped and joined, 1 book of 22k gold leaf, cheese cloth, horse-hair cloth, 1lb.whiting, wet dry sand paper, cotton, mica powder, rabbit skin glue, Selhamin red clay, shellac, rottenstone, pumice powder and raw and burnt umber earth pigments.
Tool Fee:
$124.00
2 brushes, a gilder’s tip, an agate burnisher, a gilder’s knife.
2 brushes, a gilder’s tip, an agate burnisher, a gilder’s knife.
Class Size: 4-8
Instructor: Jill London
Phone: 212 475 3174
Website: http://www.londongild.com
Email: jill@londongild.com
Class Name: Oil Gilding: Metal Leaf Finishes LA05MK
Class Image: 
Date: TBA
Location: Easy Leaf Products, 6001 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Short Description:
In this hands on course participants will be guided through the centuries old techniques of oil gilding. From preparation to final antiquing and toning, each participant will learn the proper procedures to prime, prepare size, gild and seal over ten individual samples. Working with Dutch metal, aluminum, copper and silver leaf, members of the class will experiment with mat and broken leaf techniques, double gilding, inlays, distressed finishes, and flash gilding with mica powders and other effects.
Fee Members: $750.00
Fee Non Members: $800.00
Materials Fee:
$170.00
All boards, sizes, gold and metal leaf and mica powders for the class.
All boards, sizes, gold and metal leaf and mica powders for the class.
Class Size: 6-8
Instructor: Michael Kramer
Phone: 301 929 9450
Website: http://www.gilders.com
Email: mkramer@gilders.com
State: Connecticut
Class Name: Wood carving for late 19th and early 20th to contemporaryClass Image: 
Date: To Be Announced
Location: P. H. Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main Street South Woodbury, CT
Short Description:
This class will explore basic carving techniques. The students will learn how to carve 3 relief boarder designs including beads, a hollow rounded dentil pattern and a rope design. The final day each student will carve a simple hassam style frame. Sharpening techniques and safety will be discussed and emphasized. Students will be provided with one basswood frame, basswood carving blocks, course syllabus, drawing paper, tracing paper and pencils. Students must provide carving tools, mallets as indicated below. If students bring their own chisels, it will be required that they are properly sharpened before hand. Grinding and sharpening are laborious processes that consume a great deal of time.
Fee Members: $625.00
Fee Non Members: $650.00
Materials Fee:
$68.00
Picture frame and lengths of wood for carving.
Picture frame and lengths of wood for carving.
Tool Fee:
required tool list is below
Each Student is responsible for coming to the class with the proper tools, at the least, the asterisked items. All may be purchased from www.woodcraft.com (*) required or equivalent (reminder: if you bring your own chisels they must be sharpened and ready to use. I recommend the Pfeil Swiss Made chisels because they are so well made and maintain very keen edges. *(1) Pfeil Swiss made intermediate 6 piece set Product number #05h02 ($99.99) *(1) center finding rule 24” Product number #123022 ($12.50) *(2) cam clamps 8” opening 4 ½” depth Product #123262 ($15.99each), *(1) maple carvers mallet Product #141342 ($22.99) *(1) Pfeil Swiss made 5mm #9 gouge Product # 05q06 ($20.99) *(1) Pfeil Swiss made 12mm #2 gouge Product #05q17 ($20.99) Suggested: Comfortable work clothes and shoes (for standing), shop apron.
Each Student is responsible for coming to the class with the proper tools, at the least, the asterisked items. All may be purchased from www.woodcraft.com (*) required or equivalent (reminder: if you bring your own chisels they must be sharpened and ready to use. I recommend the Pfeil Swiss Made chisels because they are so well made and maintain very keen edges. *(1) Pfeil Swiss made intermediate 6 piece set Product number #05h02 ($99.99) *(1) center finding rule 24” Product number #123022 ($12.50) *(2) cam clamps 8” opening 4 ½” depth Product #123262 ($15.99each), *(1) maple carvers mallet Product #141342 ($22.99) *(1) Pfeil Swiss made 5mm #9 gouge Product # 05q06 ($20.99) *(1) Pfeil Swiss made 12mm #2 gouge Product #05q17 ($20.99) Suggested: Comfortable work clothes and shoes (for standing), shop apron.
Class Size: 4-6
Instructor: Peter H. Miller
Phone: 203 263 3939
Website: http://www.phmiller.com
Email: peter@phmiller.com
Class Name: Traditional Water Gilding CT06.12PM
Class Image: 
Date: TBA
Location: P. H. Miller Studio, 495 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798
Short Description:
Each student will be supplied with an 10" x 12" cassetta style frame, the
materials and gold leaf required. Students have three options for
tools: use studio's students tools, use their own gilding tools or
purchase the Society of Gilders water gilding tool kit. Studio will not
supply gilder's cushions for student use.
Previous experience in gilding is not required. All are welcome.
In this workshop, taught by frame-maker, Peter Miller in his Woodbury,
CT studio, students will learn about the materials, tools and
techniques required for traditional water-gilding. Students will learn
how to make and apply glue, gesso and bole. Each student will then
practice the skills required to properly surface those materials as
preparation to apply real gold leaf. Handling and transferring gold
leaf from book to surface will be taught as well as burnishing and
simple toning techniques.With the completion of this intensive study
and exploration, the student will come away with not only a gilded
frame, but also a comprehensive working understanding of the process. Inns and B & B's are conveniently located with in 2 miles of the studio. Please request information.
materials and gold leaf required. Students have three options for
tools: use studio's students tools, use their own gilding tools or
purchase the Society of Gilders water gilding tool kit. Studio will not
supply gilder's cushions for student use.
Previous experience in gilding is not required. All are welcome.
In this workshop, taught by frame-maker, Peter Miller in his Woodbury,
CT studio, students will learn about the materials, tools and
techniques required for traditional water-gilding. Students will learn
how to make and apply glue, gesso and bole. Each student will then
practice the skills required to properly surface those materials as
preparation to apply real gold leaf. Handling and transferring gold
leaf from book to surface will be taught as well as burnishing and
simple toning techniques.With the completion of this intensive study
and exploration, the student will come away with not only a gilded
frame, but also a comprehensive working understanding of the process. Inns and B & B's are conveniently located with in 2 miles of the studio. Please request information.
Fee Members: $900.00
Fee Non Members: $950.00
Materials Fee:
$110.00
1 joined frame, whiting, clay, glue, gold leaf, class reference notes and other materials related to the gilding process.
1 joined frame, whiting, clay, glue, gold leaf, class reference notes and other materials related to the gilding process.
Tool Fee:
$125.00
Professional Gilding Tools selected by instructor. supplied by Sepp Leaf
2 brushes, gilders tip, cushion, gesso brush, mop and knife
Professional Gilding Tools selected by instructor. supplied by Sepp Leaf
2 brushes, gilders tip, cushion, gesso brush, mop and knife
Class Size: 4-6
Instructor: Peter Miller
Phone: 203 263 3939
Website: http://www.phmiller.com
Email: peter@phmiller.com
State: New York
Class Name: xOil Gilding: Metal Leaf Finishes NY.MK.03.12Date: 9-11 April, 2013 (9:30-4:30)
Location: Sepp Leaf Products, 381 Park Ave. South at 27th St., New York, NY
Short Description:
In this hands on course participants will be guided through the centuries old techniques of oil gilding. From preparation to final antiquing and toning, each participant will learn the proper procedures to prime, prepare size, gild and seal over ten individual samples. Working with Dutch metal, aluminum, copper and silver leaf, members of the class will experiment with mat and broken leaf techniques, double gilding, inlays, distressed finishes, and flash gilding with mica powders and other effects.
Fee Members: $750.00
Fee Non Members: $800.00
Materials Fee:
$70.00
All boards, sizes, gold and metal leaf and mica powders for the class.
All boards, sizes, gold and metal leaf and mica powders for the class.
Class Size: 6-8
Instructor: Michael Kramer
Phone: 301 929 9450
Website: http://www.gilders.com
Email: mkramer@gilders.com
Class Name: VERRE EGLOMISE: REVERSE PAINTING & GILDING ON GLASS
Class Image: 
Date: To be announced
Location: Miriam Ellner Studio, 526 West 26th St., Suite 702, NY NY 10001
Short Description:
This class will cover both the basic steps of reverse painting and gilding on glass as well as more advanced Eglomise skills. The use of multiple metals, along with more complex decorative paint finishes and techniques will be explored, Students can bring their own design ideas to use towards a piece of work. Both beginners and students with some experience are welcome. Detailed notes including supply and vendor lists will be provided.
Fee Members: $735.00
Fee Non Members: $785.00
Materials Fee:
$55.00
Glass, shading brush, and other studio materials.
Glass, shading brush, and other studio materials.
Tool Fee:
$130.00
You will need to have the following gilding supplies which you can either bring on your own or purchase in a kit that will be provided at the workshop. The kit includes a gilder’s pad, knife, tip, mop, a single sheet of gelatin glue, 12” strip of cotton, vaseline packet, 1 book of 22-karat gold leaf, 1 book of 18-karat lemon gold leaf and 1 book of silver leaf.
You will need to have the following gilding supplies which you can either bring on your own or purchase in a kit that will be provided at the workshop. The kit includes a gilder’s pad, knife, tip, mop, a single sheet of gelatin glue, 12” strip of cotton, vaseline packet, 1 book of 22-karat gold leaf, 1 book of 18-karat lemon gold leaf and 1 book of silver leaf.
Class Size: 6-10
Instructor: Miriam Ellner
Website: http://www.miriamellner.com
Email: me@miriamellner.com
Class Name: 3 12/13Traditional Water Gilding NY
Class Image: 
Date: 12-15 March, 2013 (9:30-4:30)
Location: Sepp Leaf Products, Inc. 381 Park Ave. South at 27th St.
Short Description:
The class is for anyone who is interested in water gilding and wants to learn more to improve their skills. The object we will gild will be a Florentine picture frame. Students will learn to prepare rabbit skin glue, chalk gesso, bole, gilding liquor and toners. These materials will be applied as a demonstration and each student will work on his/her own frame. Gold leaf will be handled and we will learn how to gild out of a book of gold leaf. We will discuss various techniques and open up discussions about other types of gilding options. Students may use their own tools and supplies, or purchase a supply kit. Students should be dressed for working in a studio.
Fee Members: $800.00
Fee Non Members: $850.00
Materials Fee:
$116.00
8"x 10" wooden picture frame, chopped and joined, 1 book of 22k gold leaf, cheese cloth, horse-hair cloth, 1lb.whiting, wet dry sand paper, cotton, mica powder, rabbit skin glue, Selhamin red clay, shellac, rottenstone, pumice powder and raw and burnt umber earth pigments.
8"x 10" wooden picture frame, chopped and joined, 1 book of 22k gold leaf, cheese cloth, horse-hair cloth, 1lb.whiting, wet dry sand paper, cotton, mica powder, rabbit skin glue, Selhamin red clay, shellac, rottenstone, pumice powder and raw and burnt umber earth pigments.
Tool Fee:
$124.00
2 brushes, a gilder's tip, pad, an agate burnisher, a gilder's knife, a mop and a Monarch color chart.
2 brushes, a gilder's tip, pad, an agate burnisher, a gilder's knife, a mop and a Monarch color chart.
Class Size: 4-6
Instructor: Jill London
Phone: 212 475 3174
Website: http://www.londongild.com
Email: jill@londongild.com