Gilded Christmas Ornaments: A Festive Introduction to Leather Gilding

Create a one-of-a-kind gilded leather Christmas ornament using traditional wooden moulds, and discover the ancient craft's history. Create your own one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament using the rare historic technique of gilt leather making. In this hands-on workshop, you'll work with historic wooden gilt leather moulds and hand punches to emboss leather and gild a design of your own, learning the hand skills behind a largely forgotten art form which was once hugely influential and sought after across the world. No previous experience is needed. All materials and tools will be provided. By the end of the session, you will understand the history and traditional uses of gilt leather, learn how moulds and punches are used to create raised, patterned designs, practise application of delicate metal leaf to leather and learn about Mecca gilding techniques, leaving with your own gilded leather Christmas ornament. Course Leader: Beth Elford Location: LCC Studio Date: Sat 28th November 2026 Time: 10AM - 12PM Cost: £45