Gilded Antique Mirror
2026 Society of Gilders Conference 2 full days Thursday-Friday
This Class is Full! Waitlist info: information@societyofgilders.org
In this hands-on glass gilding workshop with Micki Cavanah, learn to create a stunning, gilded mirror using genuine silver leaf in the traditional manner. We will explore a variety of antiquing techniques—ranging from a subtle, time-softened patina to a bold, highly distressed finish. Various sizes of clear glass will be supplied for the class, as well as a silk gilding screen, and each student will learn to use a gilding screen for precise placement of the silver leaf.
Experience needed: some experience handling loose leaf would be a plus but is not required.
Students will need to bring:
- a 12” ruler
- a towel,
- a Sharpie pen
In addition, students will also need a water size mop, gilders tip and a gilders knife. If they do not have these items, they can purchase the optional tool kit listed below.
Our thanks to our sponsor W&B Gold Leaf for providing leaf for this class, and Angel Gilding for providing antiquing materials!
Class Fee
March 1 – April 15 early reg: (members only) $570.
April 16 – May 15 open registration : $620.
Maximum: 12 students
Materials included:
- glass,
- gelatin size
- pigments
- antiquing materials
- a silk gilder’s screen
- etching stylus
Optional tool kit – $85.
Tool kit includes – Mop for water size, Gilders Tip, Gilders knife.
If you have your own tools, please bring them!
Instructor
Micki & Mitchell Cavanah
Micki & Mitchell Cavanah have a long history in the gilding arts as second-generation gilders they have 30 plus years of experience with a variety of gilding applications.
Micki is the owner of Reed’s Gold Leaf Studios in Nashville TN which was founded by her mother Lou Reed in 1972.
Experienced in a variety of gilding disciplines – mordent gilding, water gilding, verre eglomise (glass gilding), architectural gilding, sign gilding. They have a combined 50 plus years of experience in the gilding arts, restoration & conservation . Their work can be seen all around the Southeastern United States in various galleries, museums, historic homes, commercial buildings and private collections.
They are long-time members of The Society of Gilders, of which Micki has previously served as Vice-President and currently serves on the board of trustees. Their work can be seen all around Nashville and the Southeast. For more information and to see more of their work, go to reedsgoldleaf.com
