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• Wanda •

So I’ve decided to name the vending machine Wanda, she’s the first, and I do believe quite magical ✨.

Anyway, right now she is proudly awaiting her knobs being twiddled by YOU on Castle Road @strongislandclothingco

Take some pound coins (it’s 2 x £1 a twiddle) and she will produce a mini art print and a sticker.

Please tag me if you go! Would love to know what you think.

📍Strong Island Clothing, 77a Castle Road, Southsea, PO5 3AY

[vending machine fine art prints reverse glass gilded art hand painted Southsea Portsmouth ]

• Vending Machine Joy •

So excited to finally share my mini print vending machine which began as an idea back in May and is now really here!!

A print and sticker at random each time, 18 different prints, all on fine art paper and signed on the reverse. Many (I’ve not counted) different holographic sticker designs, again at random.

All of the artwork is taken from original gilded pieces, either on glass or paper, some of which I have made especially for this project.

These are exclusive to this little machine - they wont be available anywhere else.

This has taken way longer than I imagined due to my perfectionism procrastination and having to learn a small amount of mechanical engineering 👀. Also went a bit extra with the gilding and signwriting, but why not.

I’ll announce its location on Wednesday (9th) September - but I reckon you guys can already figure that out 🤩…

Would LOVE to know what you think - all a bit trial and error so feedback is always appreciated. 🧡

Thanks as ever to my long suffering creative friends who have been bugged relentlessly over my chaotic ideas - you know who you are.

[ print vending machine stickers reverse glass gilding aceo original art signwriting Southsea Portsmouth ]

• Atomic Bloom •

Blisteringly hot day for paint and size to dry instantly! ☀️

Yet perseverance won, and @atomicbloomstudio now have some pretty windows, oil gilded with 23ct leaf.

All the pinks and greens, with a smidge of whimsy thrown in. 🌸🌱💗✨

• Here Comes The Fun •

Something completely different that feels very summery! 23.5ct gold, oil gilded, with enamels and a sprinkle of glitter. ☀️

I made the frame for this one, second time for everything… love the freedom of creating the ‘whole artwork’.

The original is sold, prints and cards are available online. ⚡️

Let me know what you think - more of this style? ✨

{reverse glass gilding gold leaf painting framing bespoke original art}

@lionpfs for framing supplies
@ashandover for brushes
@goldleafsupply for gold etc
@1shotpaints for enamel
@strongislandclothingco for the pop up 🫶🏼

• R.N.H.C •

No words can really describe the private tour I had of the Royal Navy Heritage Collection today.

I also can’t tell you what I saw - so forgive me, but believe me when I tell you it’s a heritage craft dream of everything you’ve ever imagined, in metals, woods, ceramics, glass and artwork. Truly spectacular.

I made a little gilded sign to say thank you as a small token of my appreciation.

18ct and 23.5ct gold, watergilded and framed very simply.

As ever - impossible to get a good picture of.

• RN MEGS Propeller •

This is the symbol of the Royal Navy Marine Engineering Branch. I was asked to create leaving gifts for two Royal Navy Officers who had spent their careers in this branch.

Acid etched glass, with water gilded 23.5ct gold propeller, 18ct lemon gold lightening, and natural lilac abalone.

Handmade solid oak frame, finished with a ‘purple heart’ engraved back (courtesy of @militarygizzits).

Gold from @goldleafsupply
Oak from @lionpfs
Purple heart from @surrey_timbers
Wax from @odiesoil.uk
Patience in spades from @militarygizzits

I really enjoyed making these, there is something special about making an entire piece from start to finish including the frame.

These were well received and am advised I matched the ‘ME Purple’ perfectly.

It’s given me a lot more ideas of different things in this style, let me know what you think.

(Tape applied to try to protect the recipient’s identity).

[reverse glass gilding gold leaf Royal Navy handmade]

• Gilded Prints •
Quick process vid of adding 23ct transfer gold to miniatum on a giclee print.
I love the super shiny finish, very different from an acrylic size, equally as pretty.

I’ve gilded, mounted, and framed a selection, different prints and different sizes for the @the.creative.social.southsea market next Saturday.

I may do some more and put them in the website if you like them.

Would love to know what you think ✨

#23ctgold #gilding #reverseglassgilding

• Intro to Gilding Jan 2026 •
Lovely way to start the year with @maria.illingworth.33 and @kim_j_18
We gilded initials, a bee named Beatrice and a hare named Henrietta.
Beautiful gilds, gorgeous colours, we definitely used the right side of the glass and only a short performance from BB 🐈.
✨
Gold from @goldleafsupply
Paint from @1shotpaints
Brushes from @ashandover
✨
All courses this year are fully booked, but if you were thinking about it and missed out then get in touch and I may be able to squeeze andother date in.

#reverseglassgilding #endangeredart #abalone #goldleaf #23caratgold #watermarble #learntogild

• Escapism •

Love a song lyric. Love simple watergilded 23ct gold.

Christmas jammas are a bonus.

(Raye, escapism, reverse glass gilding, reverse glass painting, gold leaf)

• Make good choices* •

Kinda enjoying playing around with this style of illuminated lettering. 24ct gold burnished on miniatum. Watercolour and pen abstract florals. Always impossible to photograph.

Find the gold and size @goldleafsupply - paints are Kuratake - brushes @ashandover

For my very special friend who requested something almost two years ago, @kayleighkayx forgive the delay. I might not remember why I walked into a room or where I put my glasses, but I remembered this!

More of this style do we think? Or back to glass…?
.
.
.
.

*or don’t, I’m not your mum.

• I will not give what I do not have •

As we welcome in 2026, if this resonates with you then feel free to claim it as your mantra for the year.

I often feel overwhelmed at the sheer volume of ideas I have that then don’t make it into physical form due to perfectionism procrastination. My impatience to ‘skip to the good bits’, (usually the gold), means I play around with an idea until it spirals off somewhere, and I find myself stood in a room regrouting tiles or organising a drawer, just as a distraction or avoidance of just getting on with it.

But this Christmas period brought the gift of slowing down and playing around with ideas just for me. And this is what came out.

I’ve been fortunate this year to be involved in a few, really special projects. I’m hopeful for more in 2026, the return of #twogingersonebrush , pushing the boundaries of street art gilding, more exploration with screen printing on gold, and my fascination with illuminated letters.

But above all else, I will not give what I do not have.

Wishing you a calm, and peaceful start to the year.
✨

This piece made with Kuratake and Finetec paints, 23ct and 18ct gold leaf, Kolner miniatum size, on watercolour paper.

• S.W. •

A while ago I bought a couple of old monogram design books - they’re fascinating. It sort of spurred on my obsession with illuminated letters and heavily decorated initials.

This S.W. is my first attempt at gilding quite a complex monogram and it took a while and a couple of false starts. I started with a sketch and it took on a life of its own.

Water gilded 23ct gold, with old gilded 12ct white, 18ct lemon, and 22ct champagne.

Abalone, mother of pearl and a hint of glitter. All reverse glass gilded and painted.

A fitting birthday gift for my gorgeous sister from another mister @sadiewere_ 🧡 #twogingersonebrush

Let me know what you think….

#reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #monogram #sw #alwayshandpaint

• MATE •

Bit of a pick ‘n’ mix of golds and techniques in this one!

23ct water gilded outline, 18ct lemon oil gild.
Mother of pearl and blue abalone. Water gilded and backed up with pearlescent enamel.

I get all my gold from @goldleafsupply and brushes are always @ashandover or @flyingsquirrelbrushco
Paints are @1shotpaints

Framed by @southseagallery at their NEW gallery 💫

We all know someone who can use the word mate in a variety of different ways, inflecting a tone and delivery that immediately assures you of your emotional standing with them. This one was for my mate. 🧡⭐️ ⚓️ 1

• Home •

I’ve been playing around with miniatum and watercolours this year, experimenting with illuminated letters and different ways of gilding prints.

Made this little 23ct gold and watercolour ‘Home’ for a friends birthday.

I’ve included some process pics - it’s remarkably simple to do, and the medium allows so many different interpretations.

Leaves a ‘mirror’ like shine on the gild once the gold is burnished.

Let me know what you think - more of this?

• 2026 Courses •

Following several requests I have scheduled three dates next year for my Intro to Reverse Glass Gilding Course.

You can book now online and I will put the links in my stories.

The cost of gold has risen insanely, but I’ve kept the course price the same at £285, you can book with £85 deposit.

It’s a whole day (a long one), but we have great picky bits and cake, and BB the cat usually makes his presence known.

Vouchers also available and they make great gifts, they’re a bit fancy - gilded with 23ct gold and now arrive with a limited edition coin.

Any questions - don’t hesitate to slip into my DMs x

#learntogild #reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #23caratgold #endangeredcraft

• Charlotte Cornelius •

What an absolute treat to be asked to gild one of my favourite shops in Southsea. 🫶🏼

Charlotte asked me a while ago and has been incredibly patient whilst we found time for me to deconstruct the window display and let loose with gold. ✨

Design by the amazing Alice who works with Charlotte, and let in early on Sundays by Jeremy (with hot drinks on tap), I was well looked after. 🧡

Lettering water gilded in 23ct gold.
The door ‘starburst’ is a mixture of water and oil gilds: gold leaf in 23ct yellow; 22.5ct champagne; 22ct rose; 18ct lemon; and 12ct white.

Gold and size from @goldleafsupply , brushes etc from @ashandover

Snacks provided by @breadaddiction, @southseacoffee and the best roast dinner at @marmionhousebarandkitchen 🥐

All the different golds and finishes were picked to reflect the beautiful jewellery created by Charlotte and the team on Marmion Road. 💫

Last but by no means least, the gorgeous window display is by @luvshiftingflowers 🌸

#reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #23caratgold #gildedshop #marmionroad #charlottecornelius #jewellers

• HMS DEVONSHIRE •

A good friend of mine is a trustee of The Association of Wrens and asked me if I would donate a ships badge to their annual Christmas auction.

The winner of the badge asked me to make HMS Devonshire in memory of her late husband.

23ct gold leaf, platinum leaf, oil and water gilds, abalone and water marbled enamel.

All hand painted in reverse, a really lovely badge to paint and gild.

Always a privilege to be asked and involved with our armed forces, and the heraldry geek in me loves the experimentation of how to recreate the symbolism of the badge with gold and shell.

#hmsdevonshire #reverseglassgilding #23ctgoldleaf #royalnavy #associationofwrens

• Proud Prints •

My artwork usually starts with a gilded piece on glass, and the proud wall was born this way too.
(Please excuse the fingerprints…)

23ct gold from @goldleafsupply oil gilded on glass with glitter and @1shotpaints enamels. ✨

I’ve made some prints of the original artwork and they are for sale - live on my website now. (Link in bio) 👩🏻‍🦰

@portsmouthprideuk is completely volunteer run and relies on donations and partners for funding. With this in mind, 10% of all profits from the ‘proud prints’ will go directly to them to support their ongoing work in the community. 🏳️‍🌈

Use the code PRIDE25 for free shipping. 💌

It’s been a real treat to gild and paint @gunwharfquays.

#portsmouthpride #proud #reverseglassgilding #23ctgold

• Executive curls •

An idea @militarygizzits and I have been working on for over a year, has finally come to fruition.

Ideal for recognising promotions into roles, these gilded executive curls are truly unique.

3mm polished glass, acid etched, and water gilded in 23 carat gold.
Mounted in solid oak, finished with bespoke engravings, and perfectly waxed.

Entirely handmade to order using traditional and endangered crafts. Swipe for process vid ➡️

Let us know if you’d like one.

#executivecurl #royalnavy #militarygizzit #gildedglass #23caratgold #acidetched #reverseglassgilding #oak #bespokegift

• Proud •

Invited by @gunwharfquays to paint a wall in support of @portsmouthprideuk and what a wall! 🏳️‍🌈

My favourite sister from another mister, ginge with a different fringe, artist extraordinaire @sadiewere_ came to help me and I’d still be painting now without her support, chats and general complicit shenanigans. Gratitude in spades. 👩🏻‍🦰👩🏻‍🦰

Spray paint from @graffcityuk
Imitation gold from @goldleafsupply
Brushes from @ashandover

Sadie and I are now experts in directions to the Isle of Wight ferry, and are off to get proper jobs as suggested by some rather helpful drunken men. We are available to paint prisons, council buildings, and especially back passages. Do get in touch. ✨

Proud to be asked, proud to be an ally, proud to paint in Portsmouth. 🧡

#streetart #gildedbrick #proud #portsmouthproud #portsmouthpride #gunwharfquays

• YA WEE DANCER! •

Making art for friends I find is often fraught with anxiety, especially when they give you infinite artistic freedom.

Nic and I had a long chat about what she might like and when I checked back the notes in my phone it only said ‘not sweaty’ which had autocorrected from ‘sweary’…

For my beautiful friend @nafraser, wee, Scottish, a dancer, and genuinely gorgeous human. 💕

Acid etched and water gilded in 24ct gold. Abalone, glitter (standard), and a bit of 22ct oil gilded for good measure. Also it’s pretty big at over a meter long.

Loved making this - loved watching her open it even more. ✨

#yaweedancer #reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #24ctgold #oilgilded #watergilded

• Maps •
Last year I was commissioned to produce some artwork for an office that designs submarines for the Royal Navy.

The brief was to not include images of submarines 🤔

So I turned to maps and some of the geographical locations in the UK that support this service, and of course, gilded the bodies of water.

Admittedly this is not an original idea (I personally don’t think there is such a thing as an original idea when it comes to art), there are many who have made similar maps with gold. ✨

Gilded in 23ct gold leaf from @goldleafsupply, prints and framing by @southseagallery - both companies I highly recommend.

For obvious reasons I can’t show you these hung on the wall… 🤫

The question is should I make more of these? 😬

#gildedmaps #goldleaf #royalnavy #submarines #23caratgold

• Intro to Gilding Feb 2025 •
Some really beautiful gilds yesterday created by Laura and Scarlett.
A day of Classic FM, Cake, and Colin the plant, under the watchful eye of BB the cat.
Lovely way to start courses this year, beetles and hares and beautiful colours.

#reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #learntogild #23caratgold #gildedhare #gildedbeetle #colintheplant

• 2024 •
From @lookup.portsmouth to @ladyjam_uk and everything in between.
2024 was a strange year for me creatively - procrastination perfectionism certainly took hold.

Thank you to everyone who commissioned me, especially for your patience.

I’m excited for 2025 and more teaching - I love sharing the craft and it’s more important than ever to keep gilding alive.

I’ve met some amazing people this year that have inspired and encouraged me - you know who you are. ✨

#reverseglasspainting #reverseglassgilding #streetart #challengecoin

• Women in Boatbuilding •
Bit of a different post for me but wanted to share the incredible @womeninboatbuilding network that I had the privilege of spending the day with today. ✨
We were so lucky to have a private tour of @phdockyard and the restoration work conducted by shipwrights @clementine_mlr @rachbuildsboats @betzydas on HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.
Really blown away by the talent and range within this group, and there is something so powerful about women supporting women. ⚓️
Rounded with a lovely lunch @boathouseno_4 with a glass of fizz, managed to swap a coin and also wear a shiny orange helmet #daymade.

• 2025 Courses •

There was an overwhelming response of ‘YES’ to the question, so the above dates are scheduled and available online.

✨Enter code EARLYBIRD for £30 off (expires 31.12.24)✨

Vouchers also available and they make great gifts, they’re a bit fancy - gilded with 23ct gold and now arrive with a limited edition coin!

If you’ve been to one of my courses before and fancy doing something a bit different let me know and we can work something out.

EDIT: Full price course is £285, it’s £50 deposit to book a place ✨

Any questions - don’t hesitate to slip into my DMs x

#learntogild #reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #23caratgold #arewebotheringwithhashtagsanymore

• HMS Oardacious •

Those of you that know me personally will know I gild for the joy and have a full time job, part of which involves working closely with the Royal Navy.

I had the pleasure of meeting the incredible @hmsoardacious team at the start of this year and proud to support them and their charities as they participate in this years worlds toughest row.
@rnrmcharity @youngwomenstrust @worlds.toughest.row

I am donating a gilded ships badge to their online auction that is now live. The winner can chose any badge in pretty much any style. The link is in my stories.

Please check out the team and the amazing charities they are supporting.

#reverseglassgilding #reverseglasspainting #worldstoughestrow #valkyries #hmsoardacious

• HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH •

I’ve been wanting to make this badge ever since I made my first. And now she’s here.
Also my first attempt at screen printing on glass - surprisingly successful.
All the golds, 23ct, 22ct, 18ct. Water and oil gilds, dammer varnish, abalone, mother of pearl and water marbling.
Proper labour of love over the space of 4 months.

#reverseglasspainting #reverseglassgilding #abalone #genuinegoldleaf #hmsqueenelizabeth #royalnavy #shipbadge

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Reverse Glass Gilding

Reverse glass gilding is a traditional technique that involves applying gold or silver leaf to the back of glass. The process is also known as verre églomisé, a French term that refers to the mirror finish created by the technique.

Reverse glass gilding is classed as Endangered on the Heritage Crafts list, a craft that am passionate about keeping alive.

I teach a glass where you can learn the basics for this craft, you can find out more on the 'courses' page.

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ABOUT THE FRUSTRATED CREATIVE

Holly Milner a.k.a The Frustrated Creative is an internationally published Photographer, Designer, and Artist.
With a degree in Industrial Project Design, and having studied Graphics, Calligraphy and Fine Art, Holly has discovered her true love to be Signwriting and the 'endangered art' of Reverse Glass Gilding.
Holly now resides in Fareham, Hampshire with her two children, and spends most of her waking hours thinking about what she can gild with gold leaf next, and is it possible to own too many paintbrushes?

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