CA2056329A1

CA2056329A1 - Sign making technique using double sided adhesive graphics and subsequently applied decorative layer

Info

Publication number: CA2056329A1
Application number: CA002056329A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Edward J. Killion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Gerber Scientific Products Inc
Priority date: 1990-11-30
Filing date: 1991-11-27
Publication date: 1992-05-31
Also published as: FR2670042A1; GB2250950A; JPH04293000A; ITTO910930A0; ITTO910930A1; DE4139415A1; IT1250234B; GB9125365D0

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A gold or silver leaf, or other decorative medium application technique utilizes an automated cutting machine to cut a desired graphic in a web of the double sided adhesive to create an adhesive graphic subsequently applied to a substrate surface. With the adhesive graphic applied onto the substrate surface, one adhesive surface is outwardly exposed upon which is placed the gold or silver leaf. An embossing technique is also provided wherein the double sided adhesive has cover layer through which is transferred a shape by an embossing tool. Ad-ditionally, a laminated web having a preformed textured surface is utilized to create a textured surface when desired.

Description

2~t;S3"9 SIGN MAKING TECHNIOUE USING
DOUBLE SIDED ADHESIVE GRAPHICS AND
SUBSEOUENTLY APPLIED DECORATIVE LAYER

The present invention resides in a technique for creating a graphic from a web of sheet material and more particularly relates to a means and an associated technique for creating artwork on a surface wherein a double sided adhesive graphic is provided and bonded to the surface on one side and upon the other of its sides is applied decorative material, such as gold or silver leaf, worked over the graphic to assume the configuration of the lC underlaying shape.
Hitherto, the process of adhering gold leaf to a supporting sign surface has been one reserved for artisans having specialized skills for gilding a work surface with the gold or other precious metal leaf. Known techniques involve costly expenditures of time and human resource in creating such graphics. Since gold leaf or other precious metal leaf is extremely malleable and thin, it is very delicate to work with. It is also quite expensive, making mistakes occurring in its handling and application during the gilding process quite costly. All this makes the particular skills of the artisan valued. In addition, these skills must further include necessary drawing talent for drawing the desired graphic with a liquid adhesive on the surface. For this, a water base gelatin was 2C`~i~3 ~

1 heretofore used and applied to the substrate surface by the artisan. However, this method had its drawbacks because it involved applying an adhesive which possessed varying degrees of tackiness caused by the water base evaporating in time from it. Once again, the specialized skllls and experience of the artisan were needed for knowing when the gelatin possessed the proper tackiness so that the gold or silver leaf could properly be applied to it. For example, if the gelatin had too great a water content at the time that the leaf was applied, the leaf would slide when placed in contact with it rather than holding to it thus losing the definition of the shape sought to be created. Moreover, the water based gelatin when applied to vertical surfaces, such as for example on a glass window, often dripped downwardly, thus causing the sign surface to become soiled and created a disfavorable appearance.
Previously known techniques for gilding a surface with gold or other thin metal leaf also provided for texturing the surface upon which the leaf was to be applied to create a desired outward appearance. Such textured appearances often took the form of a swirl pattern, a sandy surface, or a grid-like design. Where the work surface is a glass substrate, previously known texturing techniques involved a complicated series of steps which were both time consuming and complex. One 2~5S3 '9 1 such method is known as "glue chipping" wherein in order to obtain a desired textured finlsh on an area of the glass, the artisan applied a layer of glue to this area and while the glue was still in its uncured state, a mask was placed down on the glue. The mask and the underlaying glue were subsequently baked until the glass surface bonded through the glue to the mask and later separated from the underlaying remaining glass, thus creating a patterned effect in the area of the mask.
Subsequently, gold or other metal leaf was applied with a gelatin to this area so that the gold leaf assumed the roughened texture of the masked area. As is clear, such a process was both time consuming and costly given the need to heat the glass during the process. Also, since this previously known process involved the use of an oven, it could not be carried out on-site, but rather was restricted to the limited application within a facility having the appropriate eguipment.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for applying metallic leaf to a sign surface using an intermediary double sided adhesive graphic embodying the desired shape thus avoiding the prior practice of drawing a graphic on a surface with a liquid adhesive.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a technique of the aforementioned type wherein the 2~53~9 1 double sided adhesive is automatically cut by a sign generating machine and subsequently applied to a sign surface as a graphic in the same orientation and spatial relationship between component parts of the graphic as originally cut by the machine.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a technique of the aforesaid type whereby at least one surface of the adhesive layer has a preformed construction defining a textured surface engaged by the metallic leaf sheet.
Still a further object of the present invention is provide a technique and means associated therewith for applying gold leaf or other precious metal leaf onto a surface without requiring the specialized skills of an artisan.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the drawings and from the appendant claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in a technique for creating a graphic from a double sided adhesive web in sheet form by cutting into the adhesive sheet a shape defining an adhesive graphic and subsequently placing it onto a substrate surface upon which graphic a sheet of decorative material is thereafter applied. Releasably attached to one surface of the adhesive sheet is a cover 2~`~S~'~9 1 sheet and to the other opposite surface of the adhesive sheet, a base sheet. The double sided adhesive sheet and the cover sheet are together cut to create the adhesive graphic such that the weed portions of the adhesive sheet disposed around the graphic are removed with corresponding portions of the cover sheet leaving the adhesive graphic bonded with the base sheet. Using the base sheet as a transfer medium, the adhesive graphic is then applied directly to a substrate surface exposing one of the tacky surfaces of the adhesive graphic outwardly relative to the substrate surface. A decorative film, preferably gold or silver leaf, is placed onto the cut graphic formed by the double sided adhesive sheet and is worked to conform it to the underlaying shape. By applying a slight downward pressure to the leaf about the shape, the weed of the leaf separates from that portion overlaying the shape. A
sealing material may be subsequently applied to the leaf to seal the graphic from wear.
The double sided adhesive sheet may have an increased thickness for receiving an embossment. In this case, the cover sheet is formed from a yieldable yet deformable material such that an embossment is capable of being transferred through it and into the adhesive web disposed beneath it by an appropriate tool suited for this purpose.
Once the desired embossment is made in the cover sheet, the cover sheet is subsequently peeled away thus exposing ~2C`~i53,~

1 the embossment formed in the adhesive sheet. The metal leaf or other decorative means may then be applled to the embossed surface.
The invention also resides in a laminated preform in which is provided means for creating a textured surface in the applied metal leaf material. For this, two thin sheets of double sided adhesive are used. Interposed therebetween is a texturing layer, such as a screen mesh or a layer of patterned material, which when sandwiched between each of the adhesive sheets, forms in the outer surface of each of the adhesive layers, the general profile of the texturing means interposed therebetween.
Alternatively, a single sheet of double sided adhesive may be used in which one surface of the adhesive has formed in it, a series of scoring lines which create the desired textured effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting machine used to automatically cut a graphic in a web of adhesive material.
Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional, partially fragmentary view showing the tool head and the material advancing means employed in the apparatus of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation view partially fragmentary and in section showing the knife tool mounted on its associated support arm.

Z~S3~9 1 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the laminated web of double sided adhesive sheet material employed in the technique embodying the present inventlon.
Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the web of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps employed in the technique of the present invention.
Fig. 7 illustrates the step in the technique where the adhesive graphic is separated from the weed after being cut.
Fig. 8 illustrates the graphic in place on the substrate surface after being separated from the backing sheet.
Fig. 9 illustrates the step of covering the adhesive graphic wlth metal leaf and working the leaf onto the adhesive graphic with a tool.
Fig. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the technique for creating the graphic using a tool applied to the adhesive sheet to emboss it.
Fig. 11 illustrates the relationship between the cover sheet and the adhesive sheet during the embossing step of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is an alternate embodiment of the laminated web of Figs. 4 and 5 wherein the adhesive sheet has a textured upper surface.
Fig. 13 is another alternate embodiment of a 2C~i53'7'3 l laminated web preform ln which is provided texturing means.
Fig. 14 shows the texturing means of Fig. 13 separately from the laminate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Fig. 1 a sign making machine 12 is illustrated for handling and working on an associated web 11 of laminated sheet material. The web 11 is moved through the machine 12 longitudinally of itself in the illustrated X coordinate direction by a material advancing means 2 across a work surface defined by a roller 20. A
tool head 16 is supported and driven by appropriate motor means (not shown) in the illustrated Y coordinate direction on ways 13 extending transversely relative to the web 11. The machine 12 further includes a controller 7 having a mlcro-processing unit linked to a memory means and a key interface 25 for selecting a desired graphic shape and consequently instructing the controller to move the web relative to the tool head to cause a graphic 18 to be formed in the web 11. The machine 12 is preferably one such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,467,525 entitled AUTOMATED SIGN GENERATOR, issued to Logan, et al. on August 28, 1984, which patent being commonly assigned with the assignee of the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference.

2C~SS329 l Referring now to Fig. 2, and in particular to the advancing means 2 used for controlllng movement of sections of the web 11 through the machine 12, it will be seen that the advancing means includes two sprockets 14,14 rotatably driven by appropriate means about a common axis of rotation 65 in response to instructions issued by the controller 7. The sprockets 14,14 are spaced apart from one another by approximately the width of the web 11 and have a series of circumferentially disposed teeth or pins 15,15 projecting radially outwardly from the axis 65. The pins 15,15 are received within a series of openings 5,5 extending along either side of web 11 in order to effect positive movement of the web through the machine 12. Each of the sprockets has an associated arcuate clamp 31 joined with a pivotable support arm 30 biassed toward the sprocket by a spring 32 drawing the clamp against the sheet material being pulled through the machine. Thus, the web 11 is readily removable from the machine when desired, yet is held in registry with it during the cutting operation.
As shown in Fig. 3, the tool head 16 carries a tool holder 40 and an associated tool rotatable relative to the head about an axis 41 oriented substantially vertically when the tool is in the working position above the web as illustrated in Fig. 1. To effect rotation of the tool holder 40 about the axis 41, a drive belt 42 is employed 2C~5S3~9 l to rotatably couple the tool holder to a motor carried by the tool head responslve to commands issued by the controller 7. Although illustrated in Fig. 3 as being rotatably coupled to the belt 42, the tool holder 40 may alternatively be freely rotatable about the tool axis 41 - such that it is capable of repositionlng itself along a llne of cut as the directional movement of web 11 is changed. The tool head 16 is pivotally mounted on the ways 13 such that the tool holder 40 is cantilevered outwardly therefrom on an arm 44 allowing the holder and its associated tool to be normally urged downwardly towards the web by gravity. For adjusting the amount of downward force, a counterweight 26 is provided for varying the amount of downward pressure applied to the web 11 passing beneath tool holder.
In accordance with the invention, a technique for automatically creating graphics on a support or substrate surface using decorative leaf material or other suitable decorative medium employs the aforementioned sign making machine 12 and the web 11 in the form of a laminate cut by the machine to form an adhesive graphic upon which the leaf material or other decorative medium is subsequently applied in a manner that will hereinafter become apparent in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the laminated web 11 comprises a double sided permanently tacky adhesive sheet 1 1 2C`~3~9 l S0 having an upper tacky surface 52 and an opposite lower tacky surface 54. The web 11 further includes a cover layer 56 having an upper exposed surface 58 and an oppositely disposed lower surface 60 facing the upper surface 52 of the double sided adhesive 50. The lowex surface 60 is releasably bonded to the adhesive sheet 50 for coverlng the double sided adhesive layer during the cutting operation as will become more readily apparent. A
base sheet 66 is also provided and is formed preferably from inexpensive paper and has an upper surface 62 on which is formed a release surface 64 releasably bonding the base sheet 66 with the lower surface 54 of the double sided adhesive sheet 50. The base sheet 60 and the cover sheet 56 are thus readily separable from the double sided adhesive sheet 50 in a manner that will hereinafter become apparent.
The cover sheet 56 is formed from a soft polymeric material and is capable of being cut by the cutting tool 46 in a manner discussed previously with reference to Figs. 1-3 above. In Table A-1 below, examples of various material types and associated thickness employed for carrying out the technique of the present invention are set forth for the components of the laminated web 11 such that the blade 46, with the appropriate adjustment of the counterweight 26, is allowed to cut through the cover sheet 56 and the underlaying double sided adhesive sheet 12 2C~5S~ ~

l 50 whlle nevertheless only slightly scoring the release surface 64 of the base sheet 66.

TABLE A-l THICKNESS
ELEMENT MATERIAL (APPROXIMATED) Cover sheet 56 Soft, cuttable, 2-3 mils polyvinylchloride Cover sheet 56' Cut resistant 1-2 mils flexible elastic polyethylene material Adhesive sheet 50 Permanently tacky 0.1 - 0.5 acrylic or mil urethane base Release coating 64 Silicone, Teflon 1-2 mils Backing sheet 66 60-90 pound craft paper 2-3 mils Referring now to Fig. 6, and to the particular steps involved in the technique for applying a decorative graphic to a substrate surface to be covered, it should be seen that the web 11 is first fed through the cutting machine 12 to cause the cutting tool 46 to cut the desired graphic into it. In so doing, the cutting implement cuts through the cover sheet 56 and the underlaying adhesive . layer 50 along lines that define a closed shape separable from the remaining piece of the web 11 (step 100). Since the cutting machine 12 automatically creates shapes and characters in the web 11 by recalling from its memory stored vectors which cause the cutting implement 46 to 2~3~9 l move along predetermined paths corresponding to the outline of the shape to be created, the previously known method of drawlng a graphic with a liquid adhesive on a surface to be covered is thus avoided.
Once the graphic 18 is cut into the web 11, it is then separated from the weed W (step 102) as illustrated in Fig. 7 such that the adhesive graphic 18 remains bonded to the release surface 64 of the base sheet 66 for subsequent application onto a substrate surface. With the base sheet 66 now acting as a transfer medium exposing the upper surface 52 of the adhesive graphic 18, the user then aligns the base sheet 66 with an area on the surface S and places the adhesive graphic 18 down onto this area to bond the exposed upper surface 52 to it (step 104). As lllustrated in Fig. 8, the base sheet 66 is subsequently peeled away from the graphic 18 leaving the component parts comprising the adhesive graphic 18 on the surface S
in the same spatial relationship with which they were initially cut by the machine 12 (step 106). At thls point, it should be appreciated that the lower surface 54 of the adhesive sheet 50 is now exposed outwardly of the surface S thus providing an adhesive graphic mounting upon which the leaf material or other decorative medium may be adhered.
To create the desired decorative effect, a decorative means comprised of an extremely thin sheet of material 14 2 ~ ~S~2 9 1 having a given area, usually gold or silver leaf referenced as such by the letter L in Flg. 9, is placed into contact with the exposed tacky surface 54 of the graphic 18 (step 108) such that the given area of the leaf material completely covers the involved graphic, Thereafter, a tool, such as a brush 70, is subsequently employed to smooth over the leaf L and to gently tap around the outline of the graphic to separate the portion of the leaf L overlayinq the adhesive graphic 18 from the weed portions of the leaf L which are not. The leaf material L being extremely thin and malleable, separates precisely along the edge of the graphic when a downward force ls applled by the tool 70 just outside this edge.
Once the leaf materlal L has been applled to all the component parts of the graphic 18 in this manner, a sealant, for example a lacquer, may be applied to seal it agalnst wear. It is noted that in the illustrated examples of Figs. 7-9, the adhesive graphic 18 is shown for purposes of illustration as having a significant thickness, taken relative to the overall size of the graphic. However, in actuality, these sides are only about a few tenths of a millimeter high and in fact are almost unnoticeable.

2~S3~9 l Referring now to Fig. 10, an alternate embodiment of the technique for creating a graphic in the laminated web is shown. Here, the web 11' is comprlsed of a cover sheet 56' capable of transferring an embossment 76 from an embossing tool 72 to the adhesive sheet 50'. For this purpose, the cover sheet 56' has a generally flexible construction capable of being stretched without being cut during the application of the embossing force by the tool 72 when it is pulled in the indicated direction 74 along the upper surface 58' of the cover sheet 56'. As illustrated, the lower tacky surface 54' of the adhesive sheet 50' is first applied to the support surface S before working of the web 11' is begun. Once fixed to the surface, a desired embossment may be formed in the web 11' by applying an appropriate normal pressure to the tool 72 and pulling it across the web against the support of the surface S. As is illustrated in Fig. 11, the adhesive layer 50' is provided with a sufficiently thick dimension, for example approximately 1-2 mils, enabling the embossment to be impressed into it by the tool 72. When the user is ready to apply the leaf material L or other decorative medium, the cover sheet 56' is peeled back from the adhesive sheet 50' exposing the tacky upper surface 52' and the embossment formed in it. The leaf material L
may be subsequently applied onto this surface in a manner consistent with that disclosed with reference to Fig. 9 2~`55~3 l above.
Fig. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the web 11 in which a texturing means is provided on the upper surface 52 of the adhesive sheet 50. In this embodiment, the web 11 is essentially identical to that disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5, with the exception being that the double sided adhesive sheet 50 is scored along the upper surface 52 to create a pattern 78 for generating a desired textured effect when the leaf material L is applied to it.
While shown as a grid pattern in Fig. 12, the pattern may take various other forms, such as for example, swirls or circles.
Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, and in particular to another alternate embodiment of the laminated web used for applying the leaf material L to the support or substrate surface S, it should be seen here that the web 111 is comprised of two double sided adhesive sheets having a texturing means interposed therebetween. To this end, a first layer of double sided adhesive 150 is provided having a first, upper surface 152 facing and engaged by the cover layer 56 and having a second, lower surface 154 disposed oppositely thereto and facing the second double sided adhesive layer 151. The second adhesive layer 151 has a third, upper surface 162 facing the second, lower surface 154 of the first adhesive sheet 150 and has a fourth, lower surface 164 facing and engaged 17 2C~5~3~9 l by the base sheet 66. Interposed between the second, lower surface 154 of the first adhesive sheet 150 and the third, upper surface 162 of the second lower adhesive sheet 151 is the means for creating a textured appearance in the first, upper surface 152 of the upper adhesive sheet 150 and in the fourth, lower surface 164 of the second adhesive sheet 151. As is shown in Fig. 14 this means is comprised of a fine thin sheet of cuttable screening 160 adhesively secured against movement by the confronting second and third surfaces 154 and 162 of the first and second adhesive sheets 150 and 151, respectively, such that the grid pattern formed by the screen 160 becomes pronounced in each adhesive sheet. The web 111 is cut by the sign generating machine 12 in a standard manner to form the adhesive graphic 18 according to the steps dlsclosed with reference to Figs. 1-3. It should thus be understood that the adhesive graphic cut from the web 111 is a laminate comprised of the first and second adhesive sheets 150 and 151 with the texturing means 160 interposed therebetween. The first and second adhesive sheets each heing extremely thin, equal for example to the thickness of the sheet 50, allow ~he texture of the screen 160 to be pronounced therethrough.
Also, the cut adhesive graphic is placed onto the surface S and the leaf material L subsequently applied to it in a manner consistent ~ith ~he discussion referenced in Figs.

` 18 2C`$53"9 l 8 and 9 above.
By the foregoing, a technique and means for and inexpensively and quickly applying decorative materlal, particularly gold or silver leaf, to a surface is disclosed. While the preferred embodiment discloses particular materials and associated steps effecting the desired result of an automated leafing process, it should be understood that numerous modifications and substitutions to this technique may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, while the embossing means 72 disclosed in Fig. 10 is in the form of a roller tool, it is nevertheless possible to utilize a solvent or a tool employing ultrasonic energy to create the embossment in the double sided adhesive sheet.
In addition, the embossment created in the web of Fig. 10 while shown being formed after the adhesive layer is applied to the substrate surface, may nevertheless have been formed in the web prior to its application onto the substrate surface. Accordingly, the present invention has been described by way of illustration rather than limitation.

Claims

1. A method for creating a graphic on a substrate surface comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of double sided adhesive having a first adhesive surface and an opposite second adhesive surface;
cutting said double sided adhesive sheet to create at least one closed shape defining a desired graphic;
separating the cut at least one closed shape from the remaining double sided adhesive sheet to create an adhesive graphic;
applying said adhesive graphic to a substrate surface such that one of the first and second adhesive surfaces bonds the adhesive graphic to the substrate surface;
providing decorative means for decorating said adhesive graphic; and applying said decorative means onto the other of said-first and second adhesive surfaces of said adhesive graphic not in contact with the substrate surface to create a decorated representation of the underlaying adhesive graphic.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 further characterized by providing a cover sheet engaging said first adhesive surface of said double sided adhesive sheet and providing a base sheet engaging said second adhesive surface of said double sided adhesive sheet such that said double sided adhesive sheet is interposed therebetween;
and cutting through said cover sheet and through said double sided adhesive sheet to form said graphic.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 further characterized by providing said base sheet with a release surface affixed to it for releasably attaching said base sheet to said second adhesive surface of said double sided adhesive sheet; and orienting said double sided adhesive sheet and each of said cover sheet and said base sheet such that its release surface confronts said double sided adhesive sheet and that each of said sheets are so oriented relative to one another as to form a laminated web.

4. A method as defined in claim 3 further characterized by said step of cutting said sheet of double sided adhesive is accomplished by providing an automated cutting machine having advancing means for controllably advancing said laminated web through said machine; and moving said laminated web through said machine to automatically cut said graphic into said laminated web.

5. A method as defined in claim 4 further characterized by providing in said machine a memory means and storing in said memory means vectors defining different shapes and selecting from the variety of different shapes, said shape constituting said graphic cut into said laminated web;
removing said laminated web from said machine after said machine cuts said graphic into it; and maintaining said adhesive graphic on said release surface of said base layer while portions of said double sided adhesive sheet not constituting said graphic are removed.

6. A method as defined in claim 5 further characterized by selecting a graphic having a number of component parts and maintaining the component parts of said graphic on said release surface of said base layer in the same spatial relationship in which said component parts were cut after said portions of said double sided adhesive sheet not constituting said graphic are removed.

7. A method as defined in claim 4 further characterized by providing a series of openings formed along each edge of said laminated web corresponding laterally in place and in number with one another and providing said advancing means such that said means receives in registration therewith selected ones of said openings in each of said series of openings formed along said laminated web.

8. A method as defined in claim 7 further characterized by providing said sheet of double sided adhesive with a thickness of approximately between 0.1 and 0.5 mil.

9. A method as defined in claim 1 further characterized by providing said decorative means in the form of a sheet of leaf material subsequently applied to said adhesive graphic.

10. A method as defined in claim 9 further characterized by scoring one of said first and said second surfaces of said double sided adhesive sheet prior to applying said leaf material.

11. A method as defined in claim 9 further characterized by providing two sheets of double sided adhesive and interposing therebetween a texturing means for creating a textured surface in said leaf material.

12. A method as defined in claim 9 further characterized by providing said leaf material as thin metallic leaf and applying pressure around the edges of said adhesive graphic after said metallic leaf has been applied to said adhesive graphic to cause portions of said leaf material not contacting said adhesive graphic to be separated from the parts that are in contact therewith.

13. A method as defined in claim 12 further characterized in that after said leaf material is applied to said adhesive graphic, a sealing solution is applied over it.

14. A method as defined in claim 1 further characterized by providing said decorative means in the form of a sheet of metallic leaf and utilizing a tool to apply a force about the edges of said adhesive graphic after the leaf material has been placed down onto said adhesive graphic to separate weed portions of said leaf material not in contact with the adhesive graphic from those portions which are in contact with it.

15. A method as defined in claim 9 further characterized by providing said sheet of leaf material as gold or silver leaf.

16. A method as defined in claim 14 further characterized by providing said leaf material as gold or silver leaf.

17. A method of forming a graphic in a web of sheet material comprising:

providing a sheet of double sided adhesive having a first tacky surface and an opposite second tacky surface;
providing one of said first and said second tacky surfaces of said double sided adhesive sheet with a cover sheet formed from a flexible material;
providing a tool having a shape transferrable to said sheet of double sided adhesive;
using said tool to transfer said shape into said sheet of double sided adhesive through said cover sheet to create an embossment therein;
removing said cover sheet from said double sided adhesive sheet to expose one of said first and said second tacky surfaces; and applying a decorative means to said exposed one of said first and said second tacky surfaces to create a particular decorated representation of said underlaying shape defined by said embossment.

18. A method a defined in claim 17 further characterized by providing said decorative means in the form of a sheet of metal leaf placed onto said exposed one of said first and second tacky surfaces to conform it to the general contour of said embossment.

19. A method as defined in claim 18 further characterized by said other of said first and second tacky surfaces being initially provided with an adjoined backing sheet;
removing said backing sheet prior to creating said embossment in said double sided adhesive sheet;
and applying said web of double sided adhesive sheet to a substrate surface through the other of said first and second tacky surfaces prior to said embossment being made in it.

20. A method as defined in claim 19 further characterized by said tool being a rolling implement having a projecting shape; and wherein said embossment is made by rolling said rolling implement across said cover sheet to impress said shape into said sheet of double sided adhesive through said cover sheet.

21. A web of laminated material in sheet form comprising;
a first double sided adhesive sheet having a first, upper surface and an opposite second, lower surface;
a second double sided adhesive sheet having a third, upper surface and an opposite, fourth lower surface;
a cover sheet placed in registry with said first adhesive sheet first surface;

a base layer having a release surface in registry with said second adhesive sheet fourth surface;
and texturing means interposed between said first adhesive sheet second surface and said second adhesive sheet third surface such that said first and said second adhesive sheets conform to the contour of said texturing means to create a desired texture along said first surface of said first adhesive sheet and said fourth surface of second adhesive sheet.

22. A laminate as defined in claim 21 further characterized by said texturing means comprising a fine screen in sheet form held against movement by said second and third confronting surfaces of said first and second adhesive sheets.

23. A laminate as defined in claim 21 further characterized in that said first and said second double sided adhesive sheets each have a thickness of approximately between 0.1 and 0.5 mil.

24. A laminate as defined in claim 22 further characterized in that said screen is formed from a cuttable material.

25. A method of forming a graphic in a web of sheet material comprising:

providing a sheet of double sided adhesive having a first tacky surface and an opposite second tacky surface;
providing a tool capable of transferring a desired shape into said sheet of double sided adhesive;
using said tool to transfer said shape into said sheet of double sided adhesive to create an embossment in at least one of said first and second tacky surfaces;
applying said sheet of double sided adhesive to a substrate surface through one of said first and second tacky surfaces such that said embossment is outwardly exposed; and applying a decorative means to the other of said first and second tacky surfaces and to the exposed embossment therein to create a particular decorated representation of said underlaying shape defined by said embossment.