Abstract: A receiving surface is decorated with a metal film in a pattern by applying an area of thin frangible metal to a temporary carrier having a release surface, printing an adhesive in the pattern desired for the metal on either the metal film or receiving surface, the area of the pattern being less than the area of the metal film, pressing and adhering the receiving surface and metal film together with the adhesive therebetween, and stripping away the carrier. The metal over the adhesive remains on the receiving surface to provide the decorative metal pattern and the balance is carried away with the carrier. The receiving surface can be a final surface to be decorated or can be the exposed surface of an ink design heat transfer. In the latter case, a combined heat transfer having both a decorative metal film pattern and a multicolor ink design can be provided by coating the receiving surface, after transfer of the metal film pattern thereto, with a second adhesive over both the metal pattern and ink design.