Yeah, it was text that I would apply the class to. I've since realized that there will at least have to be several different classes depending on where it is i.e. styling the titles will be different than styling buttons or in a tiddler, etc. since the backgrounds and such will need to be in different dom locations.
I want to gild titles, the editor buttons (of all the varieties), drop caps, bits and bobs on sidebars, and on demand for specific words or icons in the tiddler on demand, so to speak.
I'm also planning to use the same technique for a different theme, based on a Tlingit soulcatcher, which is usually a carved and styled bone with inlays of mother of pearl (hence the paua.jpg).