Using Crackling Medium
By Lisa M. Pace

Supplies Needed: Acrylic Paints, DecoArt Weathered Crackling Medium, Paint Brush and chipboard (example is Maya Road Scroll Corners)

I have found that when using crackling medium, foam brushes are not as effective as using a paint brush.

1. Choose your paint colors. In this example I am using Making Memories Pink Lipstick and Spotlight.
2. Using your paint brush, paint your chipboard using the paint color you want to show through the cracks. I used Making Memories Pink Lipstick.

1. Set aside and allow to dry.
2. Once the paint is dry, using your paint brush, apply DecoArt Weathered Crackling Medium over the painted surface.

1. Allow to dry completely. Depending on the thickness of your application and the humidity this can take from 15 min. to an hour. Please note: The thicker you apply the crackling medium the larger the cracks will be.
2. Once your crackling medium is dry, using your paint brush, apply thin coats of paint using your second paint color. I used Making Memories Spotlight. You want just enough paint on your paint brush so that your brush will glide smoothly over the crackling medium. Do not go back over any of the wet paint. You will be painting over the crackle effect and the first paint color (Pink Lipstick) will not show. Just paint a section and move to the next.

1. Allow to dry.

1. Once dry, adhere your finished embellishment to your project or layout.

You can paint over your dried crackled embellishment with any of the Making Memories Glazes, accent with rhinestones, buttons, Stickles, etc.

Have fun!

will be how to use crackling medium to alter chipboard. It is really easy. I have had several people tell me they cannot get theirs to crackle correctly on projects. So… I will give you a step by step tutorial showing you just how I do it. Then maybe those of you that have had trouble will be just as successful.

I love the way the crackling medium looks on the front, spine and back of my “Spring” binder by Maya Road. Oh a little FYI for you… the crop-a-dile is perfect for punching holes into any of the Maya Road binders. I use the 3/16″ hole punch side and set a 3/16″ eyelet. Then all you do is thread your ribbon and tie a bow. This is a perfect way to keep your album closed if you are like me and embellish each page with lots of lumpy products.