Cracked Glass Technique

10/06/2008

Cracked Glass Technique

I really love the look of this technique, but don't use it very often, because that would require me getting up off my duff and walking to the kitchen to put my project in the freezer and I'm just that lazy.... and yes, you heard me right, I said FREEZER! And just when you thought you'd seen everything when it came to stamping...

The technique is called cracked glass, which sounds dangerous but honestly isn't! All you need to make it is Glassy Glaze embossing powder (hereafter referred to as EP), a heat tool, a Versamark (clear embossing ink) pad, and your freezer. Powder Pal trays are awesome, but you can use a sheet of scratch paper as a tray in a pinch.

Step one is to stamp your image. I always think flowers look awesome with this technique, but by all means use anything your little heart desires.

Step two is to press the entire piece of cardstock face down into your Versamark pad so the whole thing is coated with that stick, clear ink. Then, sprinkle the Glassy Glaze EP over the top, shake off the excess, and heat it until it's entirely melted. It will have a slightly bumpy, uneven textures surface, just like old glass windows.

Step three is to repeat step two twice. So you have three layers of this thick, clear EP, one on top of each other. Then quickly stick it in the freezer for at least five minutes so it gets completely cold.

Step four--pull it out of the freezer and start bending it in all directions. The cold EP will start cracking in all directions. Keep bending and twisting until you have all the cracks you desire. I often will sponge a little Creamy Caramel or Going Gray into the cracks to make them really stand out. That's it! You have a totally cool focal point to add to your weathered, shabby chic, or retro card.

This card uses a now-retired stamp set (Blossoms Abound) which I will NEVER part with because it's lilacs, which I've always loved. When I was growing up in Wyoming, our big back yard were bordered on three sides with enormous lilac bushes and the month when the air was perfumed with them was absolutely heavenly. When we bought our current house, the first thing I planted was--you guessed it--a lilac bush. I now have six varieties of lilacs in various spots around the house and I can't wait until they're all matured and blooming away. Anyway, next time you come over to "play" we can dig out this stamp set from my retired pile and it can bring back memories for both of us as we make cards for people we love.