All Cracked Up

The Cracked Glass technique is fun, fairly easy to do and gives you an intriguing look.

To do this, you will need an image on card stock (mine was a bit thin for this, so the thicker the better), some embossing ink and a heat tool.

First you want to stamp and color your image.

Next you want to cut out your image.  I used Spellbinders Nestabilities to cut out mine.

I also embossed them so I would have a small edge to grasp.  Then you want to cover your image with embossing ink or Versamark ink and cover that with clear embossing powder.  I used the Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel so I wouldn’t have to do so many coats.

Now, use your heat tool and melt the embossing powder.  While it is still wet/hot, press it into a pile of embossing powder and heat again.  Do this a few times to build up your layer, so it looks like it is covered in glass.

Now, after it is completely cool, you can flex the card stock to crack the glass.  It cracks best when you are bending the card stock towards itself with the embossing on the outside.  Some people tell you to put it in the freezer for 10 minutes, which does help it crack easily.

My pieces seem to have wet spots on the card stock, which is what happens when it gets too hot.  That is why I suggest using a thicker card stock.

I then put my cards together.  I was working on two masculine cards, which is why I chose the images I used, as well as thinking they would look good with this technique.  Here’s what I came up with:

My dirt road turned out a bit wider than I needed, but was still fun.  I took a piece of paper grocery sack, cut it to the size I needed, then crumpled it up, straightened it, then did it again.  The plants are from the Follow Your Dreams set by Gina K. Stamps.  The sentiment and car image are from the Stamp Set 285 – 1900 Cars by Sparkle N Sprinkle.

For this one, the impression on the card is the Flourish Impressabilities by Spellbinders.  The image is from the Gleefully Yours set by Gina K. Stamps.  I wrote the sentiment.  Inside it says, “Every generation gets there.  You’re getting closer.  Happy Birthday”.  It is for one of the guys at work that is in his early 30s and now has two little girls.  Hopefully he gets a laugh out of it.

For more examples of this technique, go check out the challenge and tutorial at MFP Speedy TV.

Thanks for spending some time with me today!