Giveaway and Dreamweaver Thursday Tutorial: Crackle Embossing Paste by Cyndi Bundy

This is Cyndi Bundy from the Dreamweaver Stencils DT, and I am here today to show you how to use Crackle Embossing Paste.  After you read through the post be sure to head over to the Stencil With Style Web Store and pick which stencil that you would like an opportunity to win and then leave a comment at the end of this post with the name of the stencil.  You have 2 weeks to leave comments for eligibility to win.

AND, Congratulations to  Donna Lynn Woods for winning the giveaway from  Taylor’s tutorial!   Donna picked   LX7009 Paisley … so be sure  to email Pam at phornschu@hotmail.com with your address.


SO, on to crackling!  First gather your supplies: stencils, paste, palette knife, spreader, paper towels, pan of water, and a scrub brush.  I used Mittens stencil along with Matte Black and Crackle Embossing Pastes.

Begin by taping your stencil down on all 4 sides making sure to start with the top so you will have a hinge.  (See THIS post for a tutorial on Basic Paste embossing for more pointers)

Apply the first layer of paste using your palette Spreader and/or Palette knife.  The first layer will be the color that peeks through the crackle so a darker shade gives a nice contrast.  Scrape off excess paste from edges of tape and then remove tape working backwards.  Remove stencil using the hinge technique (in post linked above).  Let this layer dry thoroughly!

—Hint:  Its best to use a matte paste for your first layer so that the crackle paste will stick better.  You may have some lift off when it crackles if you use a glossy or metallic paste.  (But I like that look when it happens!)

Clean your stencil and dry it then reapply the stencil over the first layer of paste.  You will want to line it up almost perfectly but at a slight diagonal.  This will allow for the stencil to sit on top of the paste and the bridges of the stencil will have a higher surface to lie on.

Tape down stencil and apply crackle paste.  Remove tape and stencil and allow to dry.  And then magic happens; the crackles will appear when it dries!

At this point you can leave the crackle paste as is and you will have a matte white finish.  Or if you want it to shine you can follow the next steps:

Apply ink to crackle paste.  I used Tim Holtz distress inks so the ink remains wet long enough to add some clear embossing powder.  You can apply multiple colors of the ink with a sponge applicator tool.  I used Antique Linen all over and Barn Door on the edges.  I then added my clear EP and heated.

—Hint: If you want the ink only where the image has been embossed reapply the clean stencil over the top before adding ink.  If you want a slightly more shabby look leave off the stencil and add ink.  Some will overlap onto the background paper.  You can always brush off the excess EP before you heat it.

Once again, here is what my final card looks like:

So why don’t you go try some crackle embossing?  If you don’t have any on hand but you’re feeling in the stencil mood please join us this month for our Christmas in August Challenge at the Dreamweaver Stencils blog.   And don’t forget to “like” us on facebook!