the inkblog

So, this is probably about the third fourth time in my blogging career that I’ve decided to rattle on about my love for the Cracked Glass technique. But I figure that there’s always someone new who’d appreciate some tips, right?

Copyright Stampin’ Up! 1990-2007

My photograph did not really capture the most important details of this card, so here is a scan to better illustrate just what this technique is all about (and in case you’re wondering, the real color used here was Ruby Red. The scan almost looks like Rose Red! Oops!):

As you can see, there is a thick layer of glaze on the centerpiece of this card. And this glaze has been shattered. Now, how exactly was this done? It’s simple! And there are even two ways to go about it:

1. The Right Way: Typically, the Cracked Glass technique is created using a product called UTEE (which stands for Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel).
2. The Other Way:If you don’t own any UTEE, you can improvise with a few more coats of clear embossing powder and achieve the same effect!

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• VersaMark
• Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (SU!’s Glassy Glaze) or Clear Embossing Powder
• Heat gun
• Dye (Classic) ink - Optional

Directions:

1. Begin with a piece of stamped cardstock. Coat the entire surface of the cardstock with VersaMark ink. I’ve found it easiest to lay my stamped cardstock on a piece of scratch paper and directly “sponge” VersaMark onto its surface with my ink pad.
2. Next, sprinkle on a layer of embossing powder and apply heat until it melts. Coat with another layer of VersaMark ink and sprinkle on another layer of embossing powder. Apply heat again. Repeat this process one more time with UTEE and three more times if using regular clear powder. You may find as you apply more layers glaze on your cardstock that it will retain enough heat to hold the loose powder (and thus, you can skip re-inking the surface with VersaMark!). This takes a quick hand, though.
3. Now that you have a nice, thick glaze over your stamped art work, place your cardstock in the freezer for about two minutes. This allows the glaze to completely cool and will assist you in the cracking process, too.
4. Remove your cardstock from the freezer and quickly (but gently) bend the paper. The glaze on the surface will crack! Bend and snap your paper until you’ve created the look you desired. If you make a mistake or accidentally pop off a whole chunk glaze, simply reheat, refreeze and recrack.
5. As an optional last step, add some finishing touches by sponging some dye-based ink into the cracks of the glaze to create a more distressed look (I used Creamy Caramel ink here). Wipe any excess ink off the surface of the glaze with a damp paper towel or baby wipe.

That’s all there is to it and it’s so addictive. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself playing with it over and over again, too. Enjoy! And happy stamping!