Cracked Glass at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Yes, glass is cracking at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store today...namely, the "Cracked Glass Technique," one of my very favorite stamping techniques. Sharon has all of the products readily available for purchase for this fun technique!

I am not typically much of a technique type of stamper, but do enjoy the subtle, glossy, "antiquey" effect achieved using "Cracked Glass." Here's a run down how to do it:

1. Stamp, color, and die cut your image panel.
2. Cover the entire image panel with a good coating of Versamark, applying direct to paper with the Versamark pad.
3. Sprinkle a liberal amount of UTEE (Ultra Embossing Enamel) powder over the wet Versamark.
4. Use your heat gun and heat the powder until it melts evenly over the surface. The first coat may be a bit pitted, but not to worry-- you will be adding another coat or two.
5. Repeat steps 2. through 4. once or twice more (I used two layers of Versamark/UTEE for my image here), until you get a smooth, glossy surface. It's quite pretty at this point, but you still need to crack it up!
6. Place glossy panel in freezer for a couple of minutes.
7. Take out of freezer and hit it against the edge of a table or solid surface, causing tiny cracks to appear. Do not over crack it...it makes for a muddy surface once the ink is applied!
8. Sponge a mid tone ink (typically brownish tone) over the entire surface of the image panel, slightly working the ink into the tiny cracks.
9. Use a tissue to wipe any excess ink off of the surface.

You're done! Your image panel may be a bit warped, all you have to do is layer it beneath a heavy surface (such as a pile of DP) for about half an hour or so.

All of the supplies used today, minus the burlap, are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Here's a list  of links for easy shopping:

LaBlanche Nest with Eggs Silicone Stamp; Spellbinder Classic Oval Dies; Spellbinder Beaded Oval Dies (marked down!), Prima Song Bird Decorator Paper; Seam Binding Ribbon; Versamark Watermark Pad; Melt Art Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE); Tim Holtz Distress Tea Dye ink; and ZAP Embossing Heat Gun.

I hope that you enjoyed today's design and have a chance to try "Cracked Glass" yourself!

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend! Thanks for stopping by!