This is a technique that has been around for a while, but I certainly hadn’t heard of it when I started cardmaking two years ago. It’s called the cracked glass technique, it’s really easy, a little more time consuming than other techniques, but it has stunning results that really make it worth your while. Ready to see more? Let’s get started!

The first thing I did was stamp my image onto X-Press It Blending card with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, and coloured the image with Copic markers.

I then covered my entire image with Versamark Ink – this is a clear ink that stays sticky for about 10-15 minutes, great for embossing as well as other fun stamping adventures … more about that another time.

Here’s how I did it – (image 1) I put a piece of scrap paper under my main image and then “stamped” with the Versamark pad to completely cover the main image (2), until the whole square was covered. I then (3) flipped the scrap paper over and scattered clear embossing powder over the top of the main image, making sure it was all covered.

Then it’s time for the really fun part – heating the powder and watching the magic happen!

Heat (emboss) the whole sheet of paper that you have added embossing powder to, you may want to use something to hold a corner of the paper so you don’t burn your fingers.

You’ll need to work quickly. While the image is still hot (i.e the embossing powder still looks tacky), cover the image again in embossing powder, and reheat until completely clear. I repeated the step about 6 times for this particular project, but you’ll know when you’ve made enough embossed layers because you should have a flat, clear and really glossy image.

Here’s how my image looked after a few coats.

After the embossing is finished I like to speed up the drying process by putting my image into the freezer (it works!), usually under a bag of peas or something – in 20 minutes time you’ll be able to get cracking. Literally.

When you take your paper out of the freezer you’ll have about 5-10 seconds to crunch and fold your image, you’ll get different results every time. If you want to make more cracks but the image isn’t cold enough put it back in the freezer and repeat this step. You should get a result a little like this:

If you want to make your cracked glass technique ultra shabby, generously sponge ink (any colour you like – I used a brown tone) onto your paper (image 4-6), and wipe the excess off with a paper towel or clean sponge.

Here’s the inked up version:

And here’s my finished card, using the Cracked Glass Technique.

For this project I have used:
Embossing: Versamark Ink, clear embossing powder, heat gun;
Image: X-Press It Blending Card, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, Copic Markers, Hero Arts Stamp from this monthss a la Tarte kit;
A La Tarte: Cardstock, Patterned Paper, Hat pins, rhinestones, alphas, stamp
Other: Scallop punch, baker’s twine, 3D adhesive

Hope that’s left you inspired! Have a great Saturday!