Textured Aperture Card with Crackle Paste and Heat Embossing

A project from our live show CREATE AND CRAFT - Join Carley Duff for her brand new IMALA 22 Launch show 1 - Broadcast 4th OCT 22 · 10/04/2022 · watch it from 10:30

Create a layered card using die-cut apertures with textured crackle paste applied through stencils. The paste is heat-embossed with metallic powders to create a dimensional, mosaic-like effect with beautiful colour variation.

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Step by step

1. 

   Die-cut two apertures of different sizes from your white card base using the decorative frame dies from the crystal Christmas die set. Position a smaller aperture at the top left and a larger heart-shaped aperture in the centre right of your card front.

   ▶ watch this step (10:30)
2. 

   Back the floral patterned card with another sheet of cardstock to create a sturdy 400 GSM base. This provides strength when adding wet mediums like crackle paste.

   ▶ watch this step (10:45)
3. 

   Position a stencil over the aperture area on your card. Using a palette knife, apply white crackle paste through the stencil, working over a bin to catch any excess.

   ▶ watch this step (11:00)
4. 

   Allow the crackle paste to dry naturally. As it dries, it will begin to crack and create dimensional texture on the surface of your card.

   ▶ watch this step (11:30)
5. 

   Sprinkle translucent embossing powder over the wet crackle paste whilst it is still damp so it adheres to the stencilled design. Ensure good coverage across all the paste areas.

   ▶ watch this step (14:00)
6. 

   Sprinkle a hint of pink embossing powder (such as Himalayan musk) over the textured areas to add subtle colour that complements the design without covering it completely.

   ▶ watch this step (14:15)
7. Heat-set the embossing powder with a heat tool until it melts and the crackle effect becomes prominent. ▶ watch 15:00
8. Mount the finished aperture piece onto a black cardstock base for definition. ▶ watch 15:30

Tips from the show

• Ensure stencil slots are clear of paste by pushing a tool through them and rinsing in water.
• Use 350 micron thick stencils for extra dimension when applying texture paste.
• You can flip the stencil to reverse the design direction depending on your layout needs.

More from this show

• Kinetic Spinning Aperture Card with Layered Elements
• Watercolour Painted Stamp Portrait with Blended Colours
• Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Background with Random Stamped Dots
• Layered Stamp Masking Technique for Scene Building
• Ink Blending and Watercolour Wash Technique on Stamped Image

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly