Helpful Hints (Updated)

Have you ever spent good money on something only to find out later there was a simpler or an inexpensive way to make it yourself.

I thought I would share a few tips I have found along the way after I spent the money for the real deal.

If you would like to share your favourite tips feel free, I will compile them and link them back to you.

HOW TO CRACKLE:

• Did you know that crackle medium is nothing but diluted (elmer's) white glue...even the cheap dollar store white glue will work... white glue is white glue.  This method will work with water based, matte finish paints for best results.
• you may want to prime your piece if it hasn't already been painted... ( I never do this and it works fine)
• Paint the colour you want to show beneath the cracks, the darker the paint the more dramatic the look
• paint your glue mixture on with a brush, no need to use your good Purdy for this one... the cheaper the brush the better the effect
• the more glue the bigger the cracks
• apply the mixture in several different directions as it will crack in the direction of your stroke
• this is the tricky part... DO NOT go over your last stroke, paint as close to it as possible... you will have to load your brush frequently... you can also do a random crackle for a more natural look
• after the glue is dry (more than an hour, but not more than 4 - 5 hours, depending on your thickness) I use a hair dryer and dry it to the touch, past the sticky stage
• paint on your main colour, again DO NOT paint over your last stroke
• as the paint dries and begins to crack your base colour will be revealed... let this dry naturally overnight for best results
• after your piece is completely dried use Artists Raw Umber or gel stain and rub gently into the cracks, work in small sections, wipe off with a DAMP rag or sponge, this will give your piece a nice dirty aged look

example of a few boards that I did not prime or use a base coat...I applied glue directly to the wood... applied my top colour... let dry - painted the squares... sanded and applied raw umber

I did not apply the raw umber to this one
(note the different directions of the crackle)

sanded and applied raw umber

REPLACE YOUR STENCIL BRUSHES

• all the above boards were done with masking tape and paint applied with a makeup wedge
• wet the sponge first and wring out until damp to make it easier to work with and it will not leave the dry spots on your paint
• dab your sponge in your paint... less is more
• dab your sponge on a folded papertowel and remove excess paint... dab on your piece
• let first coat dry (use a hairdryer) rinse your sponge and apply another coat using the same method... if you are getting leakage behind your tape or stencil you have too much paint on your sponge (the new frog or blue tapes should eliminate this problem, I haven't tried them yet)
• this method is much easier on your wrists and less expensive than buying stencil brushes... I don't use them at all anymore... sponges can be found at Walmart or the Dollar stores in the makeup section

make-up wedges

note the difference in sizes... the right one

has been rinsed

I found this handmade brick mold last week at the thrift store.. 5.00...

I didn't do a thing to it... I love the finish the way it was... perfect for those little treasures I found last week.

I hope you find these hints helpful... if you have any questions please pop me a line.

UPDATE:

HOW TO MAKE CHALKBOARD PAINT

Gail at My Repurposed Life has been so kind to share another very helpful hint with us... I bought this long before Gail posted this... $24.00 a quart in Canada... I believe I paid $17.00 for it in the states.

It does go a long way however, but why pay that when you can again make your own and you are no longer limited to a few colours.
http://myrepurposedlife.blogspot.com/2010/09/mix-your-own-chalkboard-paint-projects.html

Thanks Gail for sharing this with us. 

If you don't know Gails' blog you might want to spend a little time checking out the projects that this super woman does... she is the Queen of recycling materials and there isn't a tool that she doesn't know how to use.  She is truly amazing.

Hope you are having a great Sunday...

Hugs, Deb