Cracked Glass - what are u using

[havefunstampin]

Hi everyone - I love the cracked glass someoen sent me trading cards with this technique and they were awesome - i tried it with reg clear ep but it doesnt get as good of effect .. what do you use - where do you get it????

thanks everyone

[Cindy Peterson]

HI,
I would also like to know how you do the cracked glass technique. Thinks its beautiful would love to know how its done.

[cj nalley]

To do it:
Stamp the image and color as desired.
Apply Versamark to the entire surface of the stamped layer by pressing the whole pad down on the cardstock.
Sprinkle with Glassy Glaze or UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel). If you don't have either of these, use regular clear embossing powder.
Heat to melt the powder.
Repeat the steps to apply 2-3 layers of the Glassy Glaze. If you are using regular EP, you will want to repeat 4-5 times. You want a pretty thick layer of EP on your image.
Place the image in the freezer for 10 minutes or so. Freezing it will allow the EP to crack. After the time is up, take it out of the freezer and start bending the cardstock. Don't be shy...it takes a bit more oomph than I expected to get it to crack.
If desired, you can smear a dark color of ink on top of the cracked image and wipe off the excess with a tissue. The ink will settle into the cracks, highlighting them.

[dstfrommi]

I do the same as CJ. The Glassy Glaze is a SU product. It works great.

[havefunstampin]

Ok I havent tried it with the glazzy glaze yet - I am assuming that will give a thicker coat than ep right? I mean I did try it with ep but it doesnt look like what I want.

[BrightIdeas]

Clear ep doesn't work. I've tried this once. It made a mess of my table/room. The heat gun forced the glassy glaze powder all over the place. How can you do this and not make a mess? Also, without burning your fingers or having the glaze run off the sides?

[Disneywed]

bought some UTEE for this, it is going back to the store....HATE IT !!! what a mess!!!!! I know I should gie it another shot, but I just make such a mess as it is, don't like being covered with "sugar" as well!!!

[newstamperamy]

I was able to do this using detail clear ep, but it took about 6 layers. I am definately going to try glassy glaze or UTEE next time though.

[emilymomto3boys]

I have used clear EP (6 coats), Glassy Glaze (3 coats) and UTEE (3 coats). And I do use versamark between every layer.

[cobrielle]

You can use regular Clear EP, you just have to use at least 5 layers. GLassy Glaze you only have to use about 3 layers!!

To keep from burning the heck out of your fingers hold the cardstock with tweezers!!!! REALLY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!

If you're worried about the EP falling off, cover the dried EP with Versamark first--it'll give it something to stick to!

[Ruth Gray]

I have a small clipboard I clip my cs on (allow anough cs at the top not to affect your image) then I put it in a shoe box lid to keep the EP from blowing all over. Works for me. I do not use versamark between coats just sprinkle more ep on when its hot.

[laurakj]

When I do this, I do one layer of regular clear EP first. It seems to give a better base than the UTEE for the first layer. Then I use versamark inbetween EVERY layer.

The trick to the UTEE not flying all over the place is to start your heating higher up. Slowly lower the heat tool until the UTEE is just barely starting to melt (you'll se it get shiny) then slowly move the heat tool around to "seal" the UTEE in place. One all the UTEE is stuck down, then you can get in closer to really melt it right.

This isn't the Indy 500! Take your time and go slowly, you'll be happier with the results and you'll have far less mess to clean up!

[locostamper]

You need to heat from the BOTTOM of your cardstock! This allows the glassy glaze to stay put and AVOIDS burning!

I also do Versamark between every layer of glaze!

[jonniesjewel]

I use VersaMark between each layer of Glassy Glaze (3 layers) and heat it in a disposable brownie tin that I get from the grocery store. No mess, the cs doesn't stick and you can toss it.