Experimenting with crackle texture
There was one thing I was looking forward to after wrapping up my class; texture experiments galore! I had a bucket of marble dust sitting in my studio and almost forgot what I bought it for. Crackle fun of course!
A while ago I worked with some pre-made crackle paste, the stuff you can buy from different brands. It’s great fun and I love the effect. My bank account not so much though, cause it’s not cheap. I saw some alternatives around and wanted to give it a try.
I’m looking forward to getting more out of this way of working with better tools because the application was a bit sloppy. But the magic of seeing cracks appear makes it all better! I’ve made a video for you, and below that I’ve also linked to other amazing resources. Let me know what you think in the comments!
What really helped me was this amazing video by Petra Jongbloed. Her whole channel is just one magical texture walhalla so go check it out. I also read this blog by Michelle Hendry who does a much better job maintaining ratios!
I hope you enjoyed this video! Let me know in the comments if you’ve used this technique before, or are planning to.
10 thoughts on “Experimenting with crackle texture”
Thank you so much! I actually have a whole bucket of marble dust that I had completely forgotten about.
I got it years ago to create my own gesso but didn’t work out so well. Lol
Now I can put it to use. Wonder if it will adhere strongly to canvas though. 🤔
Thanks for sharing! I bought some of that marble dust too and never used it. I don’t even know where I put it. Lol. I love the crackles! ❤️
Haha I had to look for it as well!
That’s super cool! I’m excited to see you paint on it now…I love anything that has a wabi sabi aged feeling…
Thank you for sharing this technique, very interesting. Great texture!
Love it. Thank you 🙏
I really like your technique. I haven’t used crackle paste but will definitely try your ingredients. Thanks for the tutorial!
This was cool! What a great idea, because, as you said, crackle paste is expensive and also it dries out in the jar once opened, if you don’t use it all up right away. Now to find marble dust! I had not heard of this make your own process before. And, yes, those silicone spatula things work great for spreading gesso and this. I got some at our dollar store too since the fancy ones are also pricey.
Very cool and very useful information! I think the frosting spreader would work well; I use one to spread a plaster/gesso mixture and cold wax as well. Thank you for this video!
Really cool technique and as always great direction. I had a couple crackle mishaps out of the jar, definitely going to give this a try!