Little Birdie says “Cherish the Moment”

Hello friends….

Vaishali here.  As the title suggest, I have a Little Birdie in my creation saying, ‘CHERISH’ …….that indeed expresses my feelings today . Yes, I will cherish this moment always, as I share my first post as Itsy Bitsy Design Team member. Very happy and honored to do so ……..

I enjoy creating utility products and today’s creation is a decoupaged letter holder.  I have used Little Birdie’s recently Iaunched,  two step Crackle medium and Decoupage Papers in my creation.

Before I take you through a step by step pictorial tutorial of this creation, I would like to explain the difference between One step and Two step Crackle Medium.

To put it simply, One step crackle medium is used when you first create a crackle effect using the one step  medium and then decoupage over it. Here one needs to decoupage with a lighter print tissue so that you can see the cracks through the tissue print….which is a beautiful effect. Itsy Bitsy has some lovely, lighter shades,  floral print tissues, which work well for a decoupage project with one step crackle medium…….. If you use one step crackle and decoupage over it with pattern paper (non  see through paper ),  you obviously cannot see the cracks.

On the other hand Two step crackle medium  is used when you decoupage first and then want to create crackle effect on it.  So, it is  a great idea to use two step crackle medium when you want to create crackle effect on a decoupaged pattern  paper ( non see through paper ).The recently launched decoupage papers have lovely prints on which crackle effect will look great…..You can use the medium on any surface decoupaged with tissue or any painted surface as well.

Both the Crackle Mediums can be used on different surfaces like wood, glass, metal and clay objects.

Here’s a pictorial representation of the difference in the procedure of using the two mediums.

For two step crackle, decoupage first and then apply crackle medium

For one step crackle, apply medium first and then decoupage.

And here are the two wooden magnets created as per instructions above. I hope it helps.

This magnet was the first object on which I tried out the two step crackle medium and made few errors while highlighting the cracks. Will be sharing some useful tips on the highlighting part , towards the end of this post….do check them out.

Next, I  used the two step crackle medium on a decoupaged box. Basically, I prefer to try new products on smaller surfaces and then move to bigger projects. The box is decoupaged with a co-coordinating  paper, used for the letter holder. The new decoupage papers come in sets, two designs of each print….isn’t that amazing !!!

The crackle medium gives an instant aged look to the box…..Love the effects !!!!

Here, I have highlighted the cracks using Fabrica metallic powder- gold.

Coming to my creation, Decoupaged Letter Holder …….My base for this is a simple MDF plank….around 15 x 6 inches size. It’s the length  of the plank that provided me the space to create pockets for holding mails.

The plank from the store has a very smooth finish and  does not require any sanding.  It comes with two tiny holes, drilled both on top and bottom end. I inserted a twine through the two holes provided at the top end  of the plank. Selected the  design named ‘Post Perfect’,  from the newly launched range of decoupage papers….a vertical print.

To add some interest to the very plain plank, I used some cardboard tubes. Cut them into required length and glued them to the top end of plank using the silicon glue- a wonder glue , (I must say. Its great to stick metal, fabric and all sorts of materials on your project. ) The tubes hide the twine. Next I created the pocket for holding letters using the pink burlap sheet from my stash. This sheet from the store comes with  backing, which makes it stiff to make the pocket . I have used the burlap sheet with reverse side up

Also added some cardboard tubes on the side of pocket with a paper  twine around them and created one more pocket using the natural, polka dot burlap sheet.

Next, I decoupaged the beautiful paper on the plank, using the decoupage glue matt finish.  Was very happy with the printed corrugations , achieved as a result of decoupaging on cardboard tubes. After some drying time,  applied the top layer of decoupage glue.  Once the top coat of decoupage glue dries,  the surface is  ready to apply two step crackle medium. I  applied the Crackle Medium on the entire paper area, leaving the corrugated parts and the pockets  of course.

Always remember for the crackle medium –

  1. The size of the cracks depend on thickness of coat. Thicker the coat, bigger will be the cracks.
  2. The direction of brush strokes  play an important role in type of cracks you get. Vertical brush strokes, give cracks in vertical direction and horizontal in horizontal direction. To get uniform cracks, use the dab way of application with the brush. Use a soft synthetic hair flat brush for the purpose.
  3. Whichever direction, you choose, has to be the same for both the base coat and top coat, to achieve the desired result.
  4. Do not over brush in the same spot.
  5. The mediums have to dry naturally, do not speed dry.

The two step crackle medium has two bottles, the base coat and top coat. First apply the base coat with brush. Base coat is visibly  a milky looking liquid. Once the base coat is applied , leave it to dry. When applied, the base coat looks milky.  It will dry clear. I prefer to leave it overnight for drying.

(Milky look of base coat, when wet)  (Clear look of the base coat, when dry)

It will feel tacky, even when it dries clear, but that’s fine. Now is the time to apply the top coat. Top coat is a yellowish , translucent liquid. Apply the top coat, with brush stokes in the same direction as the  base coat. As the top coat dries, the cracks will appear.

I do not have picture of this stage, but the cracks are like as seen in the picture. They are formed, but need to be highlighted. I have highlighted the cracks using olive green pigment ink . You can also use other highlighting mediums, mentioned in the instructions, on the bottle.

Here are few images of the crackled effect after highlighting the cracks.

Important tips for  highlighting the cracks

  1. Highlight the cracks using a very soft sponge.
  2. The ink will also spread in areas around the cracks. Wipe off this ink  very gently, first with dry tissue and then with wet wipe.
  3. Do not over rub or rub harshly. This will damage the cracks. The top coat of crackle medium may also get removed or form wrinkles.
  4. Work in small areas….meaning highlight the cracks in small area, wipe off the excess and then move to another area.
  5. Choose a colour of ink, that goes well with your background… so even if there are any residues, it looks fine.
  6. Have loads of patience!!!!!

Sharing an image where,  the crackle got damaged and wrinkled due to over rubbing.  So be very careful at this stage.

Once, the crackle effect was done. I applied Little Birdie Decor Varnish on areas, where, I did not apply crackle medium. And then it was the fun part……Embellishing the project ….Oh I so much love using the Little Birdie flowers. Had picked them at the Mumbai store opening at amazingly affordable prices.

Flowers blooming and butterflies fluttering…..its Spring time…..Let your creations bloom with gorgeous flowers from the store for the ongoing monthly blog challenge. And  a Little Bird found a cosy home in my letter rack…

Some more close ups.I have a space for a handy brush or a  pencil tooo….in my letter rack !!!

I had fun altering this simple plank into a utility home decor product, using decoupage technique and exploring the two step crackle medium. Hope I have spread some creativity  and inspired you …..

As I always say….Create, Express, Enjoy !!  Lots of Love…Do not forget to create your Spring theme projects and play this month’s blog challenge!!

Vaishali

Supplies used :

 

 

 

 

 

25 comments

  1. Thank u so much Vaishali for a detailed explanation.
    As mentioned to you earlier, have been struggling with 2 step crackle medium till now….with this write-up, inspired to try it again yet one more time…really hoping it will work !

    The outcome of your product has come out really beautiful and springy ! Thanks once again for sharing 🙂

    1. Thanks a lot Hina.. do give it a try… and feel free to ask if any queries arise…awaiting your creation.

  2. Omg what a fantastic post well explained really appreciatable your effort I have never seen such kind of explained post ???, projects are just awesome I enjoyed and learn from ur post ❤

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