Craquelure is Decoupage craquelure: a master class. One step craquelure

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

In our time, this type of decorating things like decoupage is becoming increasingly popular. Especially in combination with craquelure. Where can you start your work if you are new to this business?

What is craquelure?

Craquelure is a term used in painting. These are such fairly small cracks that form on the surface of the paintings over time. You could say it's a sign of old age. Previously, masters tried to avoid this sign in every possible way. They tried to create such compositions of paints in order to delay the appearance of ill-fated cracks by all means. But the world is changing. And now craquelure is no longer a sign of old age, but a hallmark of antiquity. Modern artists create it purposefully in order to give things the effect of luxurious antiquity.

A huge number of special tools and materials have been created for this. The aging of not only souvenirs, but also furniture, as well as doors and windows, came into fashion. Yeswhat is there to say. Even a special plaster has been created to reproduce craquelure on walls or ceilings. Craquelure is often used in decoupage. A master class on creating such things will be discussed in this article.

What is decoupage?

Decoupage is a way to decorate an item with paper cutouts. This skill was born in ancient China and then spread everywhere. After all, this is a great way to decorate objects with a pattern for those who cannot draw. Today, decoupage has been improved so much that it is almost impossible to distinguish it from a drawing. To age this or that product, craftsmen use the "decoupage" technique. Craquelure is the final element. It seems to put an end to the work and adds luxury to things designed in this way.

What do you need for work?

If you are a beginner and decide to try craquelure in decoupage for the first time, you simply need a master class. And also it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the list of materials and tools used. So what do you need for decoupage. First, glue. It is good if it is special, but diluted PVA is also suitable. Secondly, you need sharp scissors and napkins for decoupage. In addition, you will need acrylic paints, a base primer, varnish to finish the job, a hair dryer, and brushes of various shapes and sizes. Well, and, of course, the object itself, which you are going to decorate. But, since we will talk about how to use craquelure in decoupage, the master class in our article also provides for the presence of craquelure. This is,in fact, there is the tool that will serve to form cracks.

What kind of crackle happens?

Crackle, or a cracking agent, can be of several types. But only two of them are considered the main ones: single-phase and two-component. If you use the first option, then the napkin will need to be glued after using it. Cracks formed in this way will show through the pattern. A two-component substance is used after gluing the pattern: first, one layer of the substance is applied to the pattern, then the next, and the cracks that have formed after applying the second layer will also require rubbing. Two-component craquelure is a more difficult option for a beginner.

One Step Craquelure

Single-phase substance is located in the work between layers of acrylic paint. First, you cover the work with a color that should be near future cracks, then a layer of a single-phase agent is applied over the entire surface or only where there should be cracks. And after that, apply the paint that should be the main background of the work. As the surface dries, the background will crack and the underlying color will come out. After the manifestation of all cracks, you can start gluing the selected napkin motifs. Such cracks do not require grouting, and they shine through your drawing if they are made on the entire decorated surface.

Two-component craquelure

A two-component product is used, unlike the previous one, after painting and gluing drawings. Already from its name it is clear that it consists oftwo substances. The first is applied to the surface of the object to be decorated with a thin layer and dried to a sticky state. Then the top is covered with a second substance. Moreover, the thicker the second layer, the larger cracks are formed in the end. All the resulting cracks are rubbed with various materials. The most commonly used gold and silver powders. But there are also multi-colored powder pigments.

Craquelure on PVA

It is not always possible to purchase special materials for craquelure. In this case, ordinary PVA glue will come to your aid. The principle of operation here is the same as with a single-component tool. Glue is applied between layers of paint. The thicker the layer, the larger the cracks. Lightly dry with a hair dryer. As a result, the glue should be crusted on top, but remain raw inside. Then the background paint is applied and dried with a hair dryer. The result is cracks. Of course, PVA craquelure turns out to be less elegant, but it also looks very interesting. Here, as in all types of needlework, training is important.

What can be decorated with decoupage and craquelure?

In a wonderful decoupage technique, all your creative originality will surely manifest itself. After all, in such a seemingly simple way, you can create unique interior gizmos. In the decoupage technique using craquelure, decorative plates, watches and especially jewelry boxes look great. You can create wonderful kitchen sets or decorate your office desk in an original way. In general, decoupage and craquelure are the unbridled flight of your imagination.

Master class oncreating clocks using decoupage technique using craquelure

Let's consider how to make a new unique watch from an old unnecessary plate using the "decoupage" technique. One-step craquelure in this case will perfectly complement the finished product.

In addition to the materials for decoupage and craquelure already described above, you will need an old flat plate, a clockwork, a drill and a drill for a ceramic surface.

Drill a hole in the center of your plate into which the clockwork will be inserted later. Thoroughly degrease the surface, cover it in two layers with acrylic primer. Each layer should dry well. If any bumps suddenly form when applying the primer, you can remove them with fine sandpaper and then cover a second time.

Now take a napkin, tear it off so that you get a round piece. Separate all unnecessary layers, and glue one, with a pattern, in the center of the plate.

Now let's figure out how to make craquelure. Take a brighter or darker paint (as you like), apply it along the edge of the plate around the glued motif. Use a special sponge or just a piece of sponge to make the coating even. Experiment with colors and shades.

You can use one color, or you can, as in this case, mix three or even more at once. Try to use lighter tones closer to the center.

Dry the painted surface well with a hair dryer, then apply one-component craquelure product with a brush in one layer.

Dry the polish a little and apply the top coat of paint. To do this, add a little yellow to the white paint. When applying paint, do not touch the sponge twice in the same place.

After completely dry, rub the pastel into the cracks, or you can even use eyeshadow if you don't have pastels. Try to achieve iridescent shades, but not very saturated. Let them have a translucent effect.

Now separate the individual elements from the napkin and glue them over the craquelure along the edge of the plate. Don't forget the dial. You can use special decoupage cards with his image, or you can simply draw it yourself. Or stick some small decorations instead of numbers. In order not to be mistaken, select them based on the interior and theme of your room. Add decorative elements to your liking. To attach them, use hot melt adhesive or another quick-drying adhesive that can hold them well on the surface of the watch. Screw the mechanism, insert the battery, and you can enjoy a brand new thing.

So, we are convinced that with the help of decoupage and craquelure it is possible to make something useful, and most importantly, completely individual out of an old and unnecessary thing. Don't be afraid to experiment. After all, in such a business as needlework, sometimes the most grandiosemasterpieces are born from completely unexpected experiments. Give free rein to your imagination, and it will certainly not disappoint you.