Crackle Texture Background Tutorial

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I just love it when I have a project has to dry overnight and when I wake up I can’t wait to see what it turned out looking like.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Yes, it’s exciting isn’t it. I couldn’t wait to see what had happened with the iced spruce one and it was well worth the wait ❤️

[@cheryl7476]

It is very interesting how different each card came out. They are gorgeous.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Cheryl, I’m chuffed to bits that they all look so different from one another 💕

[@alisonpringle9705]

The middle one is what I'm trying to create--thanks for the guidance, Nina

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Glad it was helpful. Happy Creating ❤️

[@TheSpiralZone]

Nina, you are the mad scientist of crackle finishes. Well done

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Haha, thank you 💕

[@tinagillhamevans667]

I love the look of crackle, I have never really found anything successful for me until I found a crackle stencil. Might have a go with that for this week

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Ooh, look forward to seeing what you do 💕

[@lindawinchell4108]

I've been using the school glue and paint idea on wood. Works great!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I’ve achieved great results in the past with this too ❤️

[@TodaysSpecialMinis]

I "discovered" a crackle effect once when I painted some wooden hall passes for my sister for her classroom a few years ago. I put some glossy mod podge over the paint to "protect" it and give it a bit of shine, but noticed a few hours later that the paint was all crackled. Not an effect I was intending, but it looked ok so I left it like that and thought it was pretty cool, actually.

[@christieoertel1460]

Amazing reactions from crackling. love all of them especially the gold and the white and the end one oh heavens all of them!! Looking fwd to see what you create with them. Thx Nina

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Christie, I’m glad they all look so different from one another ❤️

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

My favorites are the middle one with few crackles and the one on the right in the taupe color. Years ago I rescued a damp antique picture frame from the basement of a home I was working an estate sale. I was planning on drying it out and practicing my crackle technique. This was about 25 years ago. The technique was 5 or 6 steps. Quite laborious. I did a gold base with a black top coat and gold accents. I was happy so I set it out by the trash. I had friends over and one came in thrilled at the frame someone had left by my trash cans. I told her I threw it out etc. She told me I was crazy, it was gorgeous. I said I’d keep it and figure out something to put in it. I took it to the glass and mirror shop and had them put a beveled mirror in it. It’s gorgeous to this day hanging in my living room and I still get compliments. My furniture is tan and black so it’s a lovely addition. I thank my friend to this day for retrieving it and showing me the error of my ways.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I’m so glad you kept it. It sounds like a beautiful mirror ❤️

[@dawnkarasaki6172]

I love crackle. I haven’t done it for a long time. Inspired to crackle. These are beautiful.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Dawn. I don’t do crackle very often, but every time I do, I love the results ❤️

[@kayworley8130]

I love them all, can't wait to see what you do with them and have a go myself

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Kay, my thinking cap is on. Happy Creating 💕

[@adrinem4513]

How fun this looks! Can’t wait to try it! The third one (at the end of the video) looks like tree bark. I’ve done a bit of crackling with Elmers glue and was quite surprised with the results. I had no idea that glue could crackle acrylic paint. I love how all of yours turned out. They are so different.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Adrine, it looks like tree bark to me as well. Very pleased with how different these are ❤️

[@katharinazefert7637]

Have´t tried this before! Looking forward to try something new. great results!Thanks Nina.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Looking forward to seeing what you create. You always come up with fabulous ideas. Happy Creating 💕

[@ednamorgan7827]

What an interesting video. I loved watching how you built up the colours and I love the results. Many thanks as ever, Nina.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Edna, I’m happy that these all look so different from one another. Very much enjoyed experimenting with these ❤️

[@lauramurphy438]

Nina, interesting how they are all different sizes of cracks. My favorites are the white one and gray one at the end. I can see them being miniature mixed media canvases. I look forward to seeing how you finish them.

[@miekemiddelhuis3782]

I love crackles, thanks for showing all different techniques Nina!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Mieke, it’s a fun technique isn’t it 💕

[@healingmagichands]

Your results are so wonderful! It was quite inspiring to see you experimenting with your media. I can frustrated and give up when things are not cooperating. But to see how the persistence pays off was really good. My favorite one is the first on the left with the gold. Just beautiful.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Ellie. I love experimenting and as they if at first you don’t succeed ..... Some of my favourite pieces of artwork have been those that have got off to a rocky start. I think my favourite is the gold one on the left as well 💕

[@martinmixedmedia2899]

Wow some very impressive background crackle effects .I really enjoyed following the process. Great video.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Martin. Looking forward to this week in the group and seeing how it’s interpreted 💕

[@joburrow9863]

All your experiments are just lovely. Very good.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks you so much 🙂

[@laineygardner5211]

Fabulous crackle effects! Too hard to pick a favorite!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Lainey ❤️

[@MariKayCreations]

Thank you for this - and for the link to the FB group. I stumbled on this while trying to learn how to create a broken brick effect as a background to a mixed media I'm working on.

[@58calangel]

Wow! These are so cool. I think I remember Cat Hand doing something like this. Will give it a try. Thanks Nina!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Alicia, I first remember doing this with Cat as well. Happy Creating 💕

[@1iluvfigs47unicorn3]

I like the gold and black one best! super cool

[@barbaracabrera207]

Never tried any of these. But NOW that I've seen you do it,....I'm excited to try it myself. Thank you for sharing these ideas. I know you put a LOT of time & effort into figuring this out. You must be very patient!! Love them all. Austin, TX USA

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much for your kind words Barbara. I just love experimenting and learn such a lot along the way. Seeing all the wonderful ideas people share in the Facebook group based on our weekly challenges is amazing as well as the lovely feedback I receive here from everyone each week ❤️

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

This is just great, Nina. I can't really choose a favourite! Regarding blocked spray bottles, I had a Seth Apter Goldmine spray bottle that got blocked, and I complained to the supplier and they sent me another one. I was using the original one for spattering, using the tube in the bottle. Then the second bottle got blocked too! I was scrupulous with cleaning the nozzle after every single use, flushing it through with water, but to no avail... What I do now is to decant a small amount of the spray using a pipette, into a mini-mister, and use that. There isn't usually any left as the mini-mister doesn't hold much, but I can tip any residue back into the original bottle. Metallic sprays are notorious for blocking spray nozzles unfortunately.

[@kazeekins1]

Fabulous , fabulous Nina ... I loved your reactions as you worked . Love them all but the Tree bark effect ... my view is for me the bee's knees . lol. Have a great week Nina xx

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I just love experimenting and this technique never fails to amaze me. I can’t believe how different they all turned out. So glad you enjoyed this too. Have a wonderful week ❤️ xxxx

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Fantastic patterns and textures!! Brilliant Nina! ❤️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

The so much Kathryn 💕

[@tammisink9872]

Love them. You could use them as a small book cover with 2 hole punched. Could use rings as a binder...just an idea

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Tammi. I like that idea 🤔❤️

[@amyvetter1830]

creative with various products and techniques, turned out wonderful

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Amy 💕

[@yvonnevl2497]

Nina, what an Awesome textures!!! I would make mini covers and put those binderrings in them! And then I would turn them into mini books.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

That’s a lovely idea Yvonne ❤️

[@sibylleherbe8260]

These are all beautiful. I look forward to seeing what you do with them. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Sibylle, my thinking cap is on 💕

[@DrTaterSalad]

Thanks for sharing your trials. It's good to see how other people test techniques and "correct" bad results. Now, I need to go try my hand at a few of these ideas. I don't have the same products, I will definitely be surprised.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I hope you enjoy experimenting, the fun is not knowing what will happen. Happy Creating 💕

[@dianadevlin3717]

These are super, Nina! I can't wait to see what you do with them 😊👌

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Diana, my thinking cap is on ❤️

[@chrisannm5240]

I love these techniques!! I did not think I had any use for my cheap white glue, as I use other specialty types of glues (wet and 'dry') for my mixed media and paper projects, now I can get it out and play...yay! 😃

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

The cheaper the better with PVA glue as well! Happy Creating ❤️

[@alisonmary1443]

I enjoyed that, I spend more time experimenting than I do actually making something. I remember trying chalk paint over Pritt Stick, it also crackled a bit. I loved when you used the black Versamark, timid to completely fearless 😂 Good tutorial as always Thank you

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Alison. I will have to try it with Pritt stick 💕

[@lenalossev1839]

Didn't know you could do crackle with pva glue. I have to give it a try asap! Yours all turned out so different and lovely. I like how you play around and try all kinds of colours and techniques! The middle one makes me think of a dark forest. Tfs 🤗🦋🌻🕊️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Lena. I just love to experiment 💕

[@suewalker5048]

They are really amazing and really cute 😊

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Sue 💕

[@lynnboyd33]

Hi Nina, I LOVED how your white crackle pieces turned out. Just yummy! This was a fun experiment. Loved both yours and Kylies pieces! TFS

[@joanfriant1563]

Can't wait to learn more!

[@lenabot5961]

Hello nina or should I say dr. Nina, love to see you play and experiment ..it turned out very welll the one on the left is my favorite, but all togethet they look good too, maybe you can create one work with all five incorporated, the blue one in between looks so good. Put on the thinking cap and surprise us. I had a lovely find today, was clearing some boxes and found very antique post cards from 1911 of florence , totally forgotten I had those, so was delighted as you can imagine. Well nina have a good sunday and wonderful week. Love and hugs lenaxxx

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Good morning Lena, you know how much I love experimenting and I’m glad these all look so different from one another. My thinking cap is on and I’ll be back sometime next week with some ideas. Glad you had a good find today, It’s wonderful when we come across forgotten items to inspire us. I will be heading out into the garden shortly to mow the lawn and then we are heading over to Alex’s armed with screwdrivers as his new wardrobes are arriving today. Have a lovely Sunday and fabulous week. Love and hugs 💕 xxx

[@AtSusiesCottage]

Wonderful results Nina, it looks so much fun, tfs xxx💕

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I really did have a blast with these. It’s the surprise element that I love 💕 xxx

[@anniefaint6373]

These are absolutely gorgeous Nina , looking forward to seeing what you do with them , I liked the ones on each end ,,,,xxxxx 💕🌹❤️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Annie, those are quite dramatic aren’t they 💕 xxx

[@bettylongshore9594]

WONERFUL!!!!! Love it when you show different techniques! I'm kind of afraid to stick my neck out some times!!!!!!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Betty. It is scary sometimes, but I just love experimenting, and if it does go pear shaped it’s only another layer before it can be rescued again. Nothing ventured, nothing gained ❤️

[@Sunshine-se6yn]

Gorgeous results Nina! I felt like I was just there playing too. Amazing!

[@susanstemmet6078]

Loved watching your video. Thanks so much for sharing your artistic talent.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Susan 💕

[@sofianisnevich7184]

First & fifth are the best looking! Thank you for your video!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Sofia, glad you enjoyed it 💕

[@bonnerdebbie]

These are awesome Nina, I love them all. I found some crackle medium in some of my mother's craft supplies, so as soon as I have cleaned up the mess on my table, I think I will see if they are any good. I hope you have a wonderful week.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Debbie, I’m very pleased with how these turned out. Now to decide what to do with them 💕

[@SuAndFox]

Hi Nina, re: the Nuvo mica mist, you should be able to transfer the ink into another spray bottle and add a ball to help mix the mica. Not what you should have to do, but at least you'll be able to use it. Looks like a gorgeous colour.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much. That’s a great tip ❤️

[@stephenkrupa2901]

I find when using PVA glue for crackles, let it sit for a few minutes to get a bit tacky first. Then apply the top layer carefully to not disturb the glue. I've had some fantastic cracks with this method.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Great tip!

[@evelynrauseo467]

These are so different and so unique! You got lovely results. The process was so interesting, too! I thought of Forest Gump and his box of chocolates, when you said, “ You never know what you are going to get!” TFS. I did. God bless and stay and stay safe! P.S. I can’t wait to see what you create with them! 😆👍

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Haha 😆. I’m really pleased these all look so different from one another. Thinking cap is on and I’ll be back with some ideas next week. Thanks as always for sharing 💕 xo

[@RoseD2016]

I can’t wait to try this. I need the elements to make the crackle, then I can take a try at here. Love them Nina! Xx

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

I'm sure someone has already said this, but just in case, the size of the cracks depends on how thick you apply the crackle paste. The thicker the layer, the bigger the cracks and vice versa.😃

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

I love all of the effects! Wonderful tutorial!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Lenella, glad you enjoyed it 💕

[@melaniebrown747]

Lovely Nina xx.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Mel xx

[@sherrywright6634]

Beautiful as always! So happy you and Kylie are showing different techniques!💕

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Sherry, I like that aspect of our collaboration too. We never discuss what we are going to make so it’s always a surprise to us too 💕

[@elizabethnaisbitt1795]

What a fantastic outcome, they are absolutely stunning. Tfs xo

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Elizabeth, I’m very pleased with these 💕 xo

[@marthalester6137]

Beautiful crackle love them all

[@KylieCooStudio]

Gorgeous results Nina

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Kylie 💕 xo

[@colleenseymourcrafts5802]

in my experience it helps to seal the colored crackle with a quick spray of hair spray( solvent based), before applying other water based products over it. Such fun playing around.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Colleen, I did spray these with matte fixative 💕

[@AGJArtwork]

Love the 2 and the end most... The right one 🤩... Pva glue I have never heard of... I think

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Anja. PVA is just regular white school glue 💕

[@FlowerChyld43]

Thank you! Excellent video! I have found if I use a bit of "poster putty" or museum gel on the back of my pieces, it keeps them from moving about the place while I'm working on them. : )

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Great idea. Thank you!

[@robinmartinez7980]

Such beautiful results.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Robin, I’m very pleased with the results 💕

[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

These are all REALLY incredible! I love how you just keep working it until you get the look that you want. I think i would have tossed the first one but as it turned out, its the one I like the best. I didn't know glue could be used as a crackle medium. Thanks so much for rhe inspiration!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Cass. I wish I had recorded the steps I took to alter the first one as it was fascinating seeing it change. I just started playing with it as I was tidying up and was amazed at what it looked like when I came down in the morning. The camera really doesn’t do this one justice ❤️

[@margerymarchellino1228]

Love....Love...Love....This Technique!!!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Margery 💕

[@debbievignola8275]

These all turned out lovely Nina. =^^=

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Debbie, I always love experimenting 💕

[@deelittle2206]

These are gorgeous Nina💕 Several years ago it was fashionable to have crackle glazed fingernails - remember it? Well - the hoarder in me has dug out said crackle finish nail polish so I’m hoping to get some results with that! Dee 😘

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

This is one trend I can’t remember, but I never had any nails as a teenager as I played the violin and had to keep mine short. I look forward to seeing what results you get. Enjoy your trip down Memory Lane 💕😘

[@oldgit9948]

Hi thanks to Nina I’ve finally got this crackle technique crack 👍

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Haha, it’s taken me years to get the hang of this as well 💕

[@torageirs6473]

These look fantastic, thanks for sharing

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much 💕

[@inekesauerbier5861]

What a gorgeous results!!!!

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Very pretty pieces!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much Susan, I enjoyed experimenting with these 💕

[@sherryvanderpool4024]

Beautiful I used to do crackle years ago will have to get back to it lol

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Sherry, it’s such a lot of fun experimenting like this. Happy Creating 💕

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Nina, I really really love ❤️ this, my favourites are 1 and 4, I really really love ❤️ this effect on them. I’ve watched both of your videos and I really really love ❤️ both. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Mags, I love experimenting with crackle as you never quite know what you’ll end up with. The hardest thing is waiting for the crackle to dry. Have a wonderful week ❤️ xxxxx

[@cherryshrimp2359]

Can I just say that when you apply your crackle paste, the thicker you apply it the bigger the cracks, and the thinner the application the smaller the cracks. Hope this helps a little for future reference.💜

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks .cherry, I thought that was probably what had happened 💕

[@cherryshrimp2359]

@@NinaRibenaMixedMedia 💜

[@firstnamelastname149]

"Experimenting is so much fun!" Indeed :)

[@LauraMe...]

So many yummy textures and colors! I wonder how colored texture paste or wax would work? Probably much like the white wax you used. Thanks for sharing Nina! ♥️❤♥️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Only one way to find out 💕. Happy Creating ❤️

[@debbieangelstar]

The control freak in me can’t cope with crackle paste and not knowing how it’s going to turn out 🤣😂 yours came out lovely xx

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Haha, it is definitely unpredictable, but I just love experimenting with it ❤️ xx

[@jneigler]

Great experiment. Thanks for sharing.

[@lauracerezo7623]

Those look great!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much 💕

[@dantarradellas7351]

They are ALL fantastic. !!!

[@sushanart]

I usually love blues and turquoise but this time my favourites are the grey ones. Love the effects and would love to see more play with distress oxide sprays and crackling. :-)

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Sushan. I wish I had recorded it, as the results were fascinating. It was just an afterthought as I would otherwise have binned it! 💕

[@LadyInTheTree]

I have found that even the clear crackle gel medium can be tricky. Even though the directions state for each layer to dry before applying the next layer I have found that the crackle forms best when the gel is semi dry while layering the second color down. But, this doesn’t apply with ever crackle gel - honestly if I really want the crackle effect I will you use the white paste and if I want a different color I’ll just add color to the crackle paste before applying it.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

I think it depends on the brand. The DecoArt gel produces wonderful results, but the Docrafts Artiste one has never worked for me 💕

[@Madmotherto4]

love the middle one

[@annboardman6206]

Superb demo thank you

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Ann, glad you enjoyed it 💕

[@mswoe042]

Thanks for sharing. Great effects

[@juneribbons5196]

Looks like its the glue that makes the cracks. I'm going to have to give this a go !!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

The glue reacts with the paint by shrinking it as it dries. Happy Creating ❤️

[@Wvnursey]

Those are glorious!!!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much 💕

[@ArtsyGrandma]

Awesome crackles Nina, I cant wait to try thes out 😍❤

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Its great fun so Happy Creating ❤️

[@sottovoce12007]

Most enjoyable. Where do you list the products you used. Thanks.

[@barbarabuser353]

Very interesting results! At the end, I think I like the dark one on the right side, with the white wax showing through. Have you tried to wash out the spray-pump under hot water? Sometime that works.good luck.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Barbara I think that’s my favourite too. Yes, I had the pump and pipe soaking in hot water for an hour or so, but it still wouldn’t spray 😕 x

[@purplenanna1272]

Ooooh,love the ones either end the most I think.I’ve always had hit n miss results with various crackle methods,but still use them for something....you know me,never Chuck anything 🙈X

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Haha, I think we are both serial hoarders 🤣❤️ xxx

[@jennygee9849]

some great effects Nina, wouldn't an egg shape with crackle look interesting :)

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Oh Iove that idea Jenny. Thank you ❤️

[@pergadootje]

Thank you so much, i as a newbie love love love this and going to try it out

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

So glad you enjoyed it Astrid. Happy Creating 💕

[@lindapark8467]

Have you tried distress micro glaze over distress inks? It is meant to lock in the distress colors so they don’t reactivate. That way they wouldn’t rub off.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Hi Linda, I do have some micro glaze, but you can’t add anything on top of it, so it’s only any good as a finishing layer. Thanks for suggesting it though ❤️

[@nightynightshade]

Your accent is so lovely and charming 🥰

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@mamapillow8365]

I watched you do it and now I'm going 'how did she do that'? This was fun, thanks.

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it 💕

[@barbaralinderman]

Thank you so much for this video! I love it !

[@created2bless322]

These are totally cool! 👍🏼

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much June 💕

[@DivineSison-h4z]

Thank you! I will definitely try this

[@heatherparry3159]

Beautiful!

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you so much 💕

[@MaeBelleArt]

This such a creative mind a masterpiece very inspiring love it ❤️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thank you 💕

[@CraftyClaire2020]

Gorgeous effects looks like so much fun 😊 tfs ❤️

[@NinaRibenaMixedMedia]

Thanks Claire, it’s a fascinating process 💕