Craquelure is ... Craquelure in decoupage: master class. One-step craquelure

In our time, this kind of decoration of things, such as 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 the term used in painting. These are such small enough cracks that form on the surface of the paintings after a lapse of time. You can say - a sign of old age. Earlier, masters tried to avoid this trait in all possible ways. They tried to create such compositions of paints, in order to delay the appearance of the ill-fated cracks by all means. But everything is changing in the world. And now craquelure is no longer a sign of old age, but a distinctive feature of the past. Modern artists create it purposefully in order to give things the effect of luxurious antiquity. For this, a huge number of special tools and materials have been created. The fashion included aging not only souvenirs, but also furniture, as well as doors and windows. Yes, there to say. Even special plaster has been created for the reproduction of craquelure on walls or ceilings. Very often, craquelure is 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 object using paper clippings. This skill was born in ancient China and then spread all over the place. After all, this is a great way to decorate objects with a drawing for those who can not draw. Today decoupage has been perfected so much that it is almost impossible to distinguish it from the picture. To grow old this or that product, the masters use the technique of "decoupage." Craquelure is the final element. He, as it were, puts an end to the work and adds to the things decorated in this way, luxury.

What do you need to work?

If you are new and first decided to try craquelure in decoupage, a master class is simply necessary for you. Also, it is not superfluous to get acquainted with the list of materials and tools used. So, what you need for decoupage. First, glue. Well, if it will be special, but diluted PVA will also work. Secondly, you need sharp scissors and napkins for decoupage. In addition, you will need acrylic paints, basic primer, varnish to complete the work, hair dryer and brushes of various shapes and sizes. Well, undoubtedly, the subject itself, which you are going to zadekorirovat. But, since it will be about how to use craquelure in decoupage, the master class in our article also provides for the presence of krakele. This, in fact, is the means that will serve to form cracks.

What kind of krake?

Krakele, or means for the formation of cracks, can be of several kinds. But the main of them are only two: one-phase and two-component. If you use the first option, then the napkin will need to be glued after applying it. The cracks formed in this way will be visible through the pattern. A two-component substance is used after gluing a pattern: first a single layer of the substance is applied to the pattern, then the next one, and the cracks that formed after applying the second layer, will require also mashing. A two-component craquelure is a more difficult option for a beginner.

One-step craquelure

A single-phase substance is placed between the layers of acrylic paint. First, you cover the work with the color that should be in the future cracks, then apply a layer of single-phase means over the entire surface or only where there should be cracks. And after that, apply that paint, which should be the main background of the work. After drying the surface, the background is cracked, and the lower color will come out. After the manifestation of all the cracks, you can proceed to glue the chosen tissue motifs. Grout such cracks do not require, and they shine through your drawing, if performed on the entire decorated surface.

Two-component craquelure

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

Craquelure for PVA

It is not always possible to purchase special materials for craquelure. In this case, ordinary PVA glue will help you . The principle of operation here is the same as with a one-component agent. Between the layers of paint is applied glue. The greater the thickness of the layer, the larger the crack. Lightly dry with a hair dryer. As a result, glue should be covered with glue on top, but inside remain moist. Then apply a background paint and dry with a hairdryer. As a result, cracks are obtained. Of course, the craze for PVA is less elegant, but it also looks very interesting. Here, as in all kinds of needlework, training is important.

What can be decorated with decoupage and craquelure?

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

Master class on creating watches in the technique of decoupage using craquelure

Consider, as an old unnecessary plate make a new unique watch, using the technique of "decoupage." One-step craquelure will in this case perfectly complement the finished product. In addition to the already described materials for decoupage and craquelure, you will need an old flat plate, clockwork, drill and a drill for the 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, during the application of the soil, some unevenness appeared, you can remove them with a small emery paper and then cover the second time. Now take a napkin, tear it off so that it turns out a detail of a circular shape. Separate all unnecessary layers, and one, with a picture, glue the center of the plate.

Now let's figure out how to make craquelure. Take the paint brighter or darker (as you like), put it on the edge of the plate around the glued motif. Use a special sponge or just a piece of sponge so that the coating is even. Experiment with colors and shades. You can use one color, and you can, as in this case, mix three or even more. Try to use closer tones to the center.

Dry the painted surface thoroughly using a hairdryer, and then apply a one-component Craquelure brush in one coat.

Dry the lacquer lightly and apply the top coat of paint. To do this, add a little yellow to the white paint. When applying the paint, do not touch the sponge twice in the same place. After complete drying, rub pastel into the cracks, and you can even use eye shadow if you did not have pastels. Try to achieve rainbow colors, but not very saturated. Let them have a translucent effect.

Now separate the individual elements from the napkin and glue them over the crackle along the edge of the plate. Do not forget about the dial. You can use special decoupage cards with its image, or you can just draw it yourself. Or paste some small ornaments instead of numbers. In order not to be mistaken, choose them based on the interior and themes of your room. Add decorative items to your liking. To fix them, use hot melt or other quick-drying glue that can hold them well on the surface of the watch. Screw the mechanism, insert the battery, and you can enjoy the new thing.

So, we were convinced that with the help of decoupage and craquelure it is possible to do something useful from the old and unnecessary thing , and most importantly, completely individual. Do not be afraid of experiments. After all, in such a thing as handicrafts, sometimes the most grandiose masterpieces are born from completely unexpected experiments. Let your imagination run wild, and it will surely not disappoint you.