CC3C Challenge 14 - Colored Crackle

Tis the season for awe inspiring photographs of fall foliage as it turns brilliant shades of color. Although I grew up close to the Smokey Mountains, some of the most magnificent photos are part of the Grand Canyon featured here.  This challenge offered new opportunities to use the Bigz Tattered Leaves die and the NEW Layered Leaf die with texture fade. Once again we thank our hosts and sponsors - including this special challenge contributor, the Funkie Junkie Boutique at www.thefunkiejunkie.com.

"Fall is Grand"

I chose to make a chipboard frame to crackle per Tim's instructions with Distress Paints, as well as a second technique for crackle that I used on the leaves with Distress Stains.
                                              
This heavy chipboard piece measures 5 7/8" x 10 3/4" and is die cut using the Cameo Frame approximately one inch from the center top.  After cutting, coat the frame surface with Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint and allow to dry and crack thoroughly - I usually leave it overnight.  When dry, GENTLY pounce (you don't want to pull up the crackle "tiles") Distress Paint colors over the surface, misting and blending with water if needed - Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge and Barn Door - dry thoroughly but carefully with a heat tool - if the "tiles" get too hot, they will curl and pull up off the background.
Now daub on Vintage Photo Distress Stain to seep into the cracks and blot with a paper towel to be sure the surface color will remain strong - dry thoroughly.  I feel strongly that the next step is important in any crackle finish to insure the cracked "tiles" stay in place and do not chip off with age or while completing the project.

Use a synthetic brush to coat the frame with Glue-n-Seal matte finish,

here you can see where the Glue-n-Seal has been applied (on the right) and literally pushed into the cracks - think of it as adding grout to tile - dry - use Vintage Photo Distress Ink around the edges - dry and set the frame aside to rest.

Cut fall leaves using the NEW Layered Leaf die and the Tattered Leaves die, out of Grungeboard NOT chipboard or cardboard (which will fold and break rather than bend and curl).  Daub or spray on Distress Stain colors - Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint and Barn Door - blot if needed - while surface color is still damp, "flick" on a bit of Metallic Bronze Distress Paint and spritz on Distress Ink Markers - Barn Door and Peeled Paint - dry thoroughly - add more stain colors if needed or desired - dry.  Here is a sampling of leaves with the bronze sheen and spritzed marker dots:

 

When the leaves are dry, coat them with Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint and allow to dry and crack thoroughly.  Daub on Frayed Burlap Distress Stain, blot - dry - repeat Glue-n-Seal process of sealing the cracks as above, then color the edges in Vintage Photo Distress Ink Marker.  Emboss them ALL with the Layered Leaf Texture Fade that accompanies the die - place even the small leaves in the center of the embossing folder to create veining.  You may also wish to add Vintage Photo Distress Ink, I however did not, but you can still see the embossed areas on the leaves.

  

Diecut the "Wood Rose" and greenery using Brushed Corduroy and Forest Moss Core-dinations textured cardstock with the Tattered Pinecone die and assemble the rose as per Tim's CC3C instructions on Page 65, Distress Ink the edges in Vintage Photo.  Edge the greenery in Pine Needles Distress Ink and cut apart to use in smaller pieces around the leaves.  The vintage post card is cut from Tim's 8x8 Seasonal paper stash with Vintage Photo Distress Ink Marker edging and spritz dots. 

The Word Band letters are "color filled" with Walnut Stain Distress Paint - wipe outside area clean - dry.  Arrange and glue all onto the frame using Glossy Accents and/or hot glue gun.  Note the leaves and greenery are curled and bent to create depth of design.

A second piece of light weight chipboard was cut 5 1/2" x 9 3/4" for the back of the frame - glue only on bottom and sides so a photograph can be inserted.  Add any special personal touches, insert photo and enjoy during your fall celebrations.

Surfaces: Tim Holtz idea-ology Seasonal paper stash; Grungeboard; lightweight & heavyweight chipboard; Core'dinations cardstock
Dies: Sizzix - Cameo Frame, Tattered Leave, Layered Leaf, Tattered Pinecone
Distress Ink: Vintage Photo, Barn Door, Rusty Hinge
Distress Paint: Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge, Barn Door, Metallic Bronze
Distress Stain: (Dauber or Spray) Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint, Barn Door, Frayed Burlap
Distress Ink Markers: Vintage Photo, Barn Door, Rusty Hinge
Mediums: Ranger Glossy Accents, Glue-n-Seal matte finish
Embellishments: Tim Holtz idea-ology Word Band, brads

Thanks so much for stopping by, please share this site with like minded souls and gentle spirits.  I welcome your comments and look forward to hearing from you - best always!   K