Give your crafting projects a little something extra with this simple DIY crackle effect.

I love working with mixed media and giving my projects an aged, distressed, look. There are several ways to do that. One of my favorite techniques is to create this simple DIY crackle effect.

I know a way to achieve this look without spending a dime at the craft store for crackle medium. You won’t believe how quick and easy this method is and you probably already have what you need in your crafting supplies. I love saving money and using what I already have at home to create easy and beautiful home décor and craft projects, so this should be no surprise when I tell you what I used. (HINT: its only two ingredients✌) This technique takes a little bit of practice. (a little luck won’t hurt either?)

What you will need…

There is more than one type of glue product that will work for this technique, My DIY mode podge works great for this ? or School glue, Mod Podge wood glue, craft glue, etc…

Your work surface of course..

Two paint colors of your choice.

A hairdryer or heat gun (optional)

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Ok so let’s get on with this simple DIY crackle effect.

I had previously used this piece of board for another project so I already had my base color on my board as you can see from the photos. Of course, you will need to begin by painting your surface with your base color and letting it dry completely.

TIP* I like to use my hairdryer on this step to speed up the drying time. (most crafters are impatient when it comes to this step so it’s no surprise ?) You can totally skip this tip and just let it dry on its own. (I promise not to judge! ?)

The next step is applying the crackle medium (school glue, Mod Podge, wood glue, craft glue) whatever you choose will work. I used my DIY Mod Podge that I made previously (see link above. ?) The thicker the crackle medium is applied the larger the cracks will be. I prefer the larger cracks because I like more of my base color to show through. Once the crackle medium is applied, it needs to sit and begin to dry. NOTE* DO NOT ALLOW THE CRACKLE MEDIUM TO DRY COMPLETELY! The crackle medium needs to be tacky to the touch. This will give the best results in the next step. If it gets too dry the crackle technique will not work. (see why I said it can take some practice to get it to work?) Stay with me, you can do this!! ?

Crackle Medium applied — applied crackle medium

When the crackle medium is tacky to the touch, you can now apply the topcoat. I went with white as you can see from the photos. Apply the topcoat quickly, in one direction, and DO NOT go over it with the brush too many times. Once it is dry completely you should see lots of pretty crackling all over the surface of your project.

white top coat — after topcoat has been applied

The end results — It will look something like this

Now wasn’t that easy? The end result is so pretty. You can use this Simple DIY Crackle effect method on more than just wood too. Try it on some upcycled glass bottles it looks amazing!

You may also like this faux wood finishing technique:

How to Make Your Own Salt Paint to Create a Chippy Beach Cottage Finish

Have you ever had that moment when You run out of Mod Podge right in the midst of your crafting marathon??? Frustrating Right?

Well, guess what? I have a great solution for you. I’m going to show you how to make your own DIY Mod podge, with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have around your home. So no more stopping in the middle of your crafting spree and having to run to the craft store just to get more Mod Podge so you can continue with your project. Yay!! Call me a superhero now because I know I’m about to save your day!! ?‍?

So first let me tell you what you will need and then I’ll give you the steps to take to make this quick and easy crafting staple to keep for those emergency refills.

Supply List

Here’s what you will need to make your own DIY Mod Podge….

One medium-size bottle of school glue…Just swipe the one you bought for the kids to take to school and then never did!! ?

Best Value for your buck — This one is the best value for your buck

A container of some sort to keep your DIY Mod Podge in. (preferably something that seals well so it does not dry out) I like the glass jars I have pictured here.

A small amount of distilled water. You just want enough water to thin the consistency of the glue a bit so that it’s not thick and easier to spread than normal school glue would be.

Something to stir your with unless you prefer to just shake it!! ?

See just a few ingredients and you’re on your way to saving the day!! Hallelujah?

Now let’s make your DIY Mod Podge

First, I suggest you remove the cap from the bottle of glue. Trying to squeeze it all out of the little hole in the tip can get messy, but it’s totally up to you. We are crafting and crafting is messy! Pour the glue into the container that you chose to store you DIY Mod Podge in.

Next, add just the tiniest bit of water to the glue (distilled water is best).

If you prefer the stirring method, then you will need a plastic spoon or a craft stick or anything that you can either wash or throw in the trash after using it.

So, begin by giving it a good stir as you add a small (I mean really small) amount of water. I like to use my spoon for this. Continue stirring and adding a small amount of water at a time until the Mod Podge is thin but not runny. This is the best consistency for spreading the Mod Podge evenly on your surface.

If you are just going to shake your container of Mod Podge you can skip this step and after the previous step add your lid to the container and shake to your heart’s content! (make sure to randomly stop shaking and check the consistency of your DIY Mod Podge.) Once it’s to the right consistency you can stop shaking the container.

A tip I use to check the consistency of the Mod Podge is to hold your spoon downward over the container and let the Mod Podge drizzle off of your spoon. If it runs off quickly then your Mod Podge is too thin and you should add more glue, if it runs too slowly then you should add more water and continue shaking/stirring after either of these two steps.

Now you can place your lid on your container and…

That’s it! DIY Mod Podge to the rescue!

That’s all you need to make your own DIY Mod Podge. (Don’t forget to label your lid or container so you know what’s in there when you get ready to use it?)

P.S. You may also like these posts:

Non-Toxic DIY Paint Recipe For Kids