My crackle enamel recipe booklets are great starting points if you've always wanted to play with Thompson’s Clear Crackle Base enamel but just weren't sure what to do first. Each booklet contains “color recipes” along with pages of instructions, Q&A, and a wee bit of other info.
This listing is for one electronic PDF file. The file does include links to a few video demos as well as the link to my private Facebook group where we continue the exploration.
If you are not in the U.S., click here to purchase from my Etsy shop.
Please read this entire description before ordering this tutorial as there are no refunds. If you have a question, please ask before purchasing.
The enamels I use are all Thompson lead-free enamels, available from Thompson Enamel (or their distributors). I'm using the 1000 and 2000 series of Thompson enamels. In this recipe tutorial, I am not using any liquid form enamels. I am using Thompson enamels in 80-mesh powder form. For some of my recipes I use a kiln and for others I use a torch (and sometimes both). You will see different effects from each, but don’t let the lack of one of those tools stop you; there’s a lot you can do with either.
This booklet may be of interest to those who don’t have the time or the inclination to run dozens of their own experiments with colors and layering. You may find a “recipe” that appeals to you and can know instantly what colors to use, in what order, and how to fire them to achieve a similar result.
You should have a basic understanding of enameling before using this booklet. If you don’t, search online or elsewhere for information about basic enameling procedures, tools, and supplies. I repeat, this is not an instructional booklet showing you how to enamel (I do have a tutorial for that).
Use standard safety practices at all times (a mask while sifting, protective eye-wear while enameling, etc). If you aren’t familiar with standard workshop safety, please consult a resource on the subject before beginning your experiments.
I hope these recipes encourage some of your own experimenting while giving you a good foundation and head start.
Make sure to read the FAQ section thoroughly.
Although any of my recipe books work fine as stand-alone purchases, I think of them as a progression in my own journey of discovering more and more about the exciting world of crackle enamel. Each booklet has about 100 recipes. Now let me tell you how the books differ.
- In booklet 1, aside from showing many color combination recipes, I experiment a little showing you the effects of adding ground up 6/20 lump to the process. I also do some experimenting with different firing temperatures, different firing lengths, and how coarse or fine the ground lump crackle is. In booklet one, I fired mostly with one or two butane torches as well as a kiln. I have one recipe where I show you how sgraffito can help the process. I also show you how 6/20 lump crackle can help the process at times.
- In booklet 2, aside from showing many color combination recipes, I show you how a few of the recipes from booklet 1 achieve very different results by changing one or more variable. We also start to explore layer thickness, layer patterns, multiple layers, and more special testing of temps and times. In booklet 2, I fire with MAPP gas and a kiln mostly, which allows for larger pieces. In booklet 2, I have many recipes where I show you how sgraffito can help the process in an organic (non-patterned) way. I also show you how 6/20 lump crackle can help the process.
- In booklet 3, aside from showing many color combination recipes, I show many more pieces with sgraffito. I also start showing a few examples using black crackle and white crackle (as opposed to clear crackle).
- In booklet 4, we really start exploring the ramifications of sgraffito as it relates to organic versus patterned designs. Lots of new recipes, some guest recipes, and some sgraffito comparisons. I also include my personal log of certain enamel colors and how direct torching affects them.
At the back of each booklet, I list the most frequently used enamel colors for that tutorial.
In the private FB group, I discuss all of the above. We also explore tools and supplies.
Once you make your purchase, you will receive two emails from my website. The first is acknowledgement of your purchase, the second is instructions (login info and password) for accessing the area where you can download the file. Downloading a file means putting it on your device (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc). You do not go to that link in my website and download the file every time you want to read the booklet. Once the file has been downloaded, it is on YOUR device and you need to figure out where on your device it was downloaded. Sometimes a customer needs to seek the advice of someone else (a neighbor, friend, or family member) in order to understand where their downloads are. Downloading the file is something very different from opening and viewing the file. Please seek assistance with this if it's not clear to you.
This PDF is a large file and may take a few moments to download.
If you have any trouble downloading the PDF, send me an email.
Happy enameling!
Here’s some customer feedback for my crackle recipe booklets…
- KS: “I think this was the best money I ever spent. The "recipes" come complete with colors, times, order, and photos.”
- JS: “This was excellent. Thank you so much for doing this. I was so intimidated by the process but your step by step made it look easy.”
- KN: “Had trouble making crackle anything until i found this pdf. Fun to experiment.”
- GF: “I’m an amateur in the world of enameling. Your help has been more than I could ask for. Like I’m having a one-on-one private class.”
- JH: “I really like this edition. I found the examples in layering helpful, as I was unsure of the thickness. I have some new favorites to try. Worth every penny!”
- AJ: “Laura’s recipe book on crackle is very well done! She helps the enamelist become successful in this technique. She offers many recipes using crackle that have different outcomes. This booklet is a great reference. I commend Laura for the time she put into this booklet so others could find success and grow!”
- KP: “This is a wonderful resource! I really like the format that allows me to print out one page for reference as I work, or to just pull up on my ipad. The explanation of how the crackle works and what affects the outcomes is invaluable, and you can tell she has done much experimentation. Thank you so much Laura.”
- LP: “AMAZING! but who would expect any less from Laura? the book give a plethora of recipes that helps you become successful in enameling. use it as is or as a way to find your creative side by adding to and modifying the recipes. what a wonderful resource!”
- AL: “Can't thank Laura enough for this tutorial! It is well written with great photos and detailed 'recipes'! I would never have the patience or time to do all this testing, never mind keep accurate records, it is well worth the cost! I love having it available to instantly refer to, I'm looking forward to the next tutorial!”
- SC: “I am new to enamel and love Laura's e-book. It is a great reference for me on my journey to learn more techniques. The book is well organized and has great photos too! Thank you for this book.”
- DJ: “Awesome tool! Anyone interested in enameling needs this!”
- KL: “The amount of thought, materials, creativity & skill that go into preparing and producing these tutorials is so amazingly valuable to others who want to learn these techniques. The fact that this information is being offered at all is a wonderful thing...AND for such a nominal amount is indeed a gift. Thank you Laura Bracken...just keep doing what you're doing - it is greatly appreciated.”
- ML: “I have purchased both of Laura's tutorials using clear crackle. These tutorials are well done with great photos, the recipes, the clear instructions and more! These tutorials have hundreds of hours and many $$ worth of enamels, copper, gas for torch firing and meticulous note keeping and so much more. They have saved me do much to not have to go through that learning curve to get beautiful results. I cannot say enough about these tutorials and anxiously await the next one. You cannot go wrong. I only wish I had found them sooner! I do not know Laura personally so I have no bias but I sure know a great product at a great price when I see one. Thank you Laura!”
- DH: “This crackle part 2 enamel class as will as part 1 are both wonderful! So much great information, so detailed and thorough, great postings from students in the private facebook page you get to be a part of after you join, plus a hands-on instructor who doesn't mind answering questions... and in a very timely manner at that!”