Crackling

Crackling is very popular as aged finishes have become so much a part of showcasing warmth and history in our homes. It can be done without purchasing expensive crackling kits. Crackled finishes are a simple chemical reaction. All you need are two colors of latex paint, one a base coat that will peek through, and one a top coat, that you will see most of, and household glue. That’s right, direct from your kid’s art box. Sand and prime your piece if necessary, then paint with your base coat. Remember, this will be color will just peek through, so it’s best if it contrasts with top coat. Let dry. Now mix household glue with equal parts water, and brush onto your base coat. This can be done easiest with a foam brush. Allow glue to dry until just tacky, about 30 minutes. Now for reaction part. Brush on your top coat directly over glue coat. Don’t brush over any one area more than once, you will ruin crackle effect in that area. You should start seeing crackling take place within a minute or so. The size of crackles has a lot to do with your technique in applying top coat, so experiment a little first. Long, smooth strokes tend to produce larger more dramatic cracks than short strokes, and

if you really want a subtle effect, try sponging or ragging on final coat. Allow to dry overnight. If you wish to further antique your work, simply dab or brush it with some wood stain, then wipe off. Repeat until you get look desired. You can seal with polyurethane or clearcoat, or coat it with common furniture wax.

5. Just be with them. Don't hover, try to cheer them up, argue, try to 'get a rise out of them,' or ask them 'talk about it.' Cognitive processes are slowed, and emotionally, they're in conflict. Under those circumstances, it's difficult to talk. It's hard to connect with people, even best-beloved ones, when you're clinically depressed--hard to maintain eye-contact and to follow long sentences and thoughts. A metaphor I use is play lacrosse with them, don't face off with them on football line. Be 'around' them, not 'in their face.' 6. Don't put them in a position that would arouse emotions. Celebrations, holidays, receiving gifts, or a long discourse on foreign policy all require a level of involvement depressed person is not capable of.

7. Be grounded and stay centered yourself. Remind yourself of your love for them that will endure "even this."

8. When person begins to heal is a wonderful time for them to have a coach.