Crackle embossing paste

I recently picked up a jar of Dreamweaver's Crackle Embossing Paste.  Yesterday I finally found the time to try it out.  The instructions say to layer it over the flat black embossing paste.  Was that really necessary or could I use gesso or acrylic paint?  How would it affect the size of the cracks?

I found I didn't have to use the black embossing paste but it did seem to make larger cracks.  Using the CEP over white gesso gave me very small cracks and they appeared to be non-existent until I applied color.  Over the black gesso gave me the same very small cracks but you could see the black coming through.

The flower used Studio 490's white embossing paste (made by Dreamweaver's).  Once dry I put the stencil back in place.  Over that I placed some drywall mesh tape and colored over it using distress markers.  It kind of gives it a cross-stitched appearance.  This technique can be found on the Dreamweaver's site I believe.  I learned about it in a Dreamweaver's class a number of years ago.

The large heart and flower stencils are from Studio 490 while I created my own stencil using Tim Holtz's  Sizzix mini dies of the cameo people.

So Studio 490 is now offering gold and silver embossing pastes along with the white and black.  I hope to schedule another play day just for them real soon.

Medical update on my husband...he does have Stage 3B lung cancer.  The plan is to start chemo and radiation about Feb. 4.  Along the way will be plenty of tests and office visits to see if the treatment plan needs to be altered.  Again, I thank you for your support...I can't imagine walking this path by myself.