Spackle, or joint compound, is a semisolid building material. Spackle is easy to spread and takes a long time to dry, so even beginners can create interesting designs and patterns on their ceilings with it. After it dries, it has a chalk-like consistency, but while it's still wet, you can apply and remove it repeatedly until you create the effect you're after.
Function
Drywall finishers use wide, flat drywall knives to apply spackle across a large area. They seal the seams between boards and hide the screws used to attach the drywall to the framing. To do that, they embed paper tape over the seams and perform several subsequent coats to make the ceiling smooth, consistent and blemish-free. Whatever eventual pattern you want to create on your ceiling, you should start with basic drywall finishing, which will give you an even surface to work on.
Textures
Once your ceiling is finished properly, you can spackle your ceiling in a variety of ways. Adding a texture to the ceiling is a common technique. Many types of texture exist, but they all have two basic parameters. First, you can add materials to your spackle to create different textures. Popcorn ceilings, for example, use this technique, though it's easiest to buy premixed popcorn solution. Second, you can use a specific tool or motion to smooth the spackle. For example, after you apply the spackle across a large expanse, you can rotate a comb through it to create a series of ridged, adjoining circles.
Designs
You also can create designs with spackle. For example, create a stencil shape out of cardboard and hold it against the ceiling. Apply spackle over the stencil, then gently lift the stencil away. Repeat across the ceiling as desired. The spackle will take roughly 24 hours to dry. After that, you can prime and paint the ceiling. Your stenciled designs will be raised and visible through the paint. To make them stand out even more, paint the designs and the background different colors.
Painting Your Ceiling
If you don't want to change the color, use clear primers or paints to preserve or enhance the spackle's color, which is bone-white when dry. Applying a clear paint or primer gives a ceiling a glazed look. Note that glossy surfaces tend to highlight flaws, so you should only use this method if your pattern or design is consistent and even.
Considerations
If you have a specific texture or design in mind, research how professionals achieve that particular spackle design. If you're interested in creating a new look, practice different spackling techniques on scrap pieces of drywall. Over time, you'll grow comfortable manipulating the spackle to achieve different effects and you'll learn create the design or pattern you're after.
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