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Tips
for Using Chalk
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| Want
to add more creativity and dimension to your pages? Chalk is the perfect
tool. This medium can be used by anyone, no matter what skill level.
Once you learn the technique, you will find many ways to enhance your
pages. Before we talk about the techniques, we will first talk about
the supplies. |
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| The
Chalk |
| When
shopping for chalk for scrapbooking, you need to make
sure the chalk you choose is acid free. The most common
brand is by Craft-T and is available at most scrapbook
and hobby stores as well as online. Make sure that you
do not use artist pastels as these are not the same as
chalks and will possibly damage your pages. If you are
creating cards you may use any type of chalk as you do
not have the same acid free concerns as you do when scrapbooking. |
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| The
Applicators |
| There
are applicators made for chalk also made by Craft-T but
there are many supplies you may have on hand that can
also be used for chalk. |
| My
personal favorite is the tool created by Pazzles (shown
at the top left) as it has many changeable sized applicators
you can insert into the Pazzles clip. The applicators
come in many sizes and are similar to the mini "pom
poms" used in crafts. I also like the long handle
as using this tool is as easy as using a pencil. |
| Another
great applicator is a sponge eye makeup applicator (middle
bottom row). You can by these in large quantities at drug
or discount stores. |
| Want
to use something you have around the house? Try
Cotton Swabs, in this case the least expensive brands
are better as they have less cotton at the tip which is
easier to use. |
| You
may also want to visit an art supply store as they have
many excellent products that are used for blending charcoal
and pastels which will be quite useful in your chalking. |
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| Clean
Up Tools |
| Your
hands will get messy when chalking, that is part of the
fun! To prevent unwanted chalk on your designs you should
wipe your hands often. Baby wipes or wet ones are great,
just make sure you don't use the kind with added oils
as the oil may come off on your pages. Another great idea
is to keep some damp paper towels nearby to wipe your
hands on. |
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| The
Technique |
| For
your first project, it is probably best to start with
a die cut or some paper cut for flower petals or leaves.
Start first with your darkest color and work the edges
of your die cut. Once the chalk is applied to the edge,
use the clean side of your applicator to blend the color
in a circular motion. |
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What
you are attempting to do is add dimension to the "flat"
die cut. You will add lighter or contrasting colors over the
existing chalk to add depth and highlights. Continue to blend
until you have a look your are happy with. If you have placed
too much chalk in an area or feel you have made a "mistake"
you can use an eraser or Craft-T Chalk Away to remove the excess
chalk and start again. |
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Before |
You
can see the real difference chalk makes by looking at these
before and after photos. The chalked image just has so much
more dimension and color.
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After |
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| Preserving
Your Pages |
| Once
you have completed your masterpiece, you will want to seal your chalk
so that it doesn't come off on other pages or your page protectors.
The best thing to use is an acid free fixative spray. Never use hairspray
as this may damage your pages and is not acid free. |
| For
smaller items you should try a Prismacolor Blender or a Dove Blender
pen. You can also seal the chalk by burnishing it. To do this, once
your project is complete, turn it over on a piece of clean white paper.
Thoroughly rub the back of your project with a burnishing tool or
any item that won't tear your paper. The burnishing will remove any
excess chalk from your project to the white paper. |
| Click
here to return to the main scrapbooking page with links to other tips. |
