Using Chalks On Stamped Images

If you are like me, you may have pastel chalks in your craft space that go unnoticed or unused. We get so busy with our pens, markers and pencils, our chalks often sit idle. Why not get your chalks out and start using them more often. I have and it's so rewarding.

Chalks are excellent for adding soft color to almost any paper project. They last forever and are easy to use. They never dry and take up very little space.

Using chalks can be one of the most cost effective ways to color stamped images. But more than that they offer an artistic medium to add color to all of your paper crafts. The only tools you will actually need is a set of chalks and a non alcoholic blender pen.

Chalks and pastels are a very inexpensive way to color almost any stamped image. They come as singles or as sets. The sets come in wafer form in a layered plastic container or as a palette with two shades of the same color. They also come as sticks. When you start with chalks, buy basic colors and then add to your supplies as your budget and space allows

Besides the pastel types of chalks, there are also metalic cream chalks that give a shimmery look.

Depending on the technique you are planning to use, the only other tools that you may need to use are pom poms in different sizes ( they often come with the palette sets), make up sponges, a thin acrylic paint brush

Note : Regular pencil erasers are not designed for use with blending chalks. They contain harsh materials that can damage paper and can create a streaky mess of your chalked areas.e paper towels.

The first thing that you need to get started, is of course a stamped image. You will want to stamp your image with a permanent ink such as Momento ink. Let the image completely dry or heat set it with a heating tool to speed up the drying time. Look at the image and con sider the different areas of the image. You will want to think about the colors that you will like to use in each area of the image.

There are many ways to apply chalks to your stamped images.

Crocodile clip heads are often included with special chalk sets. These are very handy, especially where the images have small sections. The clip on the end holds a very tiny cotton ball or pompom.

Though you can use your fingers for applying chalk, I don't recommend it unless you are doing backgrounds. It tends to make your project messy. And you take more of a chance to smear colors where you don't want them.

Other applicators that can be used include q tips, disposable cosmetic applicators, sponges, small pieces of cotton balls. Many of these products can be purchased at your local dollar store.

The harder applicators like the cotton swabs or the cosmetic applicators will give you a harder, more detailed line. While the softer cotton balls will give a gentle finish

You don't need a rainbow to get additional colors. You can make new colors by blending your chalks. A color wheel is helpful to get the right shades.

Blend on the paper- apply one color on the paper and add a second color on top of it

Blend on the applicator-To blend colors on the applicator, dip the applicator in one chalk color, then in a second; rub the applicator on the paper, creating a new color. For example, first apply brown to the applicator, then red; as they’re applied to paper, the two colors mix to create burgundy.

You can create highlights two ways: One method is to apply a light chalk to dark paper. Another technique is to shade an area with a darker color, then highlight the area next to that with a lighter color.

Water and a paint brush can be used to give your chalks a different look. You simply use water and a paint brush. Using the water technique gives the chalks a slightly darker and more vivid look to the finished project. The water will not hurt the chalks in any way.

Make sure to use clean water every time you change colors or you may muddy your chalks.

Dip the paintbrush into the water and then rub into the chalks. Use a fine tipped paint brush for detailed work.

Experiment and have fun with this technique. I like to use it for Spring And Easter Images

• Embossing Ink Technique- Stamp your image with clear embossing ink. Gently tap some chalk color on your image with an applicator. Do not rub color in. When completed, tap any excess chalk off your project
• Use Chalk Pastels -Color your stamped image with dry pastels. Take a wet brush and go over the chalks with the wet brush. They will become very vibrant. Make sure to clean the brush as you change colors. You can add more color over the colored area
• Chalk Enhancer- This is a liquid that you can use to create a watercolor technique. It comes as a kit with a cup and an applicator. You can use a small watercolor brush as well.
• Chalk Board Technique- Stamp a dark piece of cardstock using white ink and the stamp of your choice. Color in the image with the pastel chalks by dotting the color on your image. When you are happy with your coloring, wipe over the image with a tissue or a soft paper towel to create the chalkboard technique
• Try Chalking A Stencil. using stencils with chalks create a soft pastel look
• Marbled background: Put about an inch of water into a pan slightly bigger than your card, With a knife, scrape chalk dust of several colors onto the surface of the water. Lower the paper flat onto the surface of the water to pick up the color, immediately lifting the card back out of the water. Allow to dry flat. If your paper develops puckers, it can be ironed to flatten it back out.
• Chalk edges of torn paper to give it a finished look

• An artist's eraser will remove any little chalk mistake that you might make
• Place your chalks in the center of your work area. That way they won't fall and break or stain your carpeting
• Basic chalk application is in a circular motion. But you can get creative with your chalks. Use a "c" to create waves, lines to create highlights around the sun. Two curved strokes can make a leaf
• When layering color, always layer with the lightest color first. Shadow and highlight with the darker color on top
• Wipe off excess dust with a paper towel, but be sure not to smear the chalks. The alternative is to blow the chalk away by blowing on the piece in an outdoor area
• Follow the manufacturers suggestion regarding fixatives