TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Chalk Popping

Chalk popping is created by applying the chalk directly to the paper.

Using a cotton ball, cover the entire surface with one or more colors. Line up your see-through grid with the edge of the paper and begin to erase the pattern of choice; squares, rectangles, diagonal, frames, or a unique pattern of your own. If you prefer you can design a random pattern using a torn edge instead of a straight edge.

Select the image of your choice and stamp it using a Versamark pad.

To make your image pop, use a Q-Tip and lighty apply the chalk over your stamped image. Your stamped image will appear like magic!

To finish off your work, if you would like your design to shimmer, you can take a cotton ball and lightly apply Stardust chalk over your project. (Needs to be set with a workable fixative or hairspray if using Stardust)

Direct to Paper 1

For this technique you simply apply the chalk directly to the paper in any design using a cotton ball. Finish by stamping your favorite image for your card or adding pictures for your scrapbook page.

Direct to Paper 2

Using a Versamark pad and a cotton ball, dab your cotton ball on your ink pad and then on your paper. Dust the color chalk of your choice over the ink. (Dust colors work best for this technique). Repeat this process until the entire surface is covered. Then using a clean cotton ball, blend the colors together by rubbing the chalk into the paper. Stamp the image of your choice to design your card or add a picture to create your scrapbook page.

Chalk and Glue

Mix chalk with white glue (the amount will depend on the color you wish to achieve). Using different types of brushes for different effects, stipple brush the chalk/glue mixture on your paper until you create the desired effect. This technique works good for both cards and scrapbook pages.

Chalk and Water

For this technique I recommend using watercolor paper,but it is not necessary. Mix the chalk with water in a 2 oz spritzer bottle using 1/4 tsp chalk per ounce of water. If you wish to achieve a darker color, simply use more chalk. Spritz on paper as desired. Decorate your card or scrapbook page using your favorite stamps and embellishments.

Chalk and Bubbles

This technique will take you back to your childhood. Using a 3 oz or 5 oz dixie cup, mix about ½ inch of kids bubbles in the cup with about 1/4 tsp of the chalk color of your choice and blow bubbles through a straw like you did with your milk when you were a kid (and got in trouble for doing it). Allow the bubbles to flow over the side of the cup and fall on the paper freely. Let the bubbles settle on their own. This technique requires a workable fixative or hairspray to set it. Don't forget to tip your cup when blowing the bubbles so you don't get them up your nose. Wait for the design to dry completely and decorate to complement your background.