Chalking Your Stamped Image

Chalking is a great way to color stamped images. Chalks are easy to use and you get to feel a little like an artist!

About chalks

I have two sets: One standard 24-color set, and another Glimmer Set. Shimmer Pearlescent and Jewel Pearlescent are also available. They’re not expensive, and a chalk set will last you ages. Even if the chalks get broken, they’re still good.

Applying chalk

Most chalk sets include sponge applicators. I like to use inexpensive cotton swabs so I can use a new applicator for every color. Opt for the store brand—the cheapest cotton swabs work the best! Pebbles chalk sets come with a handled gripper tool and tiny pom poms for application; the pom poms are also available separately.

Of course, you can also apply the chalk with your finger—probably the easiest method around!

Chalk, by nature, has a very soft look—even the darkest colors in your palette will turn delicate on your paper. You can apply it by sweeping it onto your paper, or using a circular motion. It works best on porous papers, like patterned paper or cardstock; you can use it on glossy paper but the color will be very, very faint.

Blending colors

You can blend chalk colors on your paper or on the applicator itself. To blend color on the paper, apply one chalk color to the paper, then another color over the top of the first.

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.

Subtle and multiple colors can be achieved, using two or three colors together, such as red and orange, orange and yellow, or red, orange, and yellow.

Shading

Use an applicator to rub the chalk around the edges of a stamped image and any areas that would normally be in shadow. For a different look, shade the center instead, leaving the outer edges without chalk.

Highlighting

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.

Whoops?

If you happen to make a mistake, an artist’s white plastic eraser will remove any excess chalk without leaving any marks, and will also clean up any stray chalk marks or mistakes. A refillable Chalk Eraser also works. Chalk may also be added again after erasing. Pencil erasers will not give the same results—and they might leave a dark smudge and also contain some oil.