Chalking Lesson

Chalking  Lesson 

Tools needed for this lesson:

Chalks
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Sponge applicators
White eraser

Chalks can be applied using a variety of different tools. Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages. Using a combination of these tools, depending on the project, usually brings the best results. Cotton swabs, cotton balls, eye shadow applicators, and sponge applicators can all be used to apply chalk to your page. Cotton swabs and sponge applicators will work best for detailed chalk work or small areas, while cotton balls are very good for larger areas and for blending chalks together. Another tool that is important to have available when you are chalking is a white eraser (rather than a standard pencil eraser). White erasers tend to erase more completely, leave less residue, and are much gentler on your paper. They can often be purchased in scrapbook stores along with chalks or in art and office supply stores.

Lesson:

Shading - When shading an element of your page, such as a paper piecing, die cut, or a letter in a title, always start with lighter colors and then add the darker colors. You can always add more chalk or a darker color later if you want to.

Follow the natural curves of the item you are chalking. Use small strokes to follow outlines and the natural curves of items such as the sun, a ball, or the curve of a letter.

Choose one side of your element that will be shadowed and one side that will be highlighted. Then add appropriate colors of chalk to each side. For example, on a palm tree die cut, the light will come from above the tree. Add a light green to the top of the leaves and a dark green on the bottom to create a shadowed look.Shadowing elements gives a three dimensional effect. Try layering your colors to create different shades. Using various shades of the same color of chalk will create even more dimension.

Choosing Chalk Colors – Typically, when shading or highlighting an object, you will want to choose chalks that are similar to the color of paper you are working with. To shadow an object, choose a color slightly darker than the paper. To highlight, choose a color slightly lighter than the paper. Using shades of the same color produces subtle results that mimic the shadows and highlights you see in everyday objects. Black, gray and white are also handy to darken or lighten the original color of the paper, especially when you don’t have a darker version of the color you need in your chalk palette.

When you choose the colors of chalk to use, you will also want to think about the type of object you are chalking. For instance, when chalking a sun or the flame of a candle, use a combination of yellow, orange and red chalks to create the glow of the sun and the layered colors of a flame.

Chalks can also be used to add a completely new color to your layout. If you don’t have a piece of paper in the color that you need, or want a softer look for your background or page element, add chalk to white cardstock or vellum. This will create a soft, faded look in a new color, resulting in your own special paper. Using a cotton ball, you can cover a large area of your paper. Blend colors to create one of a kind backgrounds, journaling boxes, or photo mats.

Setting the Chalk - The best way to "set" the chalk on your page is to gently lay a sheet of clean scratch paper over the top of the chalked area, and press down on the paper with your hands, without moving the paper. The scratch paper will pick up any loose chalk from the project that would otherwise rub off onto your page protector or other parts of your page. Set your project aside for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chalk time to set on the page before putting it into a page protector.