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Using Chalks

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ElizCWhite

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Apr 11, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/11/98
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Hi! I am a new stamper and I want everyones opinion on using chalks. Do you
like them? How easy is it to control how dark or light the colors are? How do
you apply them?
Thanks,
Eliz

Sheri -- Stamp Cucamonga

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Apr 11, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/11/98
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I use a very expensive coloring tool... Q-tips! Some people say cotton
swabs don't work, but I've been chalking things for nearly 18 years with
them and have had great results. The best thing about chalks is how
easy it is to blend and shade. Best idea is to purchase a set (they run
$12-15) and have fun. I demonstrate them in my Intro to Stamping Class
and the ladies have a great time! It is very easy! BTW -- You will
need to seal your project after you're done with eaither hair spray or
artist's spray fix.

--
Sheri
Stamp Cucamonga
http://www.xentials.com
toll free 888-493-6842
Call or email for a FREE catalog of stamp & scrap supplies!

Dave & Tracey Drouillard

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Apr 11, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/11/98
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I love chalks...they work well on NON-glossy cardstocks. I apply them with
q-tips. I tried eye shadow applicators but I prefer q-tips. If you want
them darker just add more and rub on. Then to keep from smearing lightly
spray with aerosol hair spray.

Tracey
DOTS Independent Demonstrator
from Michigan

C. Lee

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Apr 13, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/13/98
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I've just recently started using chalks and absolutely love them! I use
wither Q-tips or sponge-tip eye shadow applicators. I get the ones with the
pointed tips from a Mary Kay consultant (25 for $1) They are great for
getting in small spaces that are sometimes difficult with Q-tips. I don't
spray my work with a fixative. I usually just use a clean Q-tip and lightly
rub it over the chalked area to remove any excess and haven't had a problem
with it smudging.

Carmen
D.O.T.S. Independent Demonstrator
Dave & Tracey Drouillard wrote in message
<6gp45m$d8b$1...@news2.ispnews.com>...

BC1328

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Apr 14, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/14/98
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Newbie ? What do you use chalk on? the stamp?
Any enlightenment on the subject would be apprietiated. Are their any examples
and instructions somewhere?
Thanks Brad in CT

Mary Hanson

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Apr 14, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/14/98
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What brand of chalks are some of you guys using? Not the kids' stuff,
right? I haven't seen any particular ones anywhere except the ones my
kids use on their chalkboard.
Also, I just discovered something from my Art teacher at Cal State
called Chalk Crayons. Shaped like chalk, VERY intense color, you can
erase it off to a large extent, and I think I need a set. It could be
great combined with stamping.
-Mary

John & Kinga Britschgi

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Apr 15, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/15/98
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Mary Hanson wrote in message <353449...@cruznet.net>...


>What brand of chalks are some of you guys using?

You can buy chalk sets in RS supply stores, little square things, but I've
come across two old pastel chalk sets among my husband 'childhood memory'
box, tried them and they work very well w/ q-tips.
So in short:pastel chalks, that's what we are talking about I guess.
By the way, of course you can get them in art supply stores as well, the
only difference might be the shape.
Kinga

Kathy Berger

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Apr 15, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/15/98
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I really like the pastel chalks that are in pencil form. I got them at
my local art supply store. They're a bit on the expensive side, but are
lasting FOREVER! They're very neat to use... I get far less stray color
with them than with the standard pastel chalks. They blend very well and
yet because of theire fine tip can be used very easily in tight spaces.
I do need to use a matte finish on them still, to make sure they don't
rub off. But I find them a very nice alternative to water colors.

Smiles...
Kathy

Kellie

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Apr 15, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/15/98
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I got my chalks at a ceramic supply store. They were the exact same
thing they sell in RS stores, but about 2/3 the price. Anyway, I use
them on designs that I have either just stamped the outlines, or
embossed the outlines. They blend really nice and give a softer look.

Kellie

Evolvnimgs

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Apr 19, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/19/98
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Evo's answer to chalks... :}>

Chalks! I love the effects you can get with soft chalks combined with
rubber stamping. You can use the "decorating chalks" - anyone
who has ever done ceramics and used the chalks in that art form will
be familiar with these - or those traditionally known as "pastels" in the
art world. Some chalks are harder and more brittle than others, and
some contain more oil than others. For the best effects... look for the
softest, most oil-free.

Children's chalks can be used, but you'll find that the colors aren't as
vivid in these as in the more professional products.

Try this before you stamp! Take a small soft cloth, wrap it around your
"pointer" finger, and start blending different colors on to your paper.
You may want to start with yellow in the center, then work out with
different colors to the edges of the unstamped card. You can blend the
edges of the colors or leave the colors clearly separated. You can rub
in circles, horizontally, vertically (or try both for a plaid look) or take a
helter-skelter-willy-nilly-do-what-you-feel-like-doing-'cause-it-feels-good
approach. There are no rules here! You, my friend, are the artist.

Now you're ready to stamp! Stamp as usual, emboss or not. It's your
choice. Wow! Your card will look as if you hand-colored your stamping.
If you like what you see and feel your creation is finished and wonderful,
stop here. If not, then you may want to "lift" out some color here and
there with an eraser for highlights! Or, add some color here and there
for accents. To add color, you can use the chalks and apply with small
cosmetic sponges such as those used for eye shadow. Colored
pencils and markers also work beautifully over the chalks. Anything you
would normally do to the card can be done over the chalks.

The chalks work best on papers that have a little tooth to them, not
glossy or super smooth. You can rub layer upon layer of color until you
reach the desired intensity. The more layers, the deeper the color. Try
blending colors to create new colors! Red over yellow creates orange.
Blue over yellow creates green. Experiment and have fun! Surprise
yourself with different combinations of color over color.

More fun ideas:

Create a sun ray effect or horizon line by using the straight edge of
paper as a stencil. Rub the chalk directly onto this paper, then sweep
the color onto your card with your soft cloth. Repeat until you get the
intensity you want. The result is a perfect line of color which softly fades
away. Very effective done multiple times for sun rays. And don't forget
your eraser magic here, too! Try "lifting" rays of lighter color by lightly
pulling your eraser up and out in ray patterns.

Create an aura of color around a stamped image. Stamp your image
on your card and also on a separate sheet of paper. Cut out the 2nd
image like a paperdoll for a mask, place over the image on your card.
Apply the chalk directly to the mask...and sweep color outwards over
the card.. Lift the mask, and enjoy the effect you've created!

Fill in areas with color by cutting a reverse mask. This is good, for
example, for a fish bowl that you want to fill with color. Stamp the fish
bowl on your card and on a separate sheet of paper. Cut out the interior
of the bowl on your 2nd image and use the outside paper as a mask.
Place over your stamped image on the card so that you see only the
interior of the bowl. Again, apply chalk around the edges of your mask
and sweep the chalk from the mask toward the center of the bowl.

Your work can be protected by using a spray fixative as is used on fine
drawings. Both Krylon and Grumbacher fixatives come to mind, and there
are probably others. Many use hairspray. Also, as with many types of
color, the chalks are very sensitive to direct sunlight. The colors will fade
if exposed to sunlight. They seem to last forever, otherwise, and your
creations can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Ellen Gordon (Evo)

Evolving Images e...@pobox.come
Need info on HALOS? EvoTemplates? EvoStorage?
Rubber Dies? Paper Specials? Life? Well, 5 out of 6
ain't bad... Give me a yell and it's yours. :}>
http://www.evolving-images.com (Visit our chat room,
and invite your stamping friends!)


terrie

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Apr 19, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/19/98
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A HUGE thank you to Evo for the most informative instruction I have ever
seen...thank you...
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