Coloring embossed layouts

[Michelle in North Carolina]

I posted a reply on a thread about coloring embossed layouts, but no one
responded, so I'm posting it as a new message. I read a lot on here about
using chalks on layouts. What kind of chalk are you using? Are pastel chalks
safe or are there specific kinds made just for scrapbooks? I have a set of
pastels already but I'm not sure how safe they are to use around my pictures.
If there is a specific type of chalk, where do I find it? Does Michael's carry
it, and if they do what aisle do I look on. I didn't see it on the scrapping
aisle. I also checked with AC Moore and they're not too sure what I'm talking
about.
Michelle in North Carolina
My bio is on the website: http://rcs.esmartweb.com/

[Hannah]

Michelle...

Check the following site:
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shopping.asp

Once there, click on Misc., then chalks. You must login
to actually buy anything, but you can see pcitures of the
chalks, and even enlarge to see it better. My lss's carry
them, but not Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

Hannah in IN

[Carol]

Michelle,

Joana or someone else may have more info, but from I recall, artist's
pastels are oil-based and not acid-free. You see them shaped like crayons.
The chalks most of us use are dry and come in a palette of little squares.
Look for acid-free.

Carol in SoCal

[JC]

This looks like another great information post that should be added to the web site!  Great job Gigi!  JC

"Gigi" <gig...@home.com> wrote in message news:3AB63DBD...@home.com...

Michelle,
Most pastel chalks are oil based.  You can tell easily if the box has oil stains if it doesn't say they are oil based on the box.  Do NOT use those in your scrapbooks.  What you are looking for is water based chalks.  Another thing to look for when buying safe chalks for a pastel touch is the word "non toxic".  Most also say acid free.  In our Michael's they are with the art supplies.  Scrapbooking chalks are usually little squares (1"x1/8") either individually packaged in little plastic hinged-lid boxes or in a larger plastic box with dividers.  You will also find water-based chalks in the artist sections that are the cardboard boxed 3" long 1/2" square variety (just like your oil based pastels).  You get a few more colors and more chalk for your money buying those.  The best applicators are  sponge makeup you can buy in a beauty supply store (cheaper than the 6 or 8 you can find in Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target or the drug store).  I like the ones that have the round applicator on one end and the pointed tip on the other.  Q-tips work well also, the cheaper the better.  The 99cent store variety are great.  Less cotton helps you put the chalk right where you want it.  It's best to chalk a little on scratch paper before touching your page, die-cut or paper piecing.  Blow the excess chalk off as you go.  I like to work the chalk in in a circular motion but you will develop your own style.  Establish your "point of light".  In other words decide where your highlights and shadows are and chalk accordingly to give you a three dimensional look.  Chalk can easily be erased with a white art eraser so don't worry about starting over if you don't like the color you chose or you don't like the look.  Black is not the only color to use for shadows.. you will find that if you use a chalk slightly darker than the piece you are working on you will see some wonderful results.   You can use your fingers to blend also, but keep some wet wipes handy so you don't get chalk on the rest of your page.   Watch where your hand is when you are working so you don't smear your masterpiece.  Set your piece aside to "set" once you have completed it.  It will smear if you close your album or lay something on your die-cut right after you have chalked it.  Don't get anxious to put your page protector on right away.  I find that after a couple of hours it is fine... I don't know how that works...but after a while, it no longer smears... it's magic.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  Chalking is great fun!

--
Gigi  McDºOºugal, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Michelle in North Carolina wrote:

[Michelle in North Carolina]

Thank you for the help, that answers my question. I printed out your advice
GiGi so I could refer back to it. And Hannah, I went to the site and I'm
planning on ordering them at the end of the week. The price was more
reasonable than I thought it would be. Thank you ladies, being new to
scrapping it's wonderful having a place to go to ask questions and get them
answered by the end of the day. :)