Question and Answer

Q:  I love seeing new techniques used for stamping. Can you tell me more about the
Chalkboard technique?

A:  You hit right on a very popular trend in the papercrafting world! The
Chalkboard or Faux Chalk Art technique is a fun twist on the basic resist technique. It creates
the vintage look of old chalkboards, chalkboard art, and advertising.  Here’s how you can
create the Chalkboard Technique…

Supplies: 
     Card Stock:  Basic Black (or use Garden Green or Not Quite Navy for the look of old green and blue chalkboards)
     Ink:  VersaMark, Whisper White Craft ink, ink matching the colour of your card stock
     Other:  Heat Tool, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Watercolor Pencils (White Pencil), Stamping Sponges, ruler (clear is best)

Step 1:  Rub card stock with Embossing Buddy. Stamp images with VersaMark ink. Heat emboss with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder. (Try stamps such as: Amazing Family (#129189 wood, #129192 clear) pg. 7 of Spring Catalogue or Forever with You (#126725 wood, #126727 clear) pg. 132 of Annual Catalogue.

Step 2:  Sponge edges of card stock with matching colour to create contrast. Wipe off excess ink with tissue.  Lightly sponge around embossed images and in blank areas with Whisper White Craft ink. Sponge some areas darker and some lighter to create the look of chalk dust.

Step 3:  Use a ruler or freehand draw lines through or above and below stamped images with the White Watercolor Pencil. Draw a border 1/4″ from each edge of the card stock with the White Watercolor Pencil to create a frame around the chalkboard. Remember this is all “chalk” drawing on a board so being perfectly neat isn’t necessary!

OPTIONAL:  If desired go back and shadow stamp over embossed images with Whisper White Craft ink. By stamping over, but slightly off center of the original image you create a blurred shadow effect. Allow craft ink to dry.

Step 4:  Embellish with vintage items such as bits of Doily, ribbon, Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966), Paper Doilies (#129399), Linen Thread (#104199), Baker’s Twine, buttons, or pieces from the Artisan Embellishments Kit (#129328).