Chalks are a lovely way to bring color to a stamped image. Chalks are easy to use, requiring little in the way of special equipment, however they are extremely versatile. There are many ways that chalks can be used, including dusting a color over an image using an applicator or brush, blending or layering to create new colors or painted onto an image using water and a paint brush. Their versatility combined with an accessible price means that these are an interesting addition to any rubber stamper’s work box.
What are Chalks?
Chalks are sometimes known as pastels or as decorating or coloring chalks. The compressed discs of pigment and chalk create a dusty color that is brushed onto paper to give a muted color. Most chalks available for art and craft use are non toxic and acid free. The fact that they are acid free means that the chalks are ideal for use in archival quality projects where long lasting color is important.
New innovations are being launched all the time in the rubber stamping world. New chalks are being developed and some recent launches have included shimmer or glimmer chalks that combine pigment with tiny specs of glitter.
How are Chalks Used?
Chalks are used in a variety of stamping projects. One of the main ways that chalks are used is to bring color to images that have been stamped in a single color using an outline stamp. Chalks work particularly well with black inks as this accentuates the color, however other colors such as light greys or browns will give a more muted, aged look. Chalks look good on art stamps and other stamps where gentle coloring does not detract from the beauty of the intricate stamped image.
Applying Chalks
At the most basic, chalks are applied to a rubber stamped image using an applicator. Most packs of chalks come complete with applicators, however these are very simple to replicate at home. Eye shadow brushes, cotton wool tipped swabs or small sponge tipped applicators all provide ideal substitutes.
Another way of applying chalks is using a special applicator and small cotton wool pompoms. The applicator grips the pompom allowing new, clean applicators to be used or perhaps giving a different shaped applicator head.
Even if the chalk box comes complete with more than one applicator, many people find that it is worthwhile keeping a box of cotton wool swabs to hand as this gives a ready supply of clean applicators for different colors and shades.
Take a look at How to Apply Chalks for more information about using these versatile colors
Buying Chalks
Chalks are readily available from stamping and craft stores. They are typically sold in palettes that include a number of colors. These are ideal for beginners to this technique as it allows plenty of scope for experimentation. Most palettes contain a few well-matched shades with large packs containing an extensive variety of colors.Some of the key manufactures of chalks are:
These websites offer more information about the chalks, along with tips for using them and project ideas.
Features of Chalks
Chalks provide soft colors that are great for a number of uses:- The gentle color does not require detailed application, meaning that they can be used to color a variety of images.
- Chalks are easily blended giving a wide palette of colors.
- Decorating chalks are simple to use and beginner and novice stampers can create lovely finished images using little in the way of additional equipment.
- When chalks are applied dry, it is possible to use dye inks that would otherwise run or smear.
- Chalks will need fixing with a special fixative, although normal hairspray works equally well.
- Torn edges can be accentuated with a brushing of colored chalk.
