This is a simple way to create stunning backgrounds for a variety of rubber stamping projects. Chalk dust is added to water and the paper is dipped in and removed. As the paper dries swirls and patterns of chalk are left on the paper. Each pattern is unique and variations are easy to achieve. Any odds and ends of paper can be decorated using this technique and turned into attractive embellishments.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Quick
Here's How:
- Gather materials together and prepare work surface. This technique produces a lot of wet paper that needs drying so ensure that there is plenty of room available.
- Fill a container with water. The container needs to be large enough for the paper to be dipped into. Scrape shavings of chalk into the water using a craft knife. Dip the paper into the water and remove it carefully. The wet chalk shavings will create swirls and patterns on the paper. The chalk shavings will eventually sink to the bottom, therefore add new shavings as required.
- Experiment with different chalks and patterns. Try swirling the water around before dipping the paper. Another interesting effect can be achieved by shaving the chalk directly onto wet paper. Speckles of chalk pigment will appear on the page.
Tips:
- Papers of different absorbencies will produce varying effects. This presents lots of opportunity for experimentation!
- The finished project may need fixing with a fixative to stop it smudging. (hair spray will also work)
- The chalk swirls are not waterproof and will run if the paper gets wet.
What You Need:
- Paper or cardstock (paper without glossy or shiny finishes)
- Decorating chalks
- Container for water
- Craft knife for scraping chalks
