How to Use Chalk in Paper Crafts

Chalk can add dimension to your scrapbooking or other paper craft projects. It adds soft color and can be used to create shading. Chalk for paper crafting comes in small square palettes rather than sticks. With small foam applicator brushes, you can apply chalk to your projects with ease.

Instructions

1. Apply the chalk using either a cotton swab or an eye shadow-type brush. Fingertips will do, but be aware that oils from your fingers will get on your project.

2. Check that your chalk is acid-free. Artist's chalk is different from paper-crafting chalk. Acid-free is especially important if you're using chalk in a scrapbook near precious photographs.

3. Use brass embossing stencils or other stencils to color in the image with chalk. Or stamp an image and color in the details using chalk.

4. Create shading and definition by using various chalk colors and playing with the thickness of your application. You can also give definition by layering colors. Using darker colors on top of lighter colors can create interest.

5. Make chalk borders around images by rubbing chalk along the outside edge of stencils or cut-out paper shapes.

6. Seal your chalk by shaking off the excess, and then spraying it with a sealant. Another option is to place clean paper over the chalking and press down with your fingers while keeping the paper steady. This will blot the chalk and give it more stability.

7. Fix mistakes by using an artist's eraser. Those thick white-plastic erasers can easily remove chalk. Other erasers just make things worse and smear the chalk or damage the project.