Using liquid chalk
Sometimes the littlest things make me happy. Here’s one example: my mini colander full of ColorBox cat eye stamp pads! Some are inks, and some are fluid chalks. Know how to tell the difference immediately? The inks are in black, and the chalks are in white.
I use both, depending on what color I want. The main difference is that the chalks go on looking more like, well, CHALK. The chalk is less wet, so it dries faster, and when you slide the pad across the edge of your paper, it gives a smudged look rather than a streaked look.
The most-often used liquid chalk technique on my layouts is the smudged mat technique. It’s so simple that it seems silly to give instructions on how to do it, but since most scrappers are visual learners, here goes.
After I matted these photos on the pink paper, it seemed blah. The color was perfect, but it didn’t speak to me at all. I decided what it needed was a bit of red - maybe even a double mat. But rather than double matting with paper, you can double mat with liquid chalk or ink! It’s faster and a lot cheaper.
There are two ways to mat the edge with ink: the way demonstrated here leaves a blurry-edged even line. Simply take your pad and run it down the edge of your paper.
To achieve a more smudged look, work from the outside of the paper and “push” the ink pad towards the photo. Be as messy as you want. I often go back and add smudges and streaks. I almost ALWAYS add extra smudges to the corners.
Consider using the same ink/liquid chalk to stamp your title, bringing visual balance to the layout.
And here’s the final layout. Fast to put together, colorful to look at, and plenty of room for journaling!
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:21 pm
I can’t wait to use my liquid chalks….one of our lovely slobs from Salado gave us each some to try out as a goody!
November 22nd, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Oh great … now I need to find these. Thanks for the demo - I might have eventually bought them but not know how to use them. You’re such an enabler!!!
Need to add this to my Santa list.
Thanks, Stacy
Sue
November 22nd, 2006 at 5:03 pm
One of my favourite techniques! Just need some more cat’s eyes….
November 26th, 2006 at 5:40 pm
Great example. Inking edges is one of my favorite techniques…haven’t used chalk much but I should.
A friend from scrapshare sent me your way…loves your blog!
January 8th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I love using the chalk. I’ll have to try the ink too. I hadn’t thought to use them as ink pads for stamping. Silly me!