You know the old saying – “it’s like nails on a chalkboard”? Well, stamps on a chalkboard are not annoying at all – and stamps on paper that look like a chalkboard are down right adorable!
The Chalkboard Technique has been growing in popularity over the past couple of months. While I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon right away, I have to admit that I really, really like it. It can be used for ANY event and can incorporate almost ANY stamp you have. Today, I’m going to share three chalkboard cards with you – that’s right, three! Each is simple and easy (and they all have similar layouts), but they show how you can get a different look by just switching up the paper.
Almost all of the cards I’ve seen with Chalkboard Technique feature a black chalkboard. When I was growing up, the chalkboards were green. I also remember that some teachers had a brown chalkboard. To pay homage to ALL chalkboards, I made three. Here they are:
On Basic Black:
On Soft Suede:
On Always Artichoke:
I love them all for very different reasons, and they are really fun to make. Haven’t made one? Here are the steps to making a Chalkboard of your own:
- Using White Embossing Powder, emboss an image on a piece of card stock. The sketchier (I don’t think that’s a word, but I think you know where I’m going with it), the better, but almost anything works. I used VersaMark to stamp the image, but you could also use the White Craft Ink – you’ll have it out for the next step, anyway.
- Once the embossing is dry, dab a little White Craft Ink onto a stampin’ sponge and swipe it across the paper front a couple of times. This is your chalk dust (cough, cough, gag), so make sure you don’t apply it too densely.
- I’ve seen this done on a lot of chalkboard cards, and I like the look of it – instead of constructing a brown frame for the chalkboard, frame the central piece with white lines drawn with a white Watercolor Pencil.
I wanted my chalkboard to be the central focus of each card, so I only added a white border and then mounted each on card stock that’s just a shade lighter than the board. Keep the rest of the card simple so that your artwork can take center stage.
Black Chalkboard Stamp sets: Great Sport, You Rule Papers: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White Accessories: VersaMark, White Embossing Powder Brown Chalkboard Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Loving Thoughts Papers: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White Accessories: VersaMark, White Embossing Powder Green Chalkboard Stamp sets: From the Heart Papers: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Whisper White Accessories: VersaMark, White Embossing Powder
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
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Good morning! I love Chalkboard Art! It’s extremely big in the world of Home Decor, I appreciate your tip on using the sponge for the “chalk dusting” I was taught to use my finger and a paper towel and never liked the outcome. I’ll give this sponge a try!
Neat-o…. I haven`t warmed up to Calkboard yet…but,this looks interesting …I like the sponge tip also. I think the reason I haven`t gone ga ga over this new look is because it reminds me of some of my botched white on black embossing attempts way back when …. this has nudged me to give it a try .
Brian, this cards are fabulous!! I haven’t tried the chalkboard technique but it looks really amazing. I need to give this a try. Hmmmmm, maybe a video tutorial?? some time?? soon??
Have a Blessed Easter with your family.
I’m so glad you created a green ” chalkboard”. I love the chalkboard look but sometimes the black is a bit harsh. Now I know that Always Artichoke is the perfect green chalkboard!
Love the technique! Love the green chalkboard even more, the kind I used!
You are absolutely right about the popularity of the chalkboard technique being the craze as of late. I have yet to try this technique and it’s about time that I do so this weekend! I love each one of your chalkboard cards! Well done! I think you deserve an A+!!! 🙂
I have also been hesitant to try, but your tutorial makes it sound easy peasy! I think I like the green waaaay better than the black and you are the first one I’ve seen use the green. Go Brian!!
Love the look. You’re sending me to my happy space (my craft space) again, to try yet another idea.
I’ve not tried the chalkboard technique either.
Perhaps it’s because I can still feel the chalk residue on my hands or under my contact lenses! I was an elementary teacher for a few years. 🙂 Love how you showed us three different chalkboard colors, Brian. Much appreciated! 😉
Very cute! I have not tried the chalkboard technique either but your tutorial makes it sound so easy. I might have to try it this afternoon.
I love the chalkboard technique, too, but was surprised at how many peeps that i teach didn’t care for it. It’s okay though – that won’t stop me from creating. I love how it looks on Elegant Eggplant!
Interesting concept Brian. I had not heard of it before. I have to step out of my comfort box to try this technique but it certainly looks interesting.
The Lovely as a Tree card is gorgeous. I haven’t tried it yet, either, even though it looks easy-peasy! TFS!
Glad I am not the only one who recalls green and the rare, brown chalk board! Great cards. Thanks.
I’ve never seen a brown chalkboard; but I LOVE it!!! Soft Suede was a perfect choice!! Thanks for giving us choices and showing us we to let the simple technique be the showcase, rather than dies, embellishments, etc. COOL is the only word that comes to mind (and that’s a huge compliment in our house!!).
Love the chalkboard effect,but I have tried it.I didn’t want to smudge it and mess it up! lol
Ah yes…. The green chalkboard….always forgotten in the chalkboard card craze… You made the green board feel happy today! 🙂
I have seen the chalkboard cards, but you are the first to explain how to do it. THank you for sharing! I always learn something new to CASE. 🙂 Happy Easter to you!
Love these cards…I may CASE one for my nephew’s card. BUT, I am confused about the stamp sets on the first one. I found “You Rule” but not “Good Sport”…at least not one that matches the card. Is it a from a different company?
Oops! My mistake. Great Sport (not Good Sport)is a little-used set from the 2012-2103 catalog (p. 66). I’ll edit the post this evening to reflect the correct set.
The “Dare to Dream” card takes my breath away. Just beautiful. You are SO talented!
Brian, I often stop in for some inspiration and these chalkboards really caught my eye. I used your ideas to inspire my post in today’s CAS challenge on SplitCoast. You should join us on Mondays with your fabulous CAS creations.
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