Yes, I know I'm old and I also know I'm not trendy, so today's title is not about me (or you, although you're probably a lot trendier than I am). I'm talking about something that's very familiar to people my age...but has suddenly undergone a surge in popularity. I'm talking about chalkboards. They've been everywhere the past few years. Chalkboard paint has made it possible for almost any surface to become a writing surface so you see chalkboards in kitchens, in restaurants, in playrooms and bedrooms... just about anywhere in a home. Chalkboard labels for storage jars make it easy to create a set of custom canisters for any ingredients you can imagine. Check Pinterest and you'll find hundreds of chalkboards. And of course the chalkboard look has invaded the world of paper-crafting as well. In fact, the chalkboard technique is nothing new in the world of stamping. I can't believe I haven't tried it before now. See, I told you I wasn't trendy! So this past weekend, I tried the technique and I love how easy it is to achieve the look of a chalkboard sign.
Please take a look at my first effort and then I'll tell you how I made it.
I have to admit that when I was in elementary school, the chalkboards were green, not black. Green chalkboards were the latest innovation... I suppose they were supposed to be easier on the eyes. But the old-fashioned chalkboards were definitely black. You'll need a saying or some words... chalk board art is usually a sign, a quote, or some type of saying. For my card I picked the From My Heart stamp set (page 99 of the annual catalog). I stamped with Whisper White Craft Ink (page 165 of the annual catalog) and then dried the ink with my heat gun. I stamped the scallops from Tea Party at the top and bottom of the black panel and dried those as well. Then, using a white pencil I drew a border around the edge of the card and added some little flourishes of my own. I wrapped the panel with some linen thread and added a Very Vintage designer button. I adhered the black panel to a slightly larger panel of Modern Medley Designer Paper ( page 154 of the annual catalog). The card base is made from Crumb Cake card stock, which repeats the tan of the linen thread. Last, I rubbed an Embossing Buddy (page 167 of the annual catalog) over the black panel to give it a nice chalk-dusty look. I love how my first effort turned out and I can't wait to try the chalkboard technique again soon!
I hope your week is off to a happy start. Hold on for just a few more days and then the weatherman says we'll have several days of sunshine. I hope he won't change the forecast like he often does. We need a little sunshine to bring on the blossoms on the trees. Our rain-weary spirits could use a little lift as well... agree??
Thanks for stopping by today and I'll hope to see you back here on Wednesday for more stamping inspiration.
Be happy!
Susan
I think you did a fantastic job! Your card is lovely.
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