Hello there! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was nice and quiet with lots of yummy food. Just the way I like it.
You're probably all out and about rounding up the best Black Friday deals, but if by chance that's not your thing (like me) and you're at home, with the day off of work and heading to your craft room (like me) -- I have some inspiration for you today!
It's no secret...I've been a fan of the whole chalkboard trend for the last couple of years. I did some posts about it a few years back. The whole chalkboard trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere just yet...in fact, it seems to be growing. If you're a Pinterest fan (ok, that's a no-brainer....) then you've probably stumbled across at least a few of the amazing chalkboard art pieces out there. I love all things typographical, so I am enamored with the likes of these...
...and while the above are computer generated, check out this woman's work...all hand done and amazing.
I could never dream of being able to create something like this by hand, but hey...I always have my stamps, right? Papertrey's designers have done such an amazing job with fonts and sentiments that I was sure I could dig out some of my favorite stamps and put them to use in creating my own stamped version of the trendy chalkboard art. Here is the result...and after I show you a few cards, I'll show you step-by-step how I created this look including some tips I learned along the way for getting a pretty darned realistic look!
All supplies are from Papertrey Ink (unless noted) and complete clickable supply lists for each card can be found at the end of this post.
First off is a birthday card. I incorporated lots of different sets into this card...some sentiments from Movers and Shakers, the new banner from Stitched Sentiments and one of the new Sentiment Signs images. This is the card that I will walk you through from start to finish!
Once I had the panel completely finished, I decided it didn't need a whole lot of embellishing...just a few buttons, a paper clip and a bit of washi tape.
Next up is a holiday card. I'm thinking this might be the thing that pushes me over into creating my own holiday cards this year...I know, I'm lame and usually send out photo cards. Maybe I actually need to make them this year! I'm pondering a way to incorporate this look into some sort of photo card.
The main sentiment is from Stylish Sentiments: Holiday, the flourishes are from Holiday Photo Finishers and the little banner behind the word "cheer" is from Fabulous Frames.
And my third card today is a little love note...it would be perfect for Valentine's day, or any other day. I positioned my sentiment towards the bottom this time, which gave a little more room for embellishing the top. I added a cute heart garland using patterned papers from Basic Grey's new True Love collection (coming to stores soon!)
The "love you" sentiment is from Say it With Style and the "every single day" is from Movers and Shakers.
So how about a little step-by-step of the process I used to create all three cards? I started by gathering some supplies that I knew would be the basics for creating this look...True Black cardstock (at first I thought Smokey Shadow, but trust me and stick with black..everything shows up clearer and brighter!), Fresh Snow ink, white embossing powder and a white colored pencil.
1. Start with a piece of plain black cardstock. An embossing buddy will be your best friend here. You can get one HERE, or you can make your own by sewing a small fabric pouch filled with cornstarch. It will keep the little specks of embossing powder from sticking where you don't want them.
2. Start building your sentiment, stamping with versamark and coating with white embossing powder.
3. Keep building your design. I like to sprinkle the powder as I go (easier to see than the versamark alone) and hit the whole thing with the heat gun when I'm finished.
4. Once you have the design the way you like it, heat it with a heat gun.
5. Now start adding details with Fresh Snow ink. Here I added the banner from Stitched Sentiments. I decided while working on this technique that shading is the key to creating a realistic chalk look -- the embossing provides a bright, crisp white, and the stamping with white ink provides a lighter, softer shade.
6. Go back and stamp all of the sentiments again, this time with white ink. Shift the design slightly so that you create a "shadow" effect. This really helps make it look more realistic!
7. Add hand-drawn lines with a white pencil. This step could be optional, depending on how you want your finished project to look. I did this on all three of my cards...it just adds to the hand-drawn effect. Make sure to stop and start lines so that you don't draw over any of your stamping.
This photo just shows my panel after I was finished drawing lines with my white pencil
8. Next, we need to add some chalk "dust". Take a paper towel, or sponge, whichever you prefer, and blend some Fresh Snow ink onto the background -- around the sentiments, in the corners, however much or little your heart desires. Just be careful not to smudge the stamping you did with white ink -- it's pigment ink and takes awhile to dry -- you might want to hit it with a heat gun before doing this step.
9. You can stop there, or you can add some more hand-drawn details with the white pencil or even colored pencils. Here I took a pink pencil and added some lines around some of the sentiments, etc. You can do this or skip this -- totally up to you and how you want your project to look!
And that's it! So much fun..I want to make more!
I hope you enjoyed today's post and I hope you're having a fabulous holiday weekend. All the best to you and yours....
The complete supply lists for each card are listed below -- just click on the thumbnails to take you directly to the products.
Edited to add: P.S. For those of you who have been wanting a Big Shot, I just stumbled across this amazing deal -- today only (Friday 11/23) -- Half Off the Big Shot at Scrapbook.com! Just use code BSDFR3 at checkout!
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What a fun look! Can't wait to give this a try!
Posted by: wendyp81 | November 23, 2012 at 05:17 AM
Simply brilliant! What a fantastic effect - we'll be seeing this all over the web before you know it!
Posted by: Tracey | November 23, 2012 at 06:14 AM
I'm always amazed by your creativity! Love the chalkboard idea - perfect also for the Teacher's Day :-)
Posted by: Maja / Oliwiaen | November 23, 2012 at 06:17 AM
I love this and have been wanting to create this look for my Christmas cards this year (with a picture). I do have a question. I don't like to use my white pigment ink because it doesn't come off of my stamps. Do you have the same problem? Any tips?
Posted by: Ericka S | November 23, 2012 at 06:41 AM
Beyond BRILLIANT! Love them all and I want to try it!
Posted by: Jill Norwood | November 23, 2012 at 06:49 AM
Absolutely great, love this idea and so like the real thing. Look forward to giving this a try.
Posted by: Jean | November 23, 2012 at 06:54 AM
OMG!! Betsy, you never ever cease to amaze me with your creations. Thanks for breaking this into steps for us. I'll start looking in my stash to make something like this. You'r a genius!!
Posted by: JOAN | November 23, 2012 at 07:03 AM
I love this!!! What a great idea and such a good use of all your stamps!
Posted by: Amanda Profumo | November 23, 2012 at 07:11 AM
Betsy you are so creative. Sometimes when I initially look at a photo I think "that's too complicated for me to try" but you outline the steps so clearly that I believe I can. Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Karen Rose | November 23, 2012 at 07:15 AM
Thanks for the tips. I love your cards a lot !
Posted by: NatQuébec | November 23, 2012 at 07:16 AM
So glad you gave us a 'how to'. Can't wait to try it. Thank you!
Posted by: Nancy Penir | November 23, 2012 at 07:32 AM
Betsy,
You are just plain awesomeness! These cards are SO cool and actually seem fairly easy to duplicate! Thank you so much for your creative insight!
I constantly use your wonderful projects as a source of inspiration! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Posted by: Donelle | November 23, 2012 at 07:45 AM
Wow. Wow. Wow. These are amazing, Betsy! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Posted by: Leigh Penner | November 23, 2012 at 07:56 AM
I am always amazed with the stuff you come up with! This is the best ever!
Posted by: Leigh Ann Baird | November 23, 2012 at 08:05 AM
This is amazing! Love your cards and this technique is super !
Posted by: Melissa Ladd | November 23, 2012 at 08:08 AM
Wow oh WOW!!!!! Love it! Do you think it would look the same if you did the chalkboard dust smudging of white ink before stamping?
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | November 23, 2012 at 08:09 AM
Gosh, I adore this! What a great technique! TFS!
Posted by: Jinny Newlin | November 23, 2012 at 08:36 AM
I always love your cards. This one is amazingly looking just like it's done on a real Chalkboard. Thanks for the easy to follow directions and I plan on trying it out probably right after the first of the new year. (if I can wait that long)LOL
Posted by: Pat Gasko | November 23, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Amazing! You always blow me away with your creativity.
Posted by: Stacy Simpson | November 23, 2012 at 08:51 AM
These cards are unbelievable! When I first saw the message on my little e-mail preview, I couldn't tell which were the cards and which were the inspiration pics. LOL! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Jocelyn Olson | November 23, 2012 at 08:56 AM
Fabulous. Can't wait to get home to try this one. Thanks Betsy.
Posted by: Rhonda H | November 23, 2012 at 08:57 AM
SUPER JOB Betsy!!!!!!!!!! :) THANKS for showing us!!!!!! It DOES look like a SUPER TECHNIQUE!!!!!!!!! :) I LOOOOOOOVE ALL of your cards!!!!!!!!!! :)
Posted by: Becky Green | November 23, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Betsy, you're amazing, but I think I've told you that before! Love this--great job!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | November 23, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Betsy, you are a STINKIN' GENIUS!! Thanks so much for the step by step - so easy to follow along!
Posted by: Pam W. | November 23, 2012 at 09:10 AM
You continue to amaze me with your great ideas! Lovely cards! I love that chalk look and you really captured it with your technique.
Posted by: lmcburney | November 23, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Stunning projects!
Posted by: Laura Bassen | November 23, 2012 at 09:23 AM
Brilliant Betsy, love all your samples and your directions were so clear to understand.
Posted by: Tracey McNeely | November 23, 2012 at 09:57 AM
What a great look. Looking forward to trying this with a combo of the sentiments I have.
Posted by: Carolyne Aarsen | November 23, 2012 at 10:52 AM
This is wonderful - what a clever idea and fantastic tutorial! Thanks for all the inspiration.
Posted by: Alice Golden | November 23, 2012 at 11:16 AM
WOW!!!! LOVE it such a brilliant idea...wil for sure try it!
Thanks so much Betsy!
Posted by: Holly Saveur | November 23, 2012 at 11:20 AM
incredible! LOVE this technique!
Posted by: ~amy~ | November 23, 2012 at 11:27 AM
That's so cool Betsy! Thanks for sharing this idea with us. I'd like to do this on a home decor item I think :)
Posted by: Ruth Allmart | November 23, 2012 at 11:36 AM
This is definitely a wow technique! Love your step by step directions.
Posted by: D'Ann | November 23, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Love the look, love your samples and your tutorial is perfect! Thanks so much!
Amy
Posted by: amy rohl | November 23, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Finally, someone who can teach us how to get this effect! I've been wondering for the longest time, how to achieve "the look" of the chalkboard. Thanks so much for helping us all out!I absolutely love all your work, Betsy!
Posted by: Cindy Gratton | November 23, 2012 at 01:22 PM
Seriously! You NEVER cease to amaze me! Fabuloussssssss!
Posted by: Tonya Dirk | November 23, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Betsy...this is such a great look! Thanks for sharing the wonderful step by step!
Posted by: kathy/NorthCarolina | November 23, 2012 at 03:23 PM
WOW!WOW!WOW! Betsy, you have gone and done it again - PURE BRILLIANCE - thank you :)
Posted by: janet wilson | November 23, 2012 at 06:09 PM
My jaw just DROPPED. this looks amazing! I am loving the chalkboard trend right now as well, but never thought to incorporate it into my cards... I love this idea, and you did SUCH an amazing job of it. I wish I had even the teeniest bit of your ingenuity.
Posted by: Meredith | November 23, 2012 at 06:49 PM
Wonderful projects - love the chalkboard look!
Posted by: Maureen Chandler | November 23, 2012 at 07:01 PM
Heaven = Betsy Veldman + fonts + sentiments! Nuff said!
Posted by: Marcie Rhys | November 23, 2012 at 07:30 PM
What a wicked good tutorial! Pinned it!
Posted by: Rebecca Ednie | November 23, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Looks like a fun technique to try. TFS, Betsy :)
Posted by: Helen F. | November 23, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Girl, you blow me away! This is incredible!
Posted by: Sarah Martina | November 23, 2012 at 08:37 PM
Amazing and yes I totally love the details. Thanks so much for sharing Betsy!
Posted by: Phillane | November 23, 2012 at 09:55 PM
oh, Betsy! I love this! THank you! That sweet valentine one is going to inspire my dh's Valentine card :)
Posted by: Maureen | November 24, 2012 at 10:56 AM
That is such a cool technique. What a great way to use ALL those sentiment stamps. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Julie kingsley | November 24, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Genius! I must have been living under a rock, had never seen this before. Outstanding and very inspirational. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Posted by: Patty J | November 24, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Really handsome projects... love the combination of techniques... thank you so much for the step-by-step description. Happy handmade holidays!
Posted by: Carol Wilson | November 24, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Love your cards, they're beautiful! Thanks for sharing the technique, can't wait to give this a try!
Posted by: Tracey | November 24, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Great tutorial, will have to give it a try!
Posted by: Bee | November 24, 2012 at 01:55 PM
Fabulous tips- love your cards. I'll have to try this!
Posted by: Victoria h | November 25, 2012 at 02:29 AM
WOW ~ just stunning, Betsy! Thanks for all the great tips should I ever get brave enough to attempt this technique. Your cards are beautiful as always!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | November 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM
I love these cards! you are so creative :)
Posted by: J. Anderson | November 25, 2012 at 11:42 AM
So awesome, Betsy! I've love the look of chalkboards for a while too. Our Christmas card will definitely incorporate this classic trend. Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Anthonette | November 25, 2012 at 02:45 PM
WOW!! They are so cute and teens will love this look. Thank you so much for the tutorial!!
Posted by: Misa Miya | November 25, 2012 at 10:00 PM
So so cool!
Posted by: Michelle Price | November 25, 2012 at 10:54 PM
These cards are amazing!! Thanks for sharing your process! xo Evie
Posted by: Artful Scrapbooking | November 26, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Thanks for sharing Betsy! Your cards are always stunning, but this technique is something I've never seen! Love it!
Posted by: Alyssa Clawson | November 27, 2012 at 08:08 AM
Absolutely amazing, Betsy! What a fantastic technique! Thanks so much for sharing! They really do look just like chalkboards - so cool.
Posted by: Kalyn K | November 27, 2012 at 12:11 PM
This should SO be a MIM by the way!!!
Posted by: Alyssa Clawson | November 27, 2012 at 02:11 PM
Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and DARLING card samples! You inspired me to give this a try... http://stamphappy-tammy.blogspot.com/2012/11/joy-on-chalkboard.html
Posted by: Tammy Hershberger | November 30, 2012 at 05:49 AM
I had to come by and say THANK YOU for sharing this... I created one card using this technique (http://delightfulwaste.blogspot.ca/2012/11/festive-friday-joy-love-peace.html - if you even care to look!), and it was SO MUCH FUN.
I have learned SO much from you, I can't even tell you how grateful I am that you share all your tricks!!!
Posted by: Meredith | December 01, 2012 at 01:04 AM
I've had this idea in my head for awhile but wasn't entirely sure how to execute it. Thank you SO much for the step-by-step - this is one thing I will definitely be trying!!
Posted by: Meghan | December 02, 2012 at 08:10 PM
Awesome tutorial!! I never thought to go back and stamp a shadow! brilliant! Thank you :)
Posted by: Debbie Carriere | December 06, 2012 at 08:36 AM
it is so genius I am speechless
Posted by: wida | December 09, 2012 at 09:51 PM
Love your cards, love PaperTrey products - what a joy it is to purchase PaperTrey - Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Pat Cirrincione | December 10, 2012 at 01:08 PM
Thanks so much for this fabulous step by step tutorial. I will be using this soon and will be sure to link back to your post. :)
Posted by: Heather Jensen | December 12, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Thought you'd like to see the tag I made inspired by your tutorial! Thanks again!!!
Thought you'd like to see the tag I made inspired by your tutorial! Thanks again!!!
http://thepaperie.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/holiday-tag-blast-day-3/
Posted by: Driventoink | December 17, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Love this technique, sure I will try !
Thanks for sharing !
Posted by: Carole | December 31, 2012 at 11:48 AM
fabulous tutorial! can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Stacey Schafer | January 01, 2013 at 10:11 PM
WOW what a neat tutorial, can't wait to use it I loved the Ocean Blue card, is the stamp a PTI stamp you used for the side frame? Thank you for sharing your idea's with us. Mary Marr
Posted by: Mary Marr | January 02, 2013 at 09:34 AM
Beautiful cards. This is a great technique. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
Posted by: JoAnn B. | January 05, 2013 at 08:52 AM
Love your cards and thanks so much for the tutorial!
Posted by: Kathryne | January 10, 2013 at 12:38 AM
awesome tutorial....I just tried this technique for the first time today....love it!! The card that I made today used this technique and I directed people back to your blog so they could check it out. Thanks!!
http://www.cardspaperandscrapbooks.com/cards/deconstructed-sketch-84-chalkboard-technique/
Posted by: dj | January 11, 2013 at 10:47 AM
BRILLIANT! well done! keep up the good work
Posted by: betty-ann manghi | January 12, 2013 at 11:11 PM
Love it! Thanks for the tutorial, have to give this technique a try. If it turns out okay, I'll post it on my blog with a link back here. Now I have to go look around at what other goodies you have here.
Have a lovely day, Babs
Posted by: Babs | January 23, 2013 at 09:36 AM
Thanks for this fantastic tutorial! I'm gonna try it today. :)
Posted by: annheidel | January 25, 2013 at 08:06 AM
Thank you! I ended up smudging more than spreading but first try, I'm ok with that. LOL! http://jensunchartedterritory.blogspot.com/2013/02/chalkboard-valentine.html
Posted by: jengd | February 07, 2013 at 10:59 AM
I saw a wonderful pad of chalkboard cardstock at ACM this week --- now I know why I noticed it! I'll have to pick it up and try this!!
Posted by: LCJinRoslyn PA | March 30, 2013 at 03:59 PM