PoppyChalking for Beginners

Every one has to start somewhere... and at the beginning is always a good choice.

With any art form, there are terms and supplies that you need to have a grasp of so that you know what and when to use them properly. I'm going to throw some terminology at you so that you have a better idea of what to expect with this easy, but amazing craft.

These terms you will hear the most: chalk paste, chalk ink, screen transfer, fuzzing, squeegee.

Let's talk Chalk:

Chalk Couture's chalk paste is basically like liquid chalk (for chalkboards). The wonderful exception is that is is semi-permanent--you can fix, erase, do-over, or touch up easily on some surfaces. To erase it once it's dry, you just need some water and a bit elbow grease... or use Chalk Couture's eraser pad. The paste is used on wood, flat surfaces, and any of Chalk Couture's surfaces.

Chalk ink, on the other hand is permanent. Ink is used on fabrics, ceramics, glass, etc. and must be heat-s

et. It has the same properties of the paste, but ink is not forgiving if you make a mistake.

Whether it's ink or paste, you must stir it before each use, and check the consistency. If it's too dry, you will need to add water. Be warned that pastes and inks dry out quickly, so you want to ensure you put the cover back on right away.

Screen Transfers:

I use Chalk Couture's screen transfers 90% of the time--they are sturdy, reliable, reusable, and great quality. With proper care, you can re-use a transfer up to 12 times! Each transfer has a very fine mesh screen that helps ensure that your paste or ink goes on evenly and smoothly so you get good results every time. It has a sticky back that must be "fuzzed" (more on that next!) before each use.

The low down on the Fuzz

Fuzzing refers to a step we do before applying the transfer to the surface. Using a "fuzz

ing cloth", the transfer is carefully lain flat and removed several times. This takes away some of the stickiness, so that when we remove the transfer from our surface, it can be done more easily. If you are using smooth surfaces like paper, glass or ceramic, you will want to really make sure you fuzz a lot.

Squeegees

These come in a variety of sizes, and you would choose the size that best suits your project. They are made of flexible rubber, and are used to apply the chalk paste or ink to the transfer and surface.