Sunday 5 March 2017

Roses, bunnies and Chalkola pens



It's time for our challenges at Stamping Sensations and Penny Black and More where our themes are 'Close to Nature' and 'Anything Goes'. As always there are wonderful prizes to be won at both.

It's a bit of a photo heavy post as one of my Penny Black shares was created using Chalkola pens, I was fortunate to be sent some recently and asked to try them out, so further down you can see what I created with them and my thoughts on the product.

My top Penny Black card uses some of the new stamp releases, the beautiful Rose called Red Blush and one of the sentiments from the Fairytale set. I repeat stamped the Rose onto a piece of Fabriano using Versamark black and clear emossing powder, then coloured in with Spectrum pencils and added some blue Pan Pastel shading around the blooms. After using the same ink to stamp the sentiment I matted and layered onto the base card, tied an organza bow down the side and a few pearls.


My stamping Sensation creation is one of those made for the Chocolate Baroque Spring shows on Hochanda a couple of weeks ago, no surprises that I adored working on samples for this show. For this one I created a background with Dylusions and mica spray and then stamped the Rabbit image from the Glorious Spring set and used just the top of the stamp to carry the foliage along the bottom. Next I stamped the willows from the Spring Foliage set followed by some stenciling using black paste medium. Finally I stamped the sentiment and cut into pieces and added randomly.


Now for something a little different. As mentioned above I was asked by Chalkola to try our their new chalk based pens and was sent two different sets to put through their paces. They were dispatched and speedily delivered to me via Amazon who are the companies major distributors and you will find several of the sets on their web site here.


They come in a wonderful range of bright and vibrant colours and although the advertising suggests use on non porous surfaces such as wood, glass, chalkboards etc., I was keen to know if I could apply them to my own style of crafting and use on cardstock. So I set about trying them on basic heavy cardstock coated in black gesso and also pages from the new Dylusions journals.

The card above has been made with a Dylusions 8 x 8 sheet.................yes I admit I have torn pages from the journal so my knuckles have been suitably rapped. It takes the mediums like a dream and there seemed to be no loss of vibrancy.

I started by stamping the PB image with versamark and white embossing powder. Next I set about adding some stenciling and I dabbed the liquid from the pens onto a craft sheet and used a make up sponge to lift the colour and work through the stencils. I was unsure if it would dry too quickly but it worked well and the pool of colour lasted several minutes on the craft mat before drying out.


Using the same technique I sponged some colour into the centres of the stamped image which really brought it to life. Next I applied the colour, again using the same sponge method to the sentiment stamp and again it worked well. To bring the stenciled flowers to life I used a fine paint brush and some on the white chalk pen, again dispensed onto a craft mat to outline the flowers and finally as I had some chalk liquid left I used the top of an embossing powder pot to add some circles.


Here's one of the samples I recently made for this weeks Create and Craft TV show using TL's Rare Earth stamps, not at all what I would normally select but they were fun and it's good be be dragged outside your comfort zone now and again.

I used the larger white chalk pen and applied directly to the stamps onto standard cardstock painted with black gesso, the image is not as clear as stamping with ink but works reasonably for this tryle of image I think. I then used a couple of stencils and applied the pens directly through the stencil to create the brick wall and green 'goo' for the purpose of the alien like images.

So would I recommend the pens, yes I would as they offer something very different to the crafter and I have only touched the surface of what is possible and will be playing and sharing more in due course. I particularly like the ease of use for stenciling and as something of a colour fan their vibrancy really appeals, that said there are some more subtle colours in the sets and I need to have a play with those as well. Thank you Chalkola for allowing me to play with your new products.

Below is one stamped and coloured in the conventional way and I realise now their have been aired on TV they are Ants not aliens !!


Happy weekend all and many thanks for popping in today.

52 comments:

Valerija said...

These are absoliutely gorgeous! Love them all, but my favourite is the first one, because of wonderful image and soft colours.
Have a great sunday.
Valerija xx

Wendy L said...

Wonderful cards Brenda, xxx

Sarn said...

Interesting about the Chalkola pens - thanks for sharing.

Absolutely LOVE your spring rabbit card. Gorgeous colours and lovely stamping. Also LOVE the sweet sentiment on the first card.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

your cards are, gorgeous, gorgeous, very beautiful, lovely, and fantastic. Brenda.

Gr Karin

Stamps and Paper said...

Wow Brenda such a selection of cards and all so very different....the chalk base pens sound interesting and I love how you'e used them

Anne

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Such gorgeous cards again Brenda and I especially like to first two. The delicate pink roses look beautiful and I love the sentiment. The second one is just a perfect card for Spring, I love your colour palette. Wishing you a happy day. Crafty hugs, Sandra x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow, a fabulous compilation of amazing works!! It seems that you have had some fun! :) It's great how you use your chalks and thanks for all the informations and the tips!
Love expecially your second card, that for stamping Sensation, this sentiment is one of myfavourite and the Chocolate Baroque stamps are just amazing on your background!
Hugs, have a wonderful Sunday!

Marlies said...

You have been busy maken gorgeous creations Brenda. I love the first one! Love the colour, the stamp and the sentiment! Fantastic work on your clse to nature creation for Stamping Sensations. Wow!! I don't know what to think of the ant ones because I don't like ants or any insects, but you have done a great job! hugs, Marlies

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

I love all of your cards on here Brenda, especially the Chocolate Baroque sample with it's gorgeous spring time colours. I also love the look of the Chalkola pens and will be popping onto Amazon to check them out.

Sue xx

Stamping Bubbles said...

Good morning Brenda. Wow this is an interesting collection of cards. Those Chalkola paints/pens give a really interesting finish and I like the effect on the Happy Birthday stamp. I saw the Chocolate Baroque shows (and really enjoyed them) the samples were fabulous. Your ant/alien cards made me smile, I have never seen stamps like these before.
I hope you are feeling a little better.
Take care
Lesley

Sally H said...

A gorgeous collection of cards, Brenda! I love the chalk effect of the chalkola markers. I have been struggling to come up with anything new to do with mine. Your rabbit card and your roses are stunningly beautiful.

Gertrude said...

Wunderschöne Karten, toll umgesetzt
glg Gertrude

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

Wow such varied cards, all fab , the first one is very you, and so beautiful , love the sentiment too , the chalk effect is something you , I like it and will be googling for more . jane x

Juls said...

Stunning makes!! Xxx

ALI said...

Stunning work Brenda, all completely unique. The Chalkola looks interesting.

Rainey's Craft Room said...

A stunning post today Brenda, lovely to see you creating so profusely.
Lorraine

Ellibelle said...

A great assortment of cards Brenda, all so different but each one beautifully done. The chalk-ola pens look amazing, and the ants are so much fun! You had me giggling at the aliens comparison! Too funny! Hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a good week ahead!

Chantal said...

Great cards, love the roses. Amd the Get well soon card.
Hugs, Chantal S

Crafting Queen said...

Stunning creations you have been busy.

Pat said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda all so different. I especially love the first one that rose image is just so beautiful.

Pat xx

Donna Ellis said...

Wow! Love the chalkola techniques, B! Beautifully done, and such a diverse manner of using them as well - WONDERFUL cards, and lovely designs - your sentiments are always exquisitely matched to the pretty designs. Wishing you a great day! hugs, de

Dora said...

All your cards are beautiful. You can not compare with it. All different in style. So beautiful to see.

Viv said...

Wonderful array of beautiful projects B. Good day yesterday - enjoyed it! x

Craftyfield said...

From the classic Penny Black to the more grungy Rare Earth via some CB Mixed Media... and everyone of your make superb! Thanks for testing the Chalkola for us, I love new supplies...
xx

Sarah said...

What a marvellous collection of works of art today Brenda!! LOVE the ants, (not so much in the summer when they are crawling through my french windows though!!) what an unusual but, actually cute,subject!! Great to see you xx

Glennis F said...

This looks like a very versatile product, I love all your samples

Lorraine said...

Gorgeous projects as always Brenda
Lorraine x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Beautiful cards, Brenda! My favourite is the bunny! Looks like you had lots of fun playing with your new Chalkolas!

Robin said...

These are all so beautiful! I love the "alien" ant...LOL. Your flowers are stunning and I love the new chalks! Hugs, Robin

rachel said...

lovely work as always Brenda - I feel like I haven't been over to visit for ages - I apologise - things are a bit busier around here at present - Your work is stunning xx

cuilliesocks said...

Hello Brenda, what an amazing aray of cards, Ilove, love them all. The colours and design of your is so beautiful, the wonderful chalks on the black card are brilliant, and the ants are so cute Kate x

Fikreta said...

your cards are just beautiful!
love them all!
I love to come here to your blog!
hugs

Tina Z. said...

wow, I could watch your creations all the time, they are stunning ...
hugs xx

Kathleen said...

Phew, what a collection of very different makes but all so perfect in their own way, can not fault any of them, not that I would want to.
My favourite is the rabbit one though, wouldn't want an ant doctor as I am allergic to ant bites.

Kath x

Joan said...

What a fabulous selection of cards Brenda! I love the roses on the first card and it's interesting to see how the chalk pens worked too

Joan

Unknown said...

Oh wow what a lot of awesome cards! All gorgeous and so creative!
Lucy x

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous selection of cards -great ideas on the chalk pens and love the fun ant stamps-but my favourite is definitely the first one
Carol x

Mervi said...

Fabulous cards, my fave is the beautiful new rose card. Waiting for my own stamp;-))m

Words and Pictures said...

Fabulous samples - lovely rose to start with - but I also really enjoyed your journey outside your comfort zone with the alien ants!
Alison x

Anonymous said...

these are all fantastic cards brenda! the roses are so soft and pretty and of course i love the bunny, but especially the colour combo you've used with it and the design of the CB one. also, the ants are fun!

Gerrina said...

The rosecard is so beautiful! Great coloring and a beautiful classic card with the ribbon! The 2nd is great messy-different! That chalk looks to work perfect with bold stamps and stencils, but I think I prefere PanPastel :) Hugs, Gerrina

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards Brenda! The chalk pens look awesome!

Inkypinkydelights said...

What beautiful creations Brenda! And how lovely to find a lovely comment on my Blog today. I really appreciate this as I know how difficult it is for you. You take care. Judy x

Jane Willis said...

What a gorgeous collection of cards. I've been seeing those chalk pens a lot on parenting blogs, and had been thinking of getting some for the grandchildren, but now I'm tempted to get them for myself!
Jane

Carole Pollard said...

Wow Brenda another array of perfection what wonderful designs I enjoyed reading about the new pens especially and might just take a closer look (not that I really need more pens !!) Always love your posts hope you are doing OK Take Care Love and hugs Carole x

Karen Petitt said...

These are fabulous Brenda. I will keep a look out for the pens, thank you for sharing with us. I hope you are well or rather not too ill right now sweet lady xx

Darnell said...

Your post was educational and informative and interesting and awe-inspiring with all your stunning creations! Thank you so much, Brenda, for all the time you spent putting this together to help all of us and inspire us!! Hugs, Darnell

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Love the ants B. I chuckled that you thought they were aliens, love the chalkola, oh dear new medium around eh..?.
Hugs and prayers, Shaz
X

Tracy said...

Wonderful cards Brenda, lots of inspiration to see. Cute ants too.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

pinky said...

Your cards are just gorgeous. I am amazed at the effect you achieved with the chalk pens. Never heard of them but I am totally intrigued now Brenda.

KandA said...

Stunning creations and I do love the sentiment stamps you use. You're ant cards are super fun and I can see more crafty goodies being added to wishlists across the globe xx

Greta said...

Wow--your cards are beautiful, Brenda! Those new pens are really interesting--very neat to use them through the stencils! Love the gorgeous pink roses, but have to say that second card keeps calling to me! Wonderful stamping & I adore your sentiment treatment!