Eclectic Ellapu Challenge #15 - Special Anniversary

Hello Crafters!

The Purple Team is on again with a great challenge for you. This time 'round we are doing "Special Anniversaries". This was perfect for me since two of my sisters will be having special anniversaries this year. For once, I'll be ahead of the game. That is, unless I forget to put them in the mail, lol!

 I wanted to do something a little different so I looked through my stash for some background papers that I created a while back. This is a really easy technique and a great way to use up old chalks. You could even use sidewalk chalk although you might have to add more for a little more color as sidewalk chalks tend to be pretty pastel. Great for Easter though. So, here's my card.

Please, don't let the length of my post scare you away. This really is an easy technique - I can just be a little wordy at times (ya think???) You will want a 1/4 sheet of white card stock to start (this size handles well). You will also need a pan of cold water - about 1" will do. Don't use hot water as you do not want the chalk to dissolve too qucikly. Basically you scrape chalk on top of the water - you'll need a reasonable amount. You can use up to three colors, more than that will make the colors too muddy. At least 2/3 -3/4 of the surface of the water should be covered in chalk. Now, you can use glossy card stock for more vibrant colors or you can use regular card stock like I did here for a more flat finish. You can also choose to leave the chalk where it lies or move it around with a toothpick to add swirls. Don't over work the chalk though or a muddy background will be the result. The darker your chalk, the more sheets you will get out of it. Lay your sheet on top of the water - don't sink it. Make sure your edges touch the water. Remove quickly and set aside to dry. You should be able to get two sheets out of the lighter colors. You will also get more using the glossy card stock since the color doesn't soak in like it does with regular card stock. The sheets will get lighter as you use up the chalk laying on the water. Once you've gotten about all the color you can, add more chalk (I would recommend using the same colors if you don't empty the pan) and repeat the process. The hardest part is waiting for it do dry. It's better if you don't speed up this process. The card stock will curl a bit as it dries but you can, once it's dry, lay a heavy book on it for a day to flatten it out. This technique has been done on water mixed with clear gelatin and another similar technique is done with shaving creme and refill inks. I'm sure you will find lots of videos on YouTube if you do a search.

On my card above, I did not swirl the colors; I like the "splotchy" look. I took my new background paper and freehand cut a curved edge so the Basic Black card stock (SU) would show through at the bottom of the card. The paper doily is layered on top and wrapped around to the inside to add some interest. The scallop frame and flower were also from my stash. I think I got them at Scrapfest a couple of years ago. I stamped "Happy" (SU) on Basic Black card stock with white Color Box ink then went over it with a white gel pen and added the faux stitching around the edges. I punched a 2-1/2" circle (SU) from Basic Black card stock, layered under the pink frame and added "20th" with Color Box ink and the gel pen as before. I added black and clear bling dots to dress up the frame a bit and attached the flower with a glue dot. Last I added the "anniversary" with Color Box and white gel pen. I will add a 1/4 sheet of white card stock on the inside when the time comes to add a sentiment or write my own words.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my special technique to go with our special Anniversaries theme this week. Be sure you stop over and check out the rest of the Eclectic's DT inspirations, you will not be disappointed and I hope you will also want to play along.

Happy Crafting!
 
I entered these challenges:
Fussy & Fancy-Circles 1/25-2/6 
 Glitter and Sparkle-Love 2/3-2/7
Hiding In My Craftroom-Red 2/2-2/9
613 Avenue C-Love/Anything Goes 2/3-2/9 
 Incy Wincy Designs-Love 2/4-2/10
Bearly Mine-Anything Goes 2/5-2/11 
Card Makin' Mamas-In the Mood for Love 2/1-2/14
 Challenges 4 Everybody-Anything Goes 2/3-2/15
 Lexi's Creations-Valentine/Love 2/4-2/15
 Creative Creations-It Must Be Love 2/4-2/17
Pin and Tack-Spark Your Creativity Now 2/1-2/28