Sculpey®’s vast selection of polymer clay products comes in an array of beautiful colors. But what if you want to experiment with different color combinations, create unique effects such as swirls and textures or even just make something unique? That’s where using blending chalk pastels can come in handy for your next polymer clay project.
What Are Blending Chalks?
Blending chalks, also known as chalk pastels or soft pastels, are chalks specifically designed to blend onto various surfaces, including polymer clay. Because they cling onto surfaces easily, they can be applied with a brush, sponge or cotton swab.
Once a piece is sealed, the color will remain steadfast. Because the chalks tend to be rich in pigment, they are easily blendable, and you can build up the amount of color.
How to Use Blending Chalks With Polymer Clay
Because blending chalks can be quickly and easily applied to polymer clay surfaces, there are several ways to use them.
Soft-Haired Brush
Place a blending chalk color onto a small soft-haired brush and apply the hue to the polymer clay the same way you would with paint. This technique is perfect for providing a slight wash of color to your clay.
Sponge-Tip
Using a sponge-tip applicator to dab blending chalks onto polymer clay is an ideal technique to provide a soft focus and gentle wash of color.
Cotton Swab
A cotton swab is a perfect tool for creating circles of color on polymer clay. To apply, place the tip of a cotton swab directly into the blended chalk. Using a gentle motion, lightly “dot” the polymer clay surface until you achieve your desired color.
Blending Chalk Best Practices
Blending chalks can achieve numerous different effects. The process of chalk application is easy with some essential tips. Follow these best practices to achieve the best results for using blending chalks on polymer clay:
1. Applying Chalks
Apply your chosen blending chalk color to your finger, a soft-haired brush, sponge-tip or cotton swab. Reapply the chalk until you’ve achieved the desired hue intensity. Use an art eraser to easily remove stray marks.
2. Shading Colors
Are you shading colors on polymer clay? Always begin with the lightest color, moving from light to dark. Blend the edges of each color directly over another to achieve a blending effect transition.
3. Finishing Your Project
Once you’ve achieved the desired color on your polymer clay, use a spray fixative to keep the blended chalk from smearing. A fixative will also deepen the colors and add a glossy sheen.
Add Blending Chalk to Your Next Polymer Clay Project
Interested in adding blending chalk to your next polymer clay project? View our wide array of polymer clay products today!
