Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Trend Watch...Edge Painting


*photo courtesy of smock

Rumor has it that one of the hottest trends in wedding invitation design is edge painting. As shown in the photograph above, the edge of the invitation is painted in a color that coordinates or complements. I'm sure you will agree that it's simply stunning. But as you can imagine, this luxury comes at a price. Which is why I'd love to share with you a 'budget' solution. You'll achieve the same look at a fraction of the price.

Several years ago, when time seemed more in supply and less in demand, I spent hours designing creative and imaginative hand-made cards. It was my creative outlet when the kids were taking a nap or down for the night.

One of the mediums I often used in my designs was chalk. I used it mostly for shading because it was easy to use and added that perfect extra-something. So, when I heard about the latest trend hitting the invitation world, I immediately thought about the luscious chalk I once used. And knew how perfectly it could 'paint' the edge of any invitation for under $20.


*photo courtesy of Impress Ruber Stamps

I did a little searching and found this amazing set of pearlescent chalk at a shop in Seattle that I frequently purchased from. The colors have come a long way since I last used chalk. And there were no fancy applicators back then either. Just good old-fashion Q-tips! This set sells for a mere $17.25 and will give you just what you need to add that high-end touch!

Happy Edge Painting!

~Jodi

3 comments:

mimi said...

just what i was looking for: a way to paint the edges myself for cheap. any suggestions to avoid bleeding onto the front/back? also is the color fairly saturated do you know?

thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mimi!

Chalk is so easy to control that I do not think you'll have any 'bleeding' trouble. I would recommend using this technique on thick paper, though. If the paper is too thin, you are going to have trouble controlling the color. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to your saturation question because I just don't know.

Happy Edge Chalking!

Greet Design said...

Doesn't the chalk rub off? Have you ever used watered down acrylic? If so, what do you apply it with?