Types of Chalk Holders

Posted on: July 5, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

A chalk holder pen is used to extend the life of chalk and prevent breakage. The most common are metal chalk holders and plastic chalk holders. They work by providing a case for the chalk to fit into which allows you to control the amount of chalk that is exposed. They work very similar to a mechanical pencil. The benefits of a chalk pen is that it not only protects the chalk, but it also helps to keep your hands clean as you use it. Chalk holder pens can be used with traditional sized school chalk or larger sizes such a sidewalk chalk.

Types of Chalk Holders

1. Metal Chalk Holders:

This particular model features a mechanical system to release the chalk, much like a mechanical pencil would. This would be considered a premium chalk pen. If you are interested in purchasing this chalk holder, please click here.

This is another type of metal chalk holder:

This chalk holder has a chrome design, has a push button to store and release the chalk, and holds a standard size chalk. You can purchase it here.

This attractive holder is plated to prevent rusting and firmly holds the chalk in place to prevent breakage. To purchase, visit this page.

2. Plastic Chalk Holders

If you prefer another material, you may consider a plastic chalk holder:

These pens hold standard size chalk. You can purchase them here.

Dustless Chalk Holder How it Works — Works by releasing button

This pen has a cap to help protect the chalk as well. You can purchase it here.

3. Chalk Holders for Sidewalk Chalk:

Holders for sidewalk chalk are almost always made of plastic. Here are some examples:

sidewalk chalk holder — Sidewalk Chalk with Plastic Holder

sidewalk chalk holder for kids — Walkie Chalk Sidewalk Chalk Holder Wand

To find out more details or to purchase, click here for the Melissa & Dough chalk holder, here for the Alex toys sidewalk chalk with holders, and here for the Walkie Chalk sidewalk chalk holder wand. (For an in-depth review of Walkie Chalk, please read our post Walkie Chalk – Stand Up and Draw!)

Of course, there are other types of holders that would be more fun, particularly for kids. To find out more information on these chalk holders, please visit our article Sidewalk Chalk Holders for Kids. To learn more about sidewalk chalk, our article Fun With Colored Chalk has great information. If you are looking for pool cue chalk, please visit our article What is the Chalk for in Pool. We trust this information has been useful to you. If you have any questions or comments, please visit our Contact page.

How to Use Chalk Pastels

Posted on: July 3, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Because of their versatility and ease of use, chalk pastels have become a popular choice for many artists. Mistakes can also be removed easily which is also a great plus. Below we outline some suggestions for working with pastels. For details about the different types of chalk pastels, visit our article Chalk Pastels.

Materials:

•Paper or canvas
•Easel
•Hard chalk pastels, Soft chalk pastels, and/or pencil pastels
•Blending tool such a cotton ball or swab, soft cloth, etc.
•Fixative Spray

How to Use Chalk Pastels

1. Select the right paper for your project. The art will be affected by the color and texture used. Fabrian paper is commonly used and it comes in a variety of colors. Other types of papers include velour for soft effects, sanded paper for details and textured paper to give a ribbed look. To purchase Fabriano paper visit this page. To purchase Velour paper, visit this page.

2. Place the paper on the easel. Using an easel will diminish the amount of chalk dust that remain on the paper. To provide cushion, you can place several papers behind your piece. The easel shown above comes with a drawer to store supplies. You can find out more about about is by visiting this page.

3. To create broad strokes, hold the pastel chalk broadside between your thumb and index finger.

4. For thin lines, use either a pencil pastel or a sharpened hard pastel chalk while holding the chalk at an angle.

5. To create lighter tones, hold the chalk with less pressure.

6. To create darker tones, apply more pressure while drawing.

7. To blend two adjacent strokes of color, use your finger to produce a burnished look. Remember to clean your fingers often to avoid undesirable effects.

8. To create brushing effects, use blending tools such as cotton swabs, soft dry paint brushes, or tissues.

9. Finally, after the piece is completed, be sure to use a spray fixative to hold the color in place. A common spray to use is hair spray. Be sure to spray evenly. The painting will appear darker after this process, but it should dry out within a couple of hours.

What Chalk to Use for Hair Chalking

Posted on: June 30, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

What type of chalk is best to use for hair chalking? Although several types of chalk are used to color hair with chalk, the most recommended type is a non-oil-based pastel. A normal chalk pastel found in any arts and craft store would work, but the process of applying this type of chalk to hair and making it last can be challenging. However there are several ready-made hair chalk products that will eliminate the hassle that using traditional pastel chalks can be. They are very reasonable in price and are made to be easy to apply. Below, we feature five top hair chalk products that will give you a great look and are very affordable.

Types of Chalk for Hair Chalking

These hair chalk products are highly rated and easily applied. You can click on the photos for more information or to purchase.

Magic Beauty Hair Chalk
This product is unique in that it works on both dry or wet hair. It will wash out after one shampoo without staining or discoloration. At the time of this writing, the 6 pack is selling for $10.99 USD and the 24 pack is $13.99 USD on sale. You can find out more by visiting this page.
Kisspat® Professional Hair Chalk
This hair chalk set comes with 24 unique colors and is uses salon-grade hair chalk. It comes with an instructional booklet and large sticks. It is selling for $15.01 USD at the time of this writing. Visit this page for more information or to purchase.
Ultimate Pink Ombre Hair Dye Set
This hair chalk set comes with 12 vibrant colors that work both with dark hair and light hair. It includes gloves and a cape. It currently sells for $18.70 plus $4.50 for shipping. You can find out more here.
Hot Huez Hair Chalk Set
This product is very popular right now because of it’s ease of application. It comes with four colors: neon green, fiery fuchsia, hot pink, and electric blue. At only $7.80 USD with free shipping, its the least expensive product on this list. Visit this page for more information or to buy.
Splat Hair Chalk This list would not be complete without including Splat Hair Chalk. This product can be used with dry hair and includes a sponge applicator. It is one of the easiest to apply. It comes in a variety of shades as listed here. At the time of this writing, this 2 pack is selling for $12.63 with free shipping. For this particular shade (Sun Kissed) please visit this page.

Conclusion

When figuring out what chalk to use for hair chalking, the best thing to do is to determine what color you would like to use, the type of hair (curly, straight, etc.) it will be used on, the color of the hair, and how easy it is to apply. The products listed here are just a few of the many hair chalks available. For an even greater variety, be sure to visit this page. Thank you for visiting our site. If you have any questions or comments, please visit our contact page.

What is the Chalk for in Pool?

Posted on: June 27, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Most of us that are not familiar with pool may ask “what is that blue square for that people use when playing pool?” The truth is that this blue chalky substance is very important to playing pool, and professionals as well as amateurs will pay up to $30.00 USD for a single one of these squares. In this post, we will explain what pool chalk is, what it is for, and several of the top quality brands of pool chalk.

What Does Chalk Do in Pool?

It turns out that the blue square of chalk has a significant role when it comes to a game of pool, or billiards as it is also called. The blue substance that is compressed into a small square is actual chalk. The proper name for this particular type is “pool cue chalk.” Now, I know you may be asking yourself “why is it called cue chalk?” Well, the term “cue” means “pool stick,” also referred to as “cue stick.” With this in mind, the next question most likely is, “So why do you chalk a pool cue?”

The purpose for putting chalk on the pool stick is to coat the end of it so that the player can hit the ball correctly. Without pool chalk, the cue will hit the ball in an awkward manner, causing it not to go to its intended target.

Pool cue chalk comes in a variety of colors such as red, orange, yellow and as well as many others. The different colors provide consumers with the option of choosing a color that best matches the color of their pool table. When the chalk closely resembles the felt color of the pool table, the chalk residue (if any) will blend with the color of the billiard table. The main idea of choosing a color chalk to match the table is to maintain a clean table appearance. After you decide what color chalk you want to use, the next step as with any product, is one of the most difficult – choosing a brand.

The Best Pool Chalk Brands

There are several quality brands of pool cue chalk. Below, we feature four popular brands to choose from when it comes to selecting pool chalk. For more information on each pool chalk and to purchase, please click on the photos and titles on each listing. For current prices, scroll over each photo. If you are using and ad blocker on your browser, it may interfere with the price pop-up, so you may need to temporarily disable it.

1.Master Chalk

what is chalk for in pool — Master Billiard Chalk

2. Silver Cup Chalk

what does chalk do in pool — Silver Cup Pool Chalk

3. Kamui Chalk

4. Predator Chalk

what is the chalk for in pool — Predator Pool Cue Chalk

The main differences between these chalks are that some have fewer color options than the others, some are finer (leaving little or no residue), and others are applied to the cue in a smoother way thereby offering an even coating.

This video illustrates some of the main differences between Master, Predator and Kamui pool cue chalks and which one to choose depending on your style of play:

Why Do You Chalk A Pool Cue

Both for professionals and amateur consumers, choosing the best brand of chalk is extremely important. Your chosen brand of chalk may possibly cause a big loss or a big win and here’s why. The chalk squares in pool are “…used to coat pool cue sticks to prevent miscues.”¹ A miscue is “…a shot in which the player fails to strike the ball.”²

The average consumer is likely to enter a billiard store and ask for the least expensive pool cue chalk. This, however, is not how professionals do it. Whether you are a professional billiard player or an “average Joe” player, the type pool chalk you choose is very important. It really comes down to the phrase, “you get what you pay for.” Therefore, when making a decision to purchase pool chalk, be sure to choose one that will help you reach your goals in the sport.

References:

¹Pool Cue Chalk. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from https://www.pooldawg.com/category/pool-cue-chalk?dir=asc

²Google. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant

Sidewalk Chalk Holders for Kids

Posted on: June 20, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Sidewalk chalk holders for kids make it easy for little ones to have fun with chalk and at the same time keep the chalk from breaking. Here at AllThingsChalk.com, we realize how important it is for kids to experience the outdoors and release their creativity. Below, we feature several high quality chalk holders that have been highly rated by parents.

Six Sidewalk Chalk Holders for Kids

All descriptions and prices are accurate as of the time of this writing. You can click on the photos or follow the links in the descriptions for more information or to purchase. Prices are accurate as of the time of this writing.

1. Marvel’s Avengers Sidewalk Jumbo Set

This sidewalk chalk holder set features the 5 Avengers characters with 5 chalk holders and five jumbo sidewalk chalk sticks. It is listed at $12.77 with free shipping for Amazon Prime Members. For more details or to purchase, click here.

2. Disney Frozen Sidewalk Chalk with Holder

This chalk holder set features the popular Frozen colors from the animated movie. The caption on the chalk holder reads “Celebrate Summer.” It is listed at $5.49. Click here for more information or to buy.

3. Melissa and Doug My First Sidewalk Chalk Set

This sidewalk chalk holder is perfect for younger toddlers with its easy to hold design. It comes with four chalk holder pens and four matching chalks. It is listed on Amazon.com for $4.99 as an “add on” item with free shipping. An “add on” item can be purchased at the reduced price with a minimum $25 purchase. Click here to buy and for more details.

4. Walkie Chalk

This innovative sidewalk chalk holder for kids is one of the most unique chalk holders on the market. The Walkie Chalk extends between 2 and 3 feet and works with both round and square sidewalk chalk. It’s perfect for both kids and adults and is listed for $14.99. I comes in light green as pictured above or in teal. Click here to purchase in green and here to purchase in teal.

5. Alex Toys 20 Sidewalk Chalks with Holders
If you are looking for a larger amount of sidewalk chalk that includes holders, then this set definitely is worth a look. It includes 20 sidewalk chalks and two chalk holders. Priced at $9.39, it is very reasonable for the amount of chalk sticks included. For more details or to purchase, please click here.

6. Crayola Sidewalk Chalk Rake

This fun sidewalk chalk holder for kids includes five sidewalk chalk sticks that fit into a rake. This unique chalk toy works with round sidewalk chalk sticks. It’s listed for $13.41 with free shipping for Amazon Prime Members. Click here to buy.

Conclusion

Drawing with sidewalk chalk can provide hours of fun without breaking the bank. In this post, we featured five sidewalk chalk holders for kids that include both chalk holders and chalk. For even more styles, please visit this page.

Thank you for visiting our site! If you have any questions or comments, be sure to write us at our contact page.

Walkie Chalk-Stand Up and Draw!

Posted on: June 18, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Here at AllThingsChalk.com, we are always on the lookout for new and creative chalk products, and we want to share with you Walkie Chalk™. What is Walkie Chalk? It is a brand-new sidewalk chalk holder that is on the market and it’s about to go nation-wide in the next few months. Walkie Chalk takes the idea of a sidewalk chalk holder to a whole new level by adding tubes to a chalk holder, thereby allowing kids and adults to play with chalk without having to bend down.

We had our kids try out Walkie Chalk, and they loved it! Here’s our hands-on review.

How Does it Work?

By using a patented foam technology, Walkie Chalk works with both round and square sidewalk chalks. There are two extension tubes included that make Walkie Chalk 36 inches long. These tubes can be put together and taken apart quickly. There is also an opening to easily remove old chalk and insert the new one. Our testers were 6 and 4 years old. My wife figured out how to use it without reading the instructions, and in less than 30 seconds, she had put together Walkie Chalk. My kids were eager to try it out.

My son wanted to make a Hopscotch grid and easily drew out the game. The fact that he could stand to draw made it easier for him to create even lines and squares. He could draw it so much faster using Walkie Chalk, and “fast” is the way my son likes to do things. Later, he decided to hold the Walkie Chalk behind him as he ran around making a trail wherever he went. That trail soon became a road that he followed riding his bike. Another appeal for him was that Walkie Chalk made a great imaginary light saber, although I don’t think it was meant for that!

My daughter loves arts and crafts and never gets tired of chalk. She was thrilled to use Walkie Chalk, and drew her signature picture of a “Happy Sun.” One thing we always have to contend with during our hot summers is the super hot pavement. My daughter who wants to be wearing a skirt or princess dress at all times has to protect her legs on the pavement. Not a problem with Walkie Chalk!!

My wife helps my kids with their school work, and thinks of creative and fun ways to engage them in learning. One way she is able to use Walkie Chalk is when the kids practice writing their letters. The kids have fun with it, and she appreciates that she doesn’t have to squat or sit on the ground to teach them. With that thought, I wish my wife would’ve had this product during her pregnancies! Bending down and getting up was always difficult, and the kids would often want her to draw chalk pictures with them.

Walkie Chalk is made to fit the large sized chalk sticks, and we found this to be true. I will add, however, that we had a box of Alex multi-colored sidewalk chalk, and at first the chalk kept slipping out of the foam opening. As I was trying to figure out the problem, I noticed that the Alex chalk we had was actually a contoured chalk, and I never noticed it. One side was regular thickness, and the other side was thinner – I guess to imitate a pencil or crayon. Once we turned it around to the thick side it worked perfectly, and we haven’t had a problem since. I thought I should note that in this review since I was surprised that I never noticed a difference in the Alex chalk sticks compared to others we’ve had.

Packaging

The packaging was very professionally done, and the quality was great. It was easy to open and included 2 chalk sticks. We tested the lime green walkie chalk, but there is also a tropical teal color as well. Walkie Chalk was larger than we expected, which is perfect for what it’s built to do. It can be put together in just a few seconds.

Where to Buy Walkie Chalk

Walkie Chalk is $14.95, and you can buy the green Walkie Chalk by clicking here and the teal here. Also, be sure to “Like” Walkie Chalk on Facebook or follow Walkie Chalk on Twitter @WalkieChalk.

Window Chalk – Buy or Make At Home?

Posted on: June 12, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Window chalk is a non-permanent material that you can wash off that can be used to decorating glass, whether at home, on a vehicle. However, glass chalk is not made of chalk, as traditional chalk is, but rather, it’s a liquid substance that is safe on windows. It can be easily washed off with soap and water.They are really window markers. Below, we discuss store bought versus home made window chalk.

Where to Buy Window Chalk

Glass chalk markers are sold by craft stores, retailers such as Walmart, and online stores like Amazon.com. Typically, a single color window marker runs anywhere from $3 to $8 USD or up to $25 for a set. Here are some examples:

This window marker will work well in any car or home window. You can purchase it here.

If you are looking for a combination of colors, this set is a great option:

For more information on this set, please visit this page. This type of marker also works well in other surfaces such as whiteboards and mirrors.

Keep in mind that some of these ready-made markers are designed to work on glass only. They may not be suitable for other surfaces such as car paint. Please check the descriptions before purchasing.

How to Make Window Chalk

Perhaps you are looking for a unique color not offered by ready-made markers. The solution is to make your own window chalk. Here are two methods of making your own chalk:

Method 1:

Materials

Clear dishwashing liquid
Tempera Paints
Paper cups or other disposable container
Popsicle sticks

Steps:

Pour diswashing liquid into cups. You will need cups for each color you are making.
Add proper amount of tempura paint. Ratio of paint to dishwhasing liquid should be 1:2
Mix the dishwashing liquid and paint with the popsicle stick

Keep in Mind:

Use different brushes for each color
Clean off window glass with a wet paper towel or cloth
Avoid wooden surfaces such as window sills

Method 2:

Materials

Disposable cups or containers
Sidewalk Chalk
Mallet, hammer or mortar and pestle
Dish soap without additives or bleach
Popsicle sticks or plastic spoons for stirring
Optional: tempura paint or food coloring for added colors

Steps:

With a cup or container for each color, grind the sidewalk chalk with the mortar and pestle. (You can also grid the chalk in a plastic bag withe a hammer or mallet). Another option is to use white chalk and add coloring.
Place the ground chalk in each paper cup per color and add dish soap. Ration is 1:2. (For example, if you have 1/2 cup of chalk, add 1 cup of dish soap). For more colors, add tempera paint or food coloring.
Stir the mixture with the popsicle stick or plastic spoon until the consistency is smooth. It should be the same as regular paint. For a thinner more transparent paint, add more detergent. For a thicker more opaque paint, reduce the amount of soap.

Keep in Mind:

Use different brushes for each color
Clean off window or glass with a wet paper towel or cloth
Avoid wooden surfaces such as window sills

Which one is better?

So which one is better? It all depends on whether you want to spend the money on a ready-made glass chalk or if you want to spend the time creating your own. If you have kids, you may want to make it a project that you can all do together. If you are in a hurry and want to surprise someone, the marker is probably your best option. Either way, window chalk is a fun way to celebrate any occasion.

Types of Chalkboards

Posted on: June 1, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Chalkboards come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Depending on their material, they can be used with chalk, markers, or both. Below are some types of chalkboards that are very good quality. You can click on the photo for more details or to purchase.

Mini Chalkboards

1. 8 1/2 in. X 11 in. frame mini chalkboard

2. Decorative Small Chalkboard, Chalkboard Sign (10.5 in X 6.5 in)

Small Hanging Chalkboard — Decorative Mini Chalkboard

Kitchen Chalkboards

These can be hung or attached to the wall. Others are “peel and stick,” which means that they are easy to clean and can be put on a variety of surfaces. They are also referred to as chalkboard signs:

Adhesive Peel and Stick Chalboard — Peel and Stick Chalkboard Set, 9 in X 12 in per rectangle

For more options and styles, please visit this page.

Kids Chalkboards

Much variety here from briefcase-size to traditional easel size, as well a shaped chalk stickers:

Plastic Chalkboard:

kIds chalkboard, kids chalk board, kids chalkboards — Kids Chalkboard and Magnetic Board Combo with Letters

Wooden Kids Chalkboards

Kids chalboard, kids easel — Kids Blackboard and Easel Combo

Kids chalkboard, kids chalk board — Combo Easel and Chalkboard for Kids

small kids chalk board, small kids chalboards — Small Kids Chalkboard

Chalkboard Stickers

Kids chalkboard sticker, kids chalk board — Butterfly Chalkboard Sticker

kids chalk board, chalkboards for kids, sticker chalkboard — Car Chalkboard Sticker

Desk With Chalkboard

For more options, please visit this page.

Large Chalkboards

Chalkboards, Chalk board, chalkboards, chalboard — 3 ft X 4 ft with Metal Frame

Other sizes for this model are 2 X 3 ft and 4 X 6 ft. It has a metal frame. To find out more information or to purchase, visit this page.

chalkboard, chalkboards, chalk board, chalk boards — Blackboard with Oak Frame, 3 ft X 4 ft

This blackboard also comes in 2 ft X 3 ft. You can visit this page for details.

chalkboards, chalkboard, chalkboard with stand — 4 ft X 6 ft with Stand

Specialty Chalkboards

magnetic chalkboard, chalkboards, — This board is 3 ft X 2 ft and has a wooden frame

These are just a few examples of the types and sizes available. To find even more options, visit this page.

Chalk Labels

Posted on: May 31, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Chalk labels are fun and classy way to organize and label anything from jars to containers. Below, we discuss the types of chalk labels available and some quality labels you can purchase online. We also recommend a very good liquid chalk marker.

Types of Chalk Labels

Chalk labels come in two main varieties. There are those that look like chalkboard, but are made vinyl and use a marker instead of chalk. The other kind of chalk label is the one that actually has a chalkboard surface where you can write with regular chalk or an erasable chalk marker. They come in a variety of sizes as well.

Features:

Variety pack includes 22 fancy rectangle in 4 sizes (4) 3.5″ x 2.25″ (4) 2.5″ x 1.6″ (8) 2″ x 1.25″ (6) 1.75″ x 1.1″
Can use regular chalk or chalkboard markers. Cam be wiped clean using a damp cloth.
Easy to use! Organize home, office or classroom!

You can visit this page to purchase.

These labels are larger and reusable. They are best used with chalk markers. You can purchase here. Here are other features:

Non-toxic
No-mess re-positioning. Peel and re-place.
For parties, canisters, jars and many other uses!

For more information or to purchase, visit this page.

large chalk labels, chalk labels — Extra Large Chalk Labels

Features:

Set of Six 5″ x 2″ Rectangle Chalkboard Sticker Labels. Extra-large size!
These large labels can be cut down to any desirable size.
Easy to use.
Can use regular chalk or chalkboard markers (chalk ink). Cam be wiped clean using a damp cloth.
Organize your classroom, attic, home, closets, storage, or office!

Visit this page to find our more or to purchase.

As far as chalk markers, these are a great buy:

chalk markers, chalk labels — Chalk Markers

Features:

Two High Contrast White Color Markers – One 5mm Tip (Bold) & One 3mm Tip (Fine)
Non-toxic and Water Based
Wipes Off With Damp Cloth
Can be used with any non-porous surface

For more information, visit this page.

Whether it’s for the kitchen or to organize a home or office, chalk labels are easy to use and very stylish.

Types of Gymnastics Chalk

Posted on: May 25, 2019 by: Cito Miranda

Gymnastics chalk is used to absorb moisture (sweat) and to improve grip. In gymnastics, athletes use chalk not on their hands, and also on their legs for certain events. This article will explain the purpose of chalk in gymnastics, explain the types of chalk available for this use and provide links to where to purchase online.

Purpose

Gymnasts and athletes use chalk to absorb sweat and improve the grip. In gymnastics, chalk is used for the pummel horse, ring and bars, and on the high bar and uneven parallel bars. Chalk us used on the legs when competing on the high and uneven parallel bars.

Types of Gymnastics Chalk

Chalk for gymnastics is made up of a naturally occurring white mineral called magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Magnesium carbonate is different from the material used in sidewalk chalk or blackboard chalk. It is not like baby powder either. Although baby power absorbs moisture, it decreases friction so it weakens the grip.

Gymnastics chalk is manufactured in three forms: as a liquid, as a block similar to a bar of soap, and as powder. To find out more information or to purchase, please click on the photos or on the highlighted words below.

chalk gymnastics, gym chalk — Liquid gymnastics chalk

Liquid chalk becomes solid once it’s applied and is legal in all forms of competition.

chalk gymnastics, — Gymnastic chalk block

Block gymnastics chalk breaks up into powder once it’s applied.

Powdered chalk is the messiest, but there are solutions like this chalk sack:

chalk gymnastics, gymnastics chalk — Chalk ball with powdered chalk

gymnastics chalk powder, powdered chalk gymnastics — Gymnastics Chalk Powder

This powdered chalk can be purchased here.

Use in Other Sports

Other sports that require the athlete to have good grip also use magnesium carbonate. These sports include rock climbing, power lifting, Olympic lifting, strongman lifting, and field sports such as discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw, and shut put. In fact, any sport where grip is important can benefit from chalk.

All Things Chalk

Your Online Resource for All Things Chalk!

Articles by Cito Miranda

Types of Chalk Holders