The Video That Almost Wasn’t – Soft Pastels 3 Easy Ways!

Oh friends… this week’s video featuring the Soft Pastels tutorial almost broke me. 😅

From the first take (where I forgot to flip the camera to my desk—yep, 30 minutes of me talking to the air 🙈) to the second attempt (which was going beautifully until Streamyard had a global meltdown with literally ONE minute left), it was a tangled, crafty mess. But after what felt like a full-on battle with the tech gremlins, I was finally able to rescue the video and upload it to my Crafty Klock YouTube Channel for your viewing pleasure. 🙌

Now, I won’t lie—the last 5 minutes of the video are a little jacked up (blame the meltdown, not the messenger), but there was no way I was doing take #3. Nope. Not today. I decided to cut my losses and roll with it—real life, real crafting, real messy tech drama.

But enough about that. Let’s talk about something WAY more exciting—Stampin’ Up!’s Soft Pastels!

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Raise your hand if…

You bought the Soft Pastels… and then immediately stared at them like they were tiny chalky mysteries. Same, girl, same. I’ve had them in my stash for a while, but never really took the time to figure them out. So I made it my mission to dive in, test things out, and bring you three beautiful, beginner-friendly pastel techniques that will breathe new life into your stamping stash.

Ready? Let’s do this!

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1 – Pouncing (or Popping) Pastels

This is hands down the easiest way to use your Soft Pastels—and it delivers BIG impact.

Start by stamping your image using Versamark ink. That sticky ink is usually used for heat embossing, but here it helps grab and hold onto pastel pigment. Rub your pastel stick on a scrap piece of paper to create some “dust.” Then use a sponge dauber to pick up the dust and gently pounce the dauber over the stamped image.

The result? A softly shaded image with a beautiful halo effect.

Measurements

• Mossy Meadow 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″ (21 cm x 14.8 cm scored at 10.5 cm)
• Basic White 5 1/4″ x 4″ (14.3 cm x 10 cm) for the inside & 3 3/4″ x 2″ (9.5 cm x 6 cm) for the focal image
• Secret Sea 1 piece at 5 1/4″ x 2 3/4″ (14.3 cm x 7.5 cm) & 1 piece at 4″ x 2 1/4″ (10 cm x 6.5 cm)
• Mossy Meadow DSP 5″ x 2 1/2″ (13.8 cm x 7 cm)

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2 – Watercolor with Pastels (Faux Style)

This technique gives you the watercolor look without needing fancy paints.

I stamped my image using second-generation Memento ink (yep, I was feeling wild—normally I’d use Stazon, but Memento worked just fine with a lightly damp brush). I applied pastel color directly to the image, then used a fine-tip damp brush to spread and blend the pigment.

This technique creates soft, dreamy variations in color—and it’s so fun to play with.

Measurements

• Calypso Coral 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″ (21 cm x 14.8 cm scored at 10.5 cm) & 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ (14.8 cm x 10.56 cm)
• Basic White 5 1/4″ x 4″ (14.3 cm x 10 cm) for the inside and 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ (11 cm x 11 cm) for die cut circle

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3 – Dry Wash Background

Want to create a soft, ethereal background with minimal effort? This is your technique.

Take the broad side of your pastel stick and rub it gently over the cardstock. Then use a cotton ball, brush, or paper towel to blend the pigment into a smooth background. I used the Irresistible Blooms Specialty Designer Series Paper—its UV coating resists pigment in the most magical way, revealing patterns as you blend.

It’s giving “chalkboard chic meets emboss-resist”—and I’m here for it.

Measurements

• Basic Black 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″ (21 cm x 14.8 cm scored at 10.5 cm)
• Basic White 5 1/4″ x 4″ (14.3 cm x 10 cm)
• Irresistible Designs Specialty DSP 5 1/4″ x4″ (14.3 cm x 10 cm)

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Supplies I Used

Here’s what I used to create all three cards:

Product List

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Let’s Stay Crafty Together!

If you love tips like this and want to keep your creativity flowing, be sure to:

✅ Sign up for my email list to get weekly inspiration
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Thanks for sticking with me through the pastel madness—and for always cheering me on, tech glitches and all.

Until next time… keep crafting, keep experimenting, and keep having fun!

💚 Judy

Disclaimer: The content shared here reflects my personal experiences and creative journey. The views and opinions expressed are my own and do not represent those of Stampin’ Up!®. This information is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended as medical, financial, or legal advice. Results and experiences may vary.