scraperboard/scratchboard

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Do you love scraperboard?

Scraperboard is a wonderful medium to create very unique and stunning pictures. The original scraperboard is made from cardboard coated in white china clay with a thin layer of black indian ink on the top. The indian ink can be scraped away to reveal the white beneath.

There are all different kinds of scraperboards available and also soo many different ways of using the medium. I hope that this lense gives you the inspiration and enough basic knowledge to get you started on a wonderful creative journey...Happy Scraperboarding ^__^ 

Scraperfoil portrait

This is a portrait I did of myself holding my son when he was a baby. I did this in scraperfoil (which is black and silver as aposed to black and white)Scraperboard/foil is not the usual choice for portraits, especially of children but it can done and I was pleased with the finished result of this one.

You may prefer to start with an easier subject eg. a flower, or If you do not want to just dive straight into engraving, you can use carbon paper to lightly trace the design onto the surface of the board from a sketch. Or you can of cause buy boards with a design pre-printed onto the board for you to scrape away.

artists at work

Scratchboard video Part 2
by MrSmithsART | video info

4 ratings | 5,159 views
curated content from YouTube

Children's scraperboard pictures

gallery
Check out... and be inspired by these great kids pictures!

Scraperboard pre-printed kits

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What it is...

all about scraperboard
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Books that show you how

if you need help getting started, inspiration or some exta insite into how diferent effects can be acheived with this challenging but very rewarding medium. Then here are the books to show you how.

They also make great gifts for artists of all levels.
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Swan

Swan
Swan has been engraved onto plain black scraperboard. I used a photograph as a reference to work from. I sketched the swan onto paper first and transfered the basic outline shape to the board using carbon paper, before carefully scraping away the highlights and working detail into the piece with an engraving tool.

It is available to buy as a print, cards, or on many different gift items including jig-saws magnets and mugs etc. You can also send it as an e-card for free!

TOP TIPS!

Scraperboard does absorb grease from your hands. A tissue or soft cloth to rest your hand on will prevent this.

You can buy white scraperboard to. This is for you you paint the on the design, usually with indian ink. The details are then engraved into the ink as normal.

Try using different scraping tools to get different effects. Lino cutting tools, needles etc are all useful.

Colour can be added to your designs where the black ink has been scraped away and further detail can be scraped into the coloured areas.

Experimant, experiment experiment. This is the key to great pictures!
  • Pastel pencil can be used to draw designs directly onto your board (and wiped off with a soft cloth) but graphite pencil permanently marks the surface and can not be wiped/rubbed off

Scraperboard on ebay now!

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GOT QUESTIONS?

Scratchboard forum
Come and chat to other scraperboarders. Ask all the questions you like and show off your pictures to.

You can also email me by clicking on the CONTACT ME link on the top right of this page... or ask a question in the guest book!

Packs of Scraperboard

These are blanc so that you can get really creative!

This is the scraperboard which is be most creative. You use your own designs!
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Two great books which will inspire and teach you to create really fantastic pictures

Wow these books are by the masters of scraperboard. Read look and learn.
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items printed with designs by scraperboard artists

If you are already in love with the look of scraperboard art, whether you do create your own pictures or not, then here are designs that will interest you.

Sunset Framed Tile

Price: $12.59 Buy Now

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Guest book!

Come and sign my guest book...let me know what you think of this lens...ask a question...tell of your top scraper board tips...or just Hi ^__^

  • africanpaintingsgallery Jul 1, 2009 @ 2:28 am | delete
    Hi little Liz. Thank you for your great help and information that is helping many. What do you use to scrape the scraperboard and if you use different materials to do so, e.g, a needle, piece of metal, small piece of wood [like a toothpick], what kinds of different effects do you get? What is the best thing to use?
  • littleliz May 19, 2009 @ 12:50 am | in reply to Bexx | delete
    Thank you!
  • Bexx Apr 27, 2009 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    wow that picture of u and your baby is amazing
  • littleliz Dec 23, 2008 @ 2:43 am | in reply to pecalo | delete
    That is wonderful! I do hope that you regain your love of scraperboard and enjoy many happy hours creating pictures! I am so pleased that you have found what you were looking for here on this page ^__^ Happy Scraperboarding!
  • pecalo Jun 10, 2008 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    I carved a tree with many branches and leaves and several birds resting on it in 1967 when I was in High School. I took Art for one semester and Religion for the second half. We did several different mediums but scrapboarding was my favorite. From time to time I have searched for the materials and tools I would need to do this art again. Today I saw a craft called Engraving Art which was similar but not the same. So I decided to take the words engraving art and pair them with India Ink in key words and see what I would come up with and here Iam. I am so thrilled. Can't wait to get some supplies and start carving again.
  • G@ttoGiallo Nov 24, 2007 @ 8:39 am | delete
    Incredible Elisabeth. You really and happily go straight through your interests !
    (Wow, I'm a Leo too)
  • floatinglemons Oct 24, 2007 @ 9:50 pm | delete
    Great information littleliz, thank you!
  • littleliz Oct 14, 2007 @ 2:30 am | delete
    Best to frame them like a watercolour or store with paper/tissue between, to protect the surface. Varnish on ordinary scraperboard makes for a very plastic looking surface and turns china clay off white but you are not using conventional board lol so varnish may be fine!
  • CreativeArtist Oct 13, 2007 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    Littleliz, once you make a scraperboard, can it be coated, or how is it protected? Thanks. Cheryl
  • CreativeArtist Oct 12, 2007 @ 10:32 pm | delete
    I'm inspired. I've been wanting to try this. I painted a board and a canvas with several layers of gesso. On one part I painted with black paint, and on the other part I painted with ink. Now I get to try out the scraping and see which workws best. Thanks for the inspiring lens.
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littleliz

Hello everyone! My name is Elizabeth. I am a Leo, an artist/ illustrator, and a Mum. I run my own little catalogue distribution business and I li... more »

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