April's Review	Chris' Review	Stephanie's Review	Pomaika`i's Review	Donna's Review

Review by April

Encouraging Creativity is what Marvy Uchida is all about. They have been producing quality craft, art, and office related supplies for over 30 years now and are constantly debuting fabulous new products. One of their most recent additions are the Bistro Chalk Markers. What doesn't sound cool about a chalk marker? I was anxious to find out what they were all about and happy that ScrapFriends was given the opportunity to review them.

For this review I received six Bistro Chalk Markers. The colors they came in were vibrant, fun, and consisted of a fluorescent violet, kelly green, fluorescent hot pink, fluorescent lime green, fluorescent sky blue, and black. Each of the chalk markers had a 6mm point tip, and a snap on lid that reflected the color of the marker. The lids are not hard to pull off, however once you put it back on you will hear a little click that lets you know the cap has a proper seal and will not come off. The caps of the markers also have another nice feature that keeps the marker from rolling when laying horizontally. Each chalk marker comes wrapped in plastic so you can be sure it has not been opened or tampered with prior to purchase. The markers were approximately five and half inches in length with the cap on, and had a diameter slightly larger than 1 1/2 mm. On the body of the marker, you will find a picture diagram and written directions on how to get the chalk flowing when you are ready to use it for the first time. Instructions on the body of the marker suggest storing it in a horizontal position when not in use in order to extend the markers' shelf life. Each marker is very light in weight and has a smooth exterior so they are very comfortable to hold while writing. The Bistro Chalk Markers were created to use on chalkboards, light boards, dry erase boards, windows, and windshields. They are opaque, water based, pigmented, erasable with a damp cloth, and currently available in 15 different colors.

I was anxious to see how well the chalk markers worked on a chalkboard so I decided to decorate one for my first project. The markers glided easily across the surface of the chalkboard and to my delight the colors were just gorgeous! The marker tips did not leave any pesky hairs like paint pens tend to do, and they didn't take very long to dry either. It's very hard to write neatly when using regular chalk sticks, but the pens made it easy to maintain good penmanship while adding bold color. Anytime I made a mistake I could quickly wipe it away using a damp cloth and start over again. I was also able to use colors on top of each after letting each of them dry. When I first applied the fluorescent violet on the chalkboard I thought it might be to dark to see, however after a few seconds of drying the color lightened considerably and was easy to see. The only color that was a bit to dark to recognize on the chalkboard surface was the black marker, however it would still be perfect for dry erase boards, windshields, etc.

Title: MemoryVilla Retreat Chalkboard
Products used:
Chalk Markers (Marvy Uchida: Bistro Chalk Markers)

I wanted to test the markers out on several scrapbooking embellishments to see if it would be possible to create papercraft projects with them as well. I tried the Bistro Chalk Makers on sheer letters, grungeboard, paper flowers, clear acetate, wood, chipboard, cardboard, canvas, and a transparency. The markers worked very well on all the surfaces and only seemed to rub off slightly onto my fingers after drying. Of course I would probably apply a protective coating like a gel medium or spray to the items before putting them in my scrapbook, but to me that's not a big deal because I would have to do that after using regular scrapbooking chalks as well. Using these markers on scrapbooking embellishments allows you to create a true chalked effect in brilliant colors that regular chalks can not achieve. On a side note, the chalk did not rub off of the canvas at all, so I am anxious to use them on future canvas home decor projects! I would like to add that as noted on the box of the chalk markers I received, they do show up under ultra violet light and they look very cool!

I designed a layout for my second project using the chalk markers on various embellishments as well. To create the layout, I started by embossing a sheet of plain grungeboard and then I colored it with the fluorescent blue and green chalk markers. I lightly sanded them after drying, and then rubbed glitter glue all over the surface using my fingers. This not only added tons of sparkle, but it also sealed the chalk so there was no worry about it rubbing off later. I then colored several clear buttons using the blue chalk marker and then painted them with a light coat of gel medium after drying. Last but not least, I used the black chalk marker to color three chipboard butterflies.

Title: My Pink Pirate
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Chalk Markers (Marvy Uchida: Bistro Chalk Markers)
Patterned Paper (Autumn Leaves)
Grungeboard (Tim Holtz)
Embosser & Plates (Provocraft)
Glitter Glue (Ranger: Stickles)
Ribbon (Fancy Pants)
Buttons (Autumn Leaves)
Chipboard Butterflies (Maya Road)
Chipboard Letters (Scenic Route)
Rub ons (Scenic Route,& Luxe)
Pens (Sakura, American Crafts)
Felt (Fancy Pants)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I had a great time playing with the Bistro Chalk Markers and I look forward to using them on several more projects. I plan on using them to decorate my car windows and other chalkboards for an upcoming scrapbook retreat at the end of this month. I have never had more fun writing on a chalkboard and I think the markers would definitely be my choice to use on car windshields at weddings and for various activities I might want to promote. I think the Bistro Chalk Markers would be a great addition to any crafters stash and anyone looking for a unique way to make an eye catching display!

---

Review by Chris

I can boast that the corporate headquarters of Marvy Uchida is about 3 miles from my home here in Torrance, California. Although that gives me absolutely no advantage with regard to their products, I will say that I own many products produced by Marvy Uchida. Many of their pens, markers and punches are “go to” products in my scrap supply cabinet. Two of the things they all have in common are their excellent quality and the fact that the company stands behind them one hundred percent. Their new Bistro Chalk Markers are an innovative marker which I believe has great potential in the scrapbooking and paper crafting market and, of course, as they are produced by Marvy Uchida, I expect nothing less than excellence in performance.

I received a box of six Bistro chalk markers for this review: red, pink, green, violet, yellow and black. Although these markers are promoted for use on chalkboards. wipe-boards, light boards, windows or windshields, I wondered about their use on paper for scrapbook layouts and cards. At first use, the markers must be "primed" by pumping the tip up and down until the ink flows into it. After this initial priming, I was able to get right to work in subsequent sessions without any additional priming. The ink flows well from the tip onto the surface. I did not experience any drops or extra-heavy areas as some markers of this type can create.

I used water color paper to create these flowers. First I stamped the images using VersaFine instant dry pigment ink, a water-resistant ink produced by Tsukineko. Then I colored the stamped images using the Bistro Chalk Markers. I colored directly with the markers and also used Cut n’ Dry pen nibs to apply the color. I transferred the ink to the nib by simply touching the nib to the marker tip. Using the nibs and some ink that I had pumped out onto a piece of plastic, I was able to blend the red and yellow to create an orange color for some of the flowers. The nibs allow for a lighter application of the ink and a more subtle hue. Once the inks had dried, the images had a nice chalky finish without the smear expected from regular chalk. I love this look for these flowers on my layout!

My furry friends
Products used: Markers (Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers, Red, Yellow)
Patterned papers (Luxe Designs)
Stamps (Hero Arts)
Ink (Tsukineko, VersaFine Pigment ink, Onyx black)
Rub-ons (Luxe Designs)
Watercolor paper (Canson)
Cut n' Dry Pen Nibs (Ranger)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

Since the product advertises that it can be used on windows and windshields, I wondered about acrylic pieces. I created this sun-catcher using a piece of acrylic and the Bistro markers. First I stamped the images using Tsukineko’s StazOn black ink. Then I colored the images with the markers. I also experimented by applying the markers directly to a red rubber stamp and stamping the image. The small red flowers with yellow centers were stamped using this technique. Creating this bright, cheerful sun-catcher is a perfect use for these colorful markers.

Butterfly sun catcher
Products used: Markers (Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers, red, violet, yellow, fluorescent pink)
Stamps (Close to My Heart; Rubber Stampede; Dollar Store)
Ink (Tsukineko, Staz-On, black)

I was impressed with the chalk image left by these markers. It has the appearance of chalk, yet it does not “rub off” as you would expect from regular chalk. Although the markers are advertised for glass and plastic, I found they work wonderfully on paper, creating a nice soft chalk image without the smudging inherent in regular chalk. I was unable to identify that the markers are acid-free, so I would suggest using preventive measures on your layouts if you use the markers on them. My only disappointment was that the “red” dried a more coral color then true red. Otherwise I was completely happy with the results from using these markers and would recommend them highly to anyone who wants a chalk-like image without the smudging that regular chalk can leave behind.

---

Review by Stephanie

Uchida of America has been existence for approximately 30 years, developing and marketing office, craft and art related materials. As their website states:

“Encouraging creativity. That’s what we do.”

Uchida’s product lines includes such items as pens of all styles and types (including calligraphy, gel, and glitter), fabric markers, pigment markers, paint markers, hi lighers, punches, inks, ink markers, heat tools, stipple brushes, cutting mats, tape runners, and so much more. Uchida knows what the crafter in all of us wants and strives to provide items which have multiple uses. I have used many of their pens in my crafts as well as in my office.

For my review I received a set of Bistro Chalk Markers, which are new to the Uchida product line. These markers can be used on chalkboards, dry erase boards, light boards, windows and windshields. Where ever you would use dry erase markers, you can use these markers. These markers are opaque, water based pigment markers that are erasable with a damp cloth, much like the dry erase markers, but in exciting new colors. The Chalk Markers come in the following colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Brown, Violet, Fluorescent Red, Fluorescent Green, Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Violet, Fluorescent Pink, and Fluorescent Light Blue. I received a fluorescent pack of yellow, green orange, blue, and red, plus white.

I was interested to see how these markers would do on a window. Since my husband owns a card and gift store, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try them out. In honor of St. Pat’s Day, I outlined different sized shamrocks on the exterior windows. I then added the date in each one. The markers were easy to use, went on smoothly without missing sections, plus I had fun playing with them. As they did not stand out as much as I expected in such a large window, I backed them with paper shamrocks inside the store.

Title: Window Decorations
Products used: Chalk Markers (Marvy Uchida)

I then played around with the markers on cardstock and chipboard letters. I edged my letters and pattern papers in white and love the added distressed effect I was able to obtain. Next, I needed to change the color of my chipboard “k” so I used the white marker. It took 2 coats to cover the letter, but it went on easily and is definitely permanent. I then tried changing the color of a glossy chipboard letter, but the colors would not adhere. I think the gloss letter is similar to a window in that the markers will not be permanent and can be wiped off at any time. Certainly not an issue for me. I just wanted to see the result.

Title: Geek Spk
Products used: Cardstock (Prism, Twilight)
Chalk Markers (Marvy Uchida)
Pattern papers, tags (Basic Grey)
Stickers (EKSuccess)

I think these markers are a great addition to any crafter’s stash. They are permanent almost immediately when used on paper and chipboard and can be used to create some great effects. I love how easily they draw on windows and how fluid the ink is. There was no blotting, no missing areas, just a really smooth flow. I’ve always loved the look of holiday windows and I think these markers are up to the task of creating some wonderful window displays. Oh, and don’t forget they are also great for use in the office.

---

Review by Pomaika`i

Marvy Uchida creates a wide variety of arts and craft tools. Their writing tools range from serious art tools like calligraphy markers, craft and hobby pens like fabric, paint and gel pens, to office pens. Marvy Uchida is also known in the paper crafting world for their paper punches and stamp ink pads. Uchida Yoko Co. got their start in 1910, with office equipment, furniture, education equipment and the like. Uchida of America was established in 1973.

I was very interested in reviewing the Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers. I received a burgundy box of six Bistro Chalk Markers. From my internet research, I learned that these markers can be used on white boards, light boards, windshields and windows. How cool! I love those beautifully decorated sign boards I see in my local stores and have a few boring old white boards I’d love to jazz up! I also wanted to see if the markers would be suitable for scrapbook paper projects as well.

As I said before, I received a set of six fluorescent 6 mm markers in yellow, brown, blue, violet, orange, and red (looks pink). Each pen comes individually sealed in thin plastic shrink wrap. Initially, when you open them, the tip is white. You have to shake up the insides (a ball bearing inside makes noise to tell you that you are doing a good job), then press the pen down on the tip to get the ink to start flowing. The tip retracts into the pen with pressure, and pops back out when you release it. It takes only moments to get the ink flowing. When the ink is flowing to the tip, the tip turns the color of the ink.

To keep your pen from drying out, make sure the cover clicks tightly when you are done with it. You’ll feel and hear the click. Also, store your markers horizontally. The box states that the marker colors will stay where you want them until you wipe them off with a damp cloth. My sample tests on a whiteboard proved that this is the truth. Actually, the ink came off easily with my dry white board eraser.

I was very impressed that these markers have no odor at all. I was worried that they would smell bad, but no fear. The Bistro Chalk Markers are thicker than regular pens and easy to grip. They are made of light-weight black plastic with covers the same color as the ink for easy color identification. The pens themselves are about six inches long. Once primed, the pen is very juicy and the ink flows smoothly in a good sized line for larger projects. The ink goes on wet and glossy, but dries to a chalk finish which really looks like you colored the surface with a piece of chalk.

My first project was to test the pens on a white-board, one of the recommended uses for this type of ink. I used a stencil for the roses. I found that when I left the stencil on while I colored in the petals, the ink would sometimes run outside of the lines because the pen is so juicy. A better plan is to outline your stencil object, remove the stencil, then color in your object. The general rule of applying the colors from lightest to darkest applies here. Also, I found that letting the first color dry, before applying the subsequent colors made things go smoothly. I love how the pens work on whiteboard. No more boring old boards for me!!!

March To Do List
Products used:Pens (Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers)
Stencil (Plaid)
Other (whiteboard)

My second project was a birthday card for our dear Grandma Neighbor. I cut out two cake shapes from off-white cardstock, and decorated them with the Bistro Chalk Markers. Now to be fair, working on paper was an experiment. No where does Marvy Uchida claim that their Bistro Chalk Markers can be used on paper, so please remember that when you read about my experiment.

The red (pink) marker worked well. It dried quickly on my paper. If I continued to color on the same spot, sometimes the paper rubbed off, but I was able to learn from that and made sure not to color to vigorously. I had more of a challenge with the purple marker because it was more juicy than the pink one. It did not dry even after waiting about 5 minutes and numerous blottings with a tissue. I didn’t want the color to be rubbing off over everything, so I took a piece of tissue and rubbed it over the purple. The created a little purple “chalking” effect that I ended up liking.

I covered the pink and purple icing with a glitter pen to add some bling. Note to myself: be patient and allow the ink an extra long drying time before the next step. I added some stickers for the sentiment and the card was a winner.

Happy Birthday Cake Card
Products used:Ink (Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers)
Stickers (Creative Memories)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I had fun creating a layout for my last project. I used a stencil that came with one of my son’s old children’s craft kits. After coloring in the butterfly, I used a silver gel pen to write some of my favorite inspirational quotes around the butterfly and around the edges if the paper. I added swirls with the Bistro Chalk Markers and with used black punchies on the larger pink cardstock to balance out my design.

I think that using the techniques I mentioned in the my first paper project helped to improve my experience with this second project. I allowed the chalk ink to dry and did not color more than one layer at a time, so no paper rubbed off.

If you plan to use these markers on paper, be aware that some of the chalk will continue to rub off even after drying. This is true for craft chalk that is created especially for paper arts. I would recommend that you use a coat of acrylic sealer before you place your photos down on the page.

Butterfly Free
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Pens (Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers, Sakura Gel Pen)
Punch (EK Success)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I had a lot of fun playing with Marvy Uchida’s Bistro Chalk Markers. I didn’t have a reason to write on my car window, but I can’t wait until I have a chance to use them there! I love the bright colors and the chalky texture these pens leave. My whiteboards will never be dull again! As for paper crafting projects. These pens worked well for this with the understanding that some of the chalk will continue to rub off even after the ink has dried. Sealing your project with an acrylic sealer before you add your photos, then storing your page in a page protector will help. The pens will allow you to add chalk to a larger area, and with more detail than you can with conventional craft chalk applicators. Once your image dries, you can buff like you would with any other chalk on paper.

I would recommend these pens for anyone who has white-boards in their house, or anyone that would like decorate their car windows. If you have children, or are a child at heart, you could even use these marvelous markers to decorate your house windows. Though I wouldn’t encourage you to purchase these pens for the sole purpose of making paper-crafting projects, if you decide to purchase them for their intended purpose, using them in your paper-crafting projects will be a excellent bonus for you. Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers...“chalk” up another super fun product for Marvy Uchida!

---

Review by Donna

Marvy Uchida has been developing craft materials, office supplies and art materials since September, 1973 and, as a scrapbooker, the name was very familiar one to me. I’ve always loved their fabulous craft punches, gel pens and embossing tool but I was very surprised when I learned of their line of Bistro chalk markers. In fact, I had never seen them, let alone use them so, needless to say, when I first learned that we would be reviewing the chalk markers, I immediately thought, “Now, what can I do with those?”.

Intended for use on chalk board, dry erase boards, light boards, windows and windshields, these, opaque, water based chalk markers can easily be erased from their surface with a damp cloth. Their fluorescent colors are said to glow under an ultra violet light and the markers are certified non-toxic and retail for about $3.59 each.

For this review, I received six Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk markers. They arrived neatly packaged in a brown box, about 6” x 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” inches and inside, were the six markers; one each fluorescent pink, fluorescent yellow, fluorescent blue, purple, white and brown. Each 6mm marker is about 5-1/2” long and ½” in diameter with the cap representing its color and each was separately wrapped in clear plastic. I loved that as I unwrapped each one, I could hear that “colicky” sound that told me I was shaking up the pigmented chalk, ink inside!

Once I removed the clear plastic from each marker, I was ready to get to creating. I expected that for first use, the markers would need to be primed to get the ink down to the tip (instructions for this are on the marker) but I never expected this would happen so quickly. Right away, I liked these! I experimented with using the markers on paper, chipboard, wood, glass and acrylic and was very pleased with the results. There was no clumping or skipping, the color always applied evenly and once applied, the color remained true.

I wanted to somehow attempt to incorporate the use of the chalk markers in a scrapbook layout, so, for my first project, I created a few canvas flower embellishments. The flowers were simple to create using a flower-shaped mask and a piece of sticky back canvas. I outlined the flowers in blue, shaded them with yellow and then cut them out. I adhered a silk flower to the back of each canvas one and, after sewing buttons in the centers, I lastly, added a bit of white glitter to each flower and then adhered them to the layout.

Title: The View 1
Products used: Bistro Chalk Markers, blue and yellow (Marvy Uchida)
Patterned Cardstock, Spring and Summer, Cucumber Sandwiches (American Crafts)
Silk Flowers (Heidi Swapp)
Flower Mask (Heidi Swap)
Sticky-back Canvas (Claudine Hellmuth Studio, Ranger)
Stickers, School’s Out(Scrapworks); Thickers, Vera, White (American Crafts)
Ribbons, Green Sashes (KI Memories); Blue (May Arts)
Rick Rack (Wrights)
White Pixie Stix Glitter (Pink Paislee) Decorative File, Beach Fun (American Traditional Designs)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I created a card. This time, I outlined clear, plastic shapes with the white chalk marker and then adhered the plastic pieces over the flowers on the patterned paper. I was thrilled with the resulting look.

Title: Wish You Were Here
Products used: Bistro Chalk Marker, White (Marvy Uchida)
Frosted Kiwi Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Kay & Company)
Ghost Shapes (Heidi Swapp)
Button (Making Memories)
Ribbons, Green Sashes (KI Memories); Other (May Arts)
Schools’ Out Stickers(Scrapworks)
Product5 (mfg)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I really enjoyed creating with these markers and can easily see myself using them over and over again. They apply to any surface without effort, leave a thick, smooth coat of color and can be used on a variety of surfaces. There are endless possiblities for these and personally, I can't wait to disover more!!

Thanks for another great product Marvy!!

---

Visit the ScrapFriends Marvy Uchida Gallery