chalks and embossing with brass stencils

[happypooh]

I just thought I'd try chalking a brass stencil and then try some embossing paste on top of it...well problem is there are little bits of chalk debris around the edge of the image that I embossed - is there a better way to apply the chalk without it being powdery? I used a very small stencil brush and found it pretty difficult to apply deep colors - everything is very translucent. Is it because I'm stencilling on bazzill and need to flip it to a smooth surface? Or is it that the chalks I have are too cheap?? I bought the chalklets set $4.99 at Joanns as I didn't want to get the supernice $20 set...does it make a difference if I use better chalks? Any hints would be appreciated!

 

[SusieStone]

Instead of brushes, I use cotons balls for a softer effect.