The pounce method of transfering a design to a wall, fabric or other object, has been used by artisans for over 600 years. Even Michaelangelo used this method when he painted the Sistine Chapel. This method can be used on many different surfaces and is not restricted to mural painting. This method requires paper to draw your design on, a pounce wheel to outline your design, a pounce bag filled with chalk to create your outline, and cardboard or foam to lay your design on when using your pounce wheel.

In order to transfer a design you need to draw your design on heavy enough paper that it won't tear easily, but thin enough to easily perforate the paper with the pounce wheel. Once you have drawn out your design, you will need to outline your design by making holes in the paper. Typically, people use a pounce wheel. A pounce wheel is toothed metal wheel with points on the end and is mounted to a slim handle. They cost under ten dollars and you can find one in a sewing or fabric store or art supply store. You roll the pounce wheel on your paper outlining your design piercing holes in the paper.  If you don't have a pounce wheel, you can use a pin instead, although it will take much longer. Make sure you place your paper design on cardboard or foam while outlining, so as not to damage the surface below.

Once you have completely outlined your design you will tape it to the transfer surface. You need to have a pounce bag filled with powdered chalk. You will hit the design with the pouncing bag  until the entire design has been outlined and transferred.

You can find pouncing bags filled with powdered chalk in art supply stores for around $3.00. However, there are ways to make your own. You can use sidewalk chalk in different colors that you either use sandpaper or an emory board to rub off chalk to make powder. You can also use a charcoal pencil or pastels and turn to powder in the same way. Place the powder in a cotton bag and then hit it against the outline.

Be careful when removing your paper design as it can smear the outline.  You may want to go over the design with a pencil to get a clean line. The chalk will clean up easily with a baby wipe.