I was just reading about using Non-toxic Chalk Pastels as Petal Dust and was wondering if this was true and if anyone has any experience using it.

I have used non-toxic Craf-T-Chalks on some items. I used it on the lotus flower and dragonfly on the koi cake. I have to admit that petal dust seems to give a better finish but these work well in a pinch.

Yes. My Wilton instructor first told me about using non-toxic chalk in the Wilton gum paste class, then we used them in the first class I took from Colette Peters. I find that petal dust is usually more vibrant, especially for bright or dark colors, but the chalk works well and is much cheaper. Use those craft store coupons and get a real bargain .

That's what I use also. Got a box of about 48 colors for $4.00 best deal ever

I used it on gumpaste flowers for the three tier cake titled Marias wedding cake. I couldn't find the shade of green petal dust that I wanted so I used a small grater and light green chalk. It worked perfectly and was cost effective to boot.

I have done this, to get it into dust, I used a veggie peeler and it did a great job. I store the different colors in one of those Monday through Friday pill reminder boxes.

They work rather well, still like the petal dust. I've use them with lemon extract to paint some callas. They work great in a pinch and less expensive.
http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2019702/2018755

I use a little strainer like this only smaller

http://www.target.com/p/Michael-Graves-6-Stainless-Steel-Strainer/-/A-13304059

Just rub the chalk inside the strainer and the strainer automatically contains the larger lumps that may come off, leaving a nice fine powder.

I don't know if it was the brand of chalk that I bought Crayola, probably not the best but it was what the craft store had), but they made a mess and stained the sable brushes I used with them - I ended up having to replace a few brushes because it left an oily residue I couldn't get off. I prefer how easy petal dust is and like the clean up better.

I really don't like the idea of using chalk even if it is non toxic does anyone know what the petal dust you can buy is made from? I've tried grinding up sugar sprinkles and adding a pinch of cornstarch to keep it dry and add a chalkier texture but it's very limited on the colors also does anyone else have any other ideas on a different way to make petal dust?

Dry color powder?