Toned background w/ pencils?

[DragonGX]

Does anyone know of any good techniques to make interesting toned backgrounds using pencils? I'm looking for either simple methods, or other methods that create interesting textures/designs.. I've seen the DVD that shows the alcohol method, but I'd like to tone a peice of paper and then start drawing.. It would be nice if it was erasable for highlights as well!

[Dizon]

hmmm want to try charcoal instead ?

my drawing instructor used these Derwent pencils, very waxy. So what he would is scrape of the lead so bits of it would fall into the paper then he would just spread it all around and you have your toned BG.

Same thing can be done with charcoal/charcoal pencils. Not sure with just graphite, but try that one out too. Although, I doubt the outcome wouldn't be as good as using other mediums.