What is Chalk Couture? Chalk Couture is a crafting product line that specializes in reusable silkscreen vinyl transfers. Use the transfers to create professional looking chalk designs for any occasion. The back of the transfer is sticky so it adheres well to any smooth surface. Christie Millett from Chalk Creek Boutique is an independent designer with Chalk Couture. She sent me a free kit to sample and review. Here is her Facebook page if you are interested in learning more or would like to order product for yourself.
At First Glance
I had never before used, or even heard about Chalk Couture. Of course I had no idea what to expect. My sample kit arrived in the mail with an adorably decorated teal pouch. So cute! Inside the mailer were the following items: a transfer, Chalkology paste in two colors (White and Teal), a small squeegee, a chalkboard with a display stand, an information card and a note from Christie. I was set to get crafty.
I know this doesn’t reflect the quality, but I did like that everything coordinated. My brain does a happy dance from those details.
Printing the Design
The transfer is mounted on fabric. The silk (perhaps it’s not really silk) backing allows for delicate design details and stability of the transfer. I would be best if the transfer had a printed center line going vertically and horizontally. Not a deal breaker, but anything to aide in centering my design would be helpful.
Applying the transfer was simple. I read and followed the instructions on the packaging. I even watched a instructional YouTube video beforehand. Basically, you apply the transfer, make sure there are no air bubbles and then apply the paste.
A little paste goes a long way. It really doesn’t matter which direction the paste is applied. Put a small blob of chalk paste on the transfer and then use the squeegee to evenly spread it around. Be mindful of the edges. If some paste gets on the side it is easy to clean up later with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Squeegee off the excess paste and then peel the transfer off. Viola! You have a custom colored, professional looking chalk board design.
Experimenting With Chalk Paste
I purchased additional chalkboards from Walmart to experiment with the paste and transfer a few times.
Applying both the white and teal Chalkology paste, I tried a vertical design that had no rhyme or reason to the coloring. I did this to see how the two colors of paste interact with each other. They easily blended; an ombre look would be a breeze with the paste. This print had the cleanest edges of all three prints. The transfer was removed when the chalk paste was not yet dry which left a sharp edge on the lettering.
The two previous prints I made had more precise color placement. Taking longer to do two colors allowed the applied chalk paste to dry a little and make a less perfect edge when the transfer was removed. Chalk paste in a small tub would be better than the samples because it could be sealed when waiting for the transfer to dry, keeping a more ideal paste consistency. The sample packets dried out a little too quickly. Now that I know this information, I can take precautions when using Chalkology paste in the future. Live, learn, and pass it on.
Clean Up
The Chalk Couture transfers and Chalkology paste were easy to use. The transfers definitely produce faster results than traditional stenciling. Clean up was a breeze.
To clean up: Rinse off the transfer in warm water and gently wipe off. Lay transfer with adhesive side up on a drying rack (cooling rack for baking) until dry. The transfer can be replaced on its original backing and stored in a cool, dry place for future use. Wash off the squeegee with warm water and clean up any chalk paste with a wet cloth.
Overall Critique
As previously mentioned, having a center line printed on the transfer to aide in lining up the image with the edges of the product would be ideal. Many stencils don’t have a feature like that, so this isn’t a huge set back. The more times I used the transfer, the better the results. Experience is definitely the best teacher. Fortunately, the chalk paste can easily wash off with some water and a cloth. If the image is not satisfactory, just wipe it off and try again.
Having multiple colors and transfers would be fun to switch out year round for holidays or events. My interest lies more on transfers that I could use on textiles like pillows for the front porch, or to customize dish cloths or even gift wrap. They do have a Couture Ink line for fabrics that becomes permanent once set with heat. I just might have to check that out.
As with any crafting hobby, this could get addicting and expensive. The Chalk Couture products are a little pricey, but the paste could last a long while and the transfers are high quality. If you shop just right, it could be a fun project. The initial investment is most likely the most expensive. Purchasing the squeegee, a basic chalk paste color and a transfer would be the minimal investment. These would make great gifts!
Thank you Christie from Chalk Creek Boutique for the fun sample to try. I always enjoy new products and learning new skills. I look forward to implementing this product line as I make a house a home. 💙
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While I have no need for this product at present, it’s great to know it’s out there. You made it look very doable. Thanks!
Thank you for your comment.
I had no idea that Chalk Couture even existed before a friend of mine tagged me in a post about it. I decided it would be fun to try. They do have some cool transfer designs and I really like the concept of clean lined stencils. It will definitely go on my “go to” products list find transfers for possible future projects. It was so easy to use!
I have used a product like this before and you can adhere glitter to it by sprinkling it on before the chalk dries. Any idea if this product can do this? It looked really cool on mirrors and such for Christmas.
You know what? I haven’t tried that, but I think it totally could work. I would suggest applying the paste on to the transfer, and then removing it promptly after squeegeeing so you could sprinkle on the glitter before it has set up completely. If the glitter is applied before lifting the transfer, the screen fabric will just lift the glitter off. I can ask the consultant to see if she has any input to offer? (Also, I think if you go to her Facebook page I linked in the post, you can request a free sample. May be worth it if you tell her you want to experiment with the glitter. I am sure she is looking for creative ways to demonstrate Chalk Couture.)
Thanks!