DIY Beach House Pillow- Make your own pillow!

If I could live by the beach, I would move in a heart beat. But here I am, Stuck in Lodi (see what I did there ;) ). So instead of moving to the beach, I just made a pillow that claims my house as a BEACH HOUSE. I'll have to take that for now.

So here's my step to step guide on this super easy pillow cover I made!

Supplies: 
-Pillow Cover 16 x 16 - I used one from Hobby Lobby
-Transfer of choice (I used Sand, Sea & Sun - C181112- Discontinued) 
-Chalk Couture Ink (I used Tide)
- Heat Press 
- Parchment Paper

Step 1- Heat press you pillow to get any major wrinkles out. That just makes it so much easier to work with.

Step 2- Prep your pillow case by inserting something inside so it doesn't bleed through to the other side. I normally use an old Silhouette Mat that has a little stickiness left. But this time it didn't fit inside, so I used a Dollar Tree Plastic Cutting Board! I know... kinda genius! It was the perfect fit and I laid the Silhouette mat on the bottom so it stayed it place.

Step 3- Cut the Beach House transfer away from the Sun, Sand & Sea part of the Transfer. Thats what I love about Chalk Couture Transfers! That one transfers has 2 separate transfers on it. Plus- you can utilize them in same many ways, the possibilities are endless!

Step 4- Cut the Beach House Transfer in Half. You are going to want to do this so you can Ink them at the same time. I made it so much easier than trying to maneuver the large transfer around.

Step 5- Place your transfers onto your pillow cover in whatever design you want. With pillow covers, I never fuzz a new transfer when using it on a pillow cover. It needs the max amount of stickiness to keep the ink from bleeding under the transfer.

Step 6- I like to use Washi tape around the edges of the transfer. It just give me a little more room to work with since Ink isn't forgiving.

Step 7- Open Ink color up (I used Tide) and give it a good stir. Get all the way around the side and mix it up well!


Step 8- Take you small spatula and transfer some ink onto the top section of each transfer. Don't worry if you put too much! You can put it back into the ink container!

Step 9- Take your large handled squeegee and pull the ink down to the bottle on the transfer. Make sure the the ink covers all the mesh area, and make sure the ink is evenly distributed on the mesh area. Make sure to put excess ink back into the ink container. You can use it again!

Step 10- Once you are done with the Ink, Lift off the wash tape very carefully and them lift off the transfer. Don't pull it diagonal, make sure you pull it from side to side or top to bottom. Pulling it diagonal could stretch the transfer.

Step 11- Rinse and clean your transfer ASAP. If you like your transfers pretty, make sure you clean then. I actually bought the plastic thin cutting boards to put the transfer on to clean them. It makes it sooo easy and you are not touching the sticky side. But i'll do another Blog post on that soon.

Step 12- Let your pillow cover sit for 24 hours to dry. YES- 24 hours! I know- it seems like a long time, but you don't want all your work to be wasted on tacky wet ink.

Step 13- After the 24 hour drying period, take out the mat from the inside and the back silhouette mat and place them aside. Warm up your heat press and tear off a sheet of parchment paper. Place parchment paper on the ink design and heat press the whole design at 300 degrees for 60 seconds. If you have to move the heat press around to get it all, than do it! This is going to seal your ink! Now it is permanent!

And Voila! You have a custom made pillow for your very own "Beach House"!

Don't want a beach house vibe, but more of a Farmhouse vibe? I've got the cutest transfers for you! 

Like these but not sure what Chalk Couture is- Click here to read all about it! 

Wanna shop for some Chalk Couture stuff? Click here to check out all the amazing items! 

And as always, help a sister out by sharing this post, like it and leave me a comment! 

Until then...

Sara ;) 

Store it and Adore It Sale!

PREFERRED CUSTOMER PROMOTION: STORE IT AND ADORE IT

What’s the promo?

In March Club Couture™ Preferred Customers save 25% off the retail price of selected items in our organization products.

What are the details?

Club Couture™ Preferred Customers must be logged into my Chalk Site to take advantage of the discount. You will see the discounted price when logged in and shopping

Items included:

• ChalkTransfer Tote (reg. $19.99 USD) (Sale price $14.99 USD)

• Color Case (reg. $19.99 USD)(Sale price $14.99 USD)

• Basics Bag (reg. $9.99 USD)(Sale Price $7.49 USD)

Where do I shop?

https://www.chalkcouture.com/saranicoledesigns/products

Want to get these items at 25% off? Join as a Club members (even those who join in March can also participate in the promotion.) Once you have completed their subscription enrollment, you can log in to see the discounts as advertised.

Promotional items must be ordered in a separate order from a Club Couture™ enrollment.

This is a great opportunity to try a product you may not have thought to purchase (and after last month’s promotion on pastes, it’s a great time to buy a Color Case and other items to get your products and craft spaces organized!)

This is a great opportunity to reward you as a Club Couture™ customers with TWO promotions— you can combine their Transferpalooza promo items with their order of discounted organization products. You can stack the savings, and by ordering more, they can save on shipping, too!

Transferpalooza is happening now! All March Long!

Did you hear about the BIG SALE on Transfers that is happening during the month of March?!? 

Here are the Deets:

During March, when you buy three Chalk Transfer™ designs through my Chalk Site, you get the fourth absolutely free (free Transfer is lowest-priced Transfer(s) in cart).

Here’s a summary:

• Available on my Chalk Couture Site only
• Free Transfer is lowest price in cart
• Every “fourth” Transfer is free—so make sure you select 4…or 8…or 12 transfers to maximize your savings. You will be prompted about the promotion when your cart items near eligibility for the free Transfer.

Have you had a few transfers on your mind? What are you waiting for! This is a great time to get them! 


Here are some of my favorites:

Transfer: In This Kitchen

Transfer: Live Deeply Collection—Coral

Transfer: Live Deeply Collection—Octopus

Like these transfers but not sure what Chalk Couture is- Click here to read all about it! 

Wanna shop for some Chalk Couture stuff? Click here to check out all the amazing items! 

And as always, help a sister out by sharing this post, like it and leave me a comment! 

Until then...

Sara ;) 

March Club Couture

The March Club Couture is out and it is a great one! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Heres what you get this month:

-The French Market - B Sized Transfer
-Tide Paste Packet
-Currant Jam Paste Packet
-Black Velvet Paste Packet

Here is a example of how this transfer can be used and a how to guide on how to do it. 

Supplies Needed

Club Couture Transfer: French Market
Chalkology Paste Singles: Black Velvet, Tide, Currant Jam
Tools: Small Squeegee (2), Multi-Tool, Transfer Trimmers, Fuzzing Cloth, Self-Healing Work Mat
Surface: Odette Black Frame (9" × 12")

Color and Placement for Club Couture: French Market 

1. Frame above and below: Black Velvet

2. French Market: Tide

3. LE FRANÇOIS PRODUIT LE MARCHÉ: Currant Jam

Follow these instructions to complete the Club Couture project:

1. Prepare your Chalk Transfer by removing it from the packaging.
2. When you remove the backer from the Transfer screen, be sure to “fuzz” the Transfer to gentle the adhesive by sticking the sticky side of the screen to a Fuzzing Cloth or terry cloth towel to pick up a bit of lint before applying it to your surface.
3. Position your Transfer on the board and smooth it out to adhere to your surface, ensuring there are no bubbles.
4. Prepare your Chalkology Pastes by kneading the packets, tearing off corners, and squeezing desired amounts onto a dish or other palette surface. Stir paste if using 3 US fl. oz. jars.
5. Spread a generous amount of Black Velvet Chalkology Paste using your choice of squeegee and smooth it over the Transfer (see color and placement suggestions).
6. Once the first design element of the design is completely covered, scrape the excess paste off as evenly as possible and wipe unused paste back onto the palette or into the jar. The more excess paste you remove, the better the result.
7. Smooth Tide paste over the French Market element of the design, and scrape off the excess paste.
8. Carefully peel back the portion of the Transfer with paste before the paste dries.
9. Use the Multi-Tool to apply Currant Jam over the remaining words, then smooth Black Velvet paste over the bottom frame of the design
10. Peel the Transfer from the board carefully and immediately put it in water to clean thoroughly. Once clean, let dry with sticky side up.
11. Once the Transfer is clean and dry, replace the original backer sheet on the Transfer and store flat.

Want to see a video on how this example is made: Click Here!

Love your Club Couture membership, but want more to use them on? Get a Kickstart kit! 

This kit has everything you need to make starting your creative adventure easy. Grab it now, because it's available at this price only with your initial Club Couture subscription. Small Squeegee Multi-Tool Board Eraser (2-Pack) Chalkology Paste Bright White (3 oz.) Couture Gallery™ Board (9” x 12”) Couture Boutique Board & Base.

Like these but not sure what Chalk Couture is- Click here to read all about it! 

Wanna shop for some Chalk Couture stuff? Click here to check out all the amazing items! 

And as always, help a sister out by sharing this post, like it and leave me a comment! 

Until then...

Sara ;) 

New Chalk Couture accessories from the 2020 Spring / Summer Catolog

Did you hear?!? There are a few new accessories now available! Check them out below! 

Paste Scraper

SKU: T201107

 • 

$5.99 USD

Use for fast paste removal on gallery and boutique surfaces. Spray the board with the Fine Mist Sprayer, let water sit, then scrape—so satisfying! 

Basics Bag

SKU: T201105

•

$9.99 USD

Use to carry squeegees, Chalk Markers, Transfer Trimmers, and other Chalk Couture art tools. 

Color Trays (24-Pack)

SKU: T201106

•

$4.99 USD

Use as a palette with Chalkology Paste and Chalkology Ink. Excellent for small color portions or holding Paste Singles. 

Chalk Markers (Silver, Gold, 2-Pack)

SKU: T201102

•

$14.99 USD

For customizing and writing freehand on board surfaces. Remove with water and Board Eraser. 

Display Easel (9½")

SKU: T201103 • $8.99 USD
Display your most captivating creations with ease. See what we did there? Use to display finished artwork. Best with most 5" x 7" and 6" x 18" Chalk Couture™ surfaces.

Display Easel (14")

SKU: T201104 • $11.99 USD

Display your most captivating creations with ease. See what we did there? Use to display finished artwork. Best with most 9" x 12" and 12" x 18" Chalk Couture™ surfaces.

What accessories is your favorite? I ordered the Paste Scraper and I can't wait to try it out! 

Wanna shop for some Chalk Couture stuff? Click here to check out all the amazing items! 

And as always, help a sister out by sharing this post, like it and leave me a comment! 

Until then...

Sara ;) 

Paste vs Ink - What's the difference?

This is your go to guide on everything you need to know about Chalk Couture Pastes and Inks!

Are the paste and inks designed to be the same colors (are the reds the same, green, navy, etc.) or are they different?
While some pastes and inks share the same color name, they are intended to be as close as possible but may not be identical. Because of their formulation and unique pigments, they will dry with different intensities.

Can I mix Chalkology Paste and Chalkology Ink on the same project?
Yes, however, do not mix the ink and paste together. Do not heat set the paste. (This means if you are heat setting a project with an iron, do not iron the paste. If you are heat setting an oven-safe surface, do not use paste on the project.)

Is there a different “look” in the dry finish between paste and ink (matte, glossy, thickness, rough vs. smooth, etc.)?
Yes. Paste is more matte and tends to level on its own. Ink dries more glossy and doesn’t level on its own, so you will need to smooth it to get the finish/thickness you desire.

Will either fade in daylight?
Any color will fade over time, but fading is accelerated when exposed to daylight. Avoid exposing your projects to long periods of sunlight and direct sunlight.

Is ink non-toxic?
Yes, but ink is not for human consumption and should be kept out of reach of children. Note that the metallic inks contain trace metals. Any accidental ingestion should be reported to your physician.

Can you mix ink colors together and on a project like you can paste colors?
Yes, no problem.

Can I mix ink and paste together?
No. The ink and paste cannot be mixed together, because the ink needs to be heat set and paste cannot be heated.

Can you still do techniques like marbling and ombré with ink?
Yes. They are trickier techniques with ink, but they do work.

Can I remove the ink from a hard surface project? (Like scraping off a plate/board with a craft knife?)
If you have heat set your project you should consider it permanent. If you haven’t heat set your project, the ink may come off completely, smudge, or smear in water or when rubbed briskly. On hard surfaces, you may be able to scrape off non-set ink with a craft knife. It will not come off cleanly like paste can and should be used carefully as it is not forgiving on surfaces, particularly fabric.

What is the difference in consistency with paste and ink?
With paste, you may see a difference in consistency. Each color has its own unique formula, so paste consistency can vary. You will not experience a significant difference in ink consistency. However, paste is typically thicker than ink.

Does ink dry more quickly or slowly?
Ink dries much slower than paste. You may wish to use a hair dryer to speed drying, particularly if you are making a project with layered colors.

Will ink bleed through fabric?
Yes, ink can bleed through fabric. Use an Ink Mat to protect your surfaces. Ensure you remove the Ink Mat before ironing your project to heat set the Ink.

Can I heat set my project while the Ink Mat is underneath it?
No, remove the Ink Mat first, because it is not heat proof.

Do I need to “seal” ink projects, even after heat setting?
No. The heat setting seals a project.

Does ink “interact” differently with our Chalk Transfer designs than paste? (Will ink stain my Transfers?)
Yes. Ink will likely stain your Transfer, although staining does not harm your Transfer. Some of the darkest colors of ink can stain the silk portion of the Transfer. The staining will not discolor the next project you make with that Transfer. However, wash your Transfers immediately after using Chalkology Ink. Because ink is permanent, it can clog the screen or pull at the Transfer if allowed to dry (and again, it is less forgiving than paste).

How long do you heat set fabric?
You will need to heat set a fabric project for 4 minutes on each side (inked side AND non-inked side) with a medium heat iron. Ensure you use a barrier between your iron and inked surface, such as parchment paper, and keep the iron moving in small circles—don’t let it rest in one spot.

Can you heat set non-fabric items? What about surfaces that can’t tolerate heat (like plastics or melamine)?
You can heat set non-fabric items that can tolerate heat in a medium oven (300-350° F) for 30 minutes. We recommend waiting for the ink to dry before putting it in the oven. Also, wait for the oven to heat before placing your project inside.
If you use ink on a surface that can’t tolerate heat, do not heat set it. If an item can be baked—like many ceramics, glassware, and cookware—then it will likely be heat safe. Please read all surface information about the item you plan to ink before putting in your oven. You can still use ink on surfaces that don’t tolerate heat, just remember they are not permanent, because they haven’t been set.

Can I use ink on dishes?
Ink is designed for décor items, and while you may choose to decorate common kitchen items (platters, plates, mugs, etc.) the ink was not formulated to be in direct contact with food or beverages.

Is the ink dishwasher safe?
Yes. Ink is dishwasher safe once it has been heat set.

Can I put ink on my chalkboard? If so, do I need to heat set it or just let it air dry?
Yes, you can put ink on your chalkboard, however we don’t recommend heat setting a chalkboard. Remember ink is designed to be permanent, so it may not completely come off even if it is not heat set.

What’s the best way to clean up after “accidents” with ink?
Any “project rescue” suggestions?
If it is only a small drop of ink, you can let it dry completely and peel it off (depending on where it has spilled; some fabrics it will soak into immediately). If it is a larger area, and ink won’t pull off, you may need to start over OR try to ink over the mistake. It will depend on the surface, because ink may stain even if it hasn’t been heat set.

How do you clean up your Ink Mat when you are done?
Use water to wipe it clean. Do not use a disinfecting wipe, because it will take the adhesive off your mat.

How do you layer designs?
Heat set the ink between layers. After you let the first layer dry, you are safe to layer on top of it. To speed this process, you can use a hair dryer after each layer.

What’s the life of ink when stored?
Chalkology Ink, similar to Chalkology Paste, will last longest when stored in its jar, tightly sealed and in a cool, dry place when not in use. Cap immediately after use or between projects to prolong life. Both paste and ink are best when used within 3 months of purchase.

Like these pastes and inks but not sure what Chalk Couture is- Click here to read all about it! 

Wanna shop for some Chalk Couture stuff? Click here to check out all the amazing items! 

And as always, help a sister out by sharing this post, like it and leave me a comment! 

Until then...

Sara ;)