How to Create with Chalk Couture

Instructor: Kaitlin Durfey [kaitlinjomontanna@gmail.com]

Scenario:

Chalk Couture is a new company that offers high quality craft products. It is centered around reusable transfers, water based chalk paste and ink, and many versatile surfaces. It is the crafters dream of creating unique and specialized projects. 

Because of the newness of the company, many are unsure of how to use the products efficiently. They simply see the end product and automatically think they do not have the skills to create such beautiful projects. I have created this online module learning experience to help walk you through the simplicity of creating with Chalk Couture by using the instructional design of:

Backward Design:

Stage 1: Identify Desired Results
To help potential Chalk Couture users, I want to show just how easy and versatile these products are for everyone.

Learning Goals:

After you have gone through this module, you will be able to say:

*I can define Chalk Couture lingo and recognize the importance of each item for project success.

*I can execute correct procedures to create my own project and maintain each products' reusability. 

*I can critique my first experience of creating a project and evaluate if I need to improve something for future projects. 

*I can design and assemble a project to utilize what I have learned from this module.

Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence of Learning

After you have gone through this short tutorial, you will have the foundation to start creating your own masterpieces. 

Stage 3: Design Learning Experiences & Instruction 

This page has everything you need to know to get started and complete your project. You will also have an opportunity to reflect back on your initial creating experience with Chalk Couture.

Module Steps:

1] Watch this introductory video demonstration of using Chalk Couture.

2] I want to know more about why you're creating with Chalk Couture. Please complete this short survey.

3] Before you start creating, please take this short quiz to make sure you know how to properly use and care for your Chalk Couture products. 

Here are some examples of previous projects to help you decide what to create:

4] Create your own Chalk Couture project. After you're done with your project, go to my Facebook Page, K8's Creations and upload a picture of your finished project. In the comments write 2-3 sentences about your experience.

5] Explore the following resources to learn more about Chalk Couture:

If you are interested in purchasing Chalk Couture products, visit K8's Creations. These are some examples of happy customers creating great projects:

Here is a great video to show just how versatile Chalk Couture is, how you can be inspired for your next project, and how you can join the chalking world of Chalk Couture! 

"The most versatile home decor ever created. Create your own masterpiece, no matter what your crafting ability may be...over and over again. Beautify your home and spice up your life when you join the Chalk Couture family." 

The Story Behind the Design

It was around the year 2000, and I had the opportunity to spend my Saturday in a gym watching my older brother participate in a wrestling tournament with my dear mother. This was a typical Saturday for me and pretty much where my passion for designing/creating was sparked. Wrestling tournaments are not short events, so we had a lot of time on our hands. My mother took this opportunity to crochet various items to use around the house or for heartfelt gifts for upcoming holidays or special occasions.

Me being left handed, I watched her crochet stitch by stitch and tried imagining how I would mirror her movements. After watching her for a couple of minutes, I asked that she teach me some basic steps so I could also pass the time in between my brother's matches like her. She simplified the intricate steps and my desire to learn more grew.

I started by making yards and yards of simple chains. Then I learned how to make pot holders. Whenever we went by the craft section in a store I would find crochet books, magazines, or whatever I could find. I would quickly glance at the intricate patterns and pictures longing to learn more and more. I would look at different items being sold in stores and contemplate how I could reconstruct something similar. There is just something about taking a simple item such as yarn and manipulating it into something intricate and beautiful.

So thank you for taking the time to read about my story. Also, thank you to everyone who believed in me and helped push me into this exciting adventure.