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Life is Fun with Cohas Milestones and Memories!

Cohas Milestone and Memories is a complete line of products for your family. Because our customers were looking for a high quality product, we listened, and began manufacturing our unique and quality milestone boards.  Our in house artist, using real chalk markers, developed 100’s of illustrations, using ideas from our customers. Furthermore, being high quality, easy to use, and loads of fun, having one of our milestone boards at your next family celebration will result in making it a special occasion full of memories.

High Quality recycled wood are used when making Cohas milestone and memory boards.

Made out of recycled wood and are durable.

Additionally, all of our products are 100% made in America from the materials, to the original art designs, to the manufacturing. Our boards are made from sustainable recycled wood materials, durable,  and our inks are certified safe for hospitals and schools.

Many Different Milestone and Memories Themes! Many Coordinating Products to Choose From!

The Cohas Milestone Board line offers baby, birthday, back to school, wedding, and fur baby themed boards. Even more, some of the boards have two variations, one adult, one for a child, and are perfect to commemorate your family’s celebration photo shoots. In addition, we offer our customers the choice of different markers sets.  We also offer many coordinating products that use the same artwork, for instance; banners, fabric repositionable decals, and so much more!  Resulting in high quality products that your family can reuse for months or years.

Artwork on the Cohas Milestone and Memories family

Hand draw chalk art images created by Cohas in-house artists to celebrate family Milestones and Memories

Living in Tax Free New Hampshire.

We live, work, and play in the farms and foothills of New Hampshire, and are located just 45 minutes north of Boston. We are close to the seacoast, the mountains. Therefore with nature abound, inspiring viewsheds, and activities resulting in a spark in our imaginations, we thrive on giving our customers the best milestone boards available.

We have to admit, that the matrix of chalk art themes, along with the products we have developed, has caught us by surprise. Because it all happens day by day, one animal or illustration at a time. Additionally, the requests come in from all over the United States and Canada. In fact, with over 20 themes consisting of more than a hundred animals, illustrations, and accessories, Cohas Milestone and Memories will capture your milestone.

Check Out Our Social Media.  New Ideas and Products are Always Being Announced!

Let us help you make memories. Like our Facebook page and Instagram account as we continue to imagine and create the possibilities.

Watch our memory and milestone theme video.  We are sure that you’ll find a theme best for you.  Additionally, if you see something that is missing for your celebration, reach out and contact us.  We appreciate our customers, and we are here to help!

Most importantly, you pay no sales tax on orders from our Cohas website.

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Chalkboard typography with Zig Posterman markers by John Neal

 

Words chalkboard ART with John Neal with backyard Summer garden for backgroundCreating eye-catching Typography with Zig Posterman markers on a chalkboard

Some chalkboard signs call for an emphasis on text to get their message across. In this video, John Neal creates eye-catching chalkboard typography with Zig Posterman markers. Most of the emphasis is on what kind of event it is, a summer fair, and the date it occurs. The other important piece of info is where it is held, in this case at the Village Green. John does still add an illustration to the sign, but it is not a focal point. Part of what John does well is use several different techniques to add depth and visual interest.

 

 

 

 

John Neal writing Summer FAIR on chalkboard with Zig Posterman markerBlending

John adds in some shadows and fill color with his markers, but then goes to add some dimension by blending with his fingers. The fill starts off simple, but he blends it to give the appearance of a gradient or feathering effect. Same goes for the shadows. Starting off as simple black lines, John blends the lines until they appear to look like a 3D shadow.

Another blending technique used is erasing. John decides he didn’t quite like the letter “R” at the end of “FAIR”, so he used a black marker to remove some of the edges of the letter. He simply then reused the white marker to draw over the black.

 

 

John Neal adding dots inside word FAIR with Zig Posterman markerColors on top of colors

Little dots of yellow are added on top of the blended blue-green he had already added to the word “FAIR”. This shows how easy it is to use different colors, without the fear of them mixing together like with other types of markers. As mentioned earlier, He also does this with ease when he adds in the shadows. This can help depth to an illustration, without having to spend too much time focusing on a more complex illustration.

 

 

We hope creating chalkboard typography with Zig Posterman markers will become even easier following these techniques.

You can watch John demonstrate these techniques in his Summer Fair video:

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Guide to Chalk Marker Types used with Chalkboards

Secret world of the chalk marker exposed by our application analyst here at Cohas Chalkboard Systems.

The explosion of Chalkart used in Restaurants, Bars, Shops and even homes has Chalk Marker use growing at an exponential rate.  Often shop owners and artists will use what may be at hand.  Using the correct Chalk Marker can make the difference between a good display and a great one.  Not as simple as classroom chalk made from limestone, chalk markers come in several specific types.

Chalk Marker Pigment Powder shown dispensed from a screw top containerThe one thing all chalk markers do have in common, regardless of who manufactures the marker is the fact that they use pigment based ink.  Fine ground powder suspended in liquid solution makes pigment ink.  When dry this chalk liquid provides the characteristic look of chalk markers, resembling the look of chalk.  Pigment is good for many reasons, the greatest, but unseen one is that pigment is resistant to UV light.  For this reason they do not fade as fast as dye based markers.  Dye based markers include the classic whiteboard marker and permanent Sharpie brand marker.  Both work well for indoor applications they are intended for, they will fade quickly when exposed to the sun.

This pigment also makes the chalk marker ink very opaque resulting in a good covering over any color background including black.  In reality the fluid in the marker is closer to the paint family of products than the technology related to ink.

Chalk Marker Slang

Ever notice how when you give a nickname to someone it often sticks?  Over the years chalk markers have had this problem too!

Paint Marker, Chalk Ink, Chalk Pen, Bistro Marker, Paint Pen, Craft Marker, Poster Marker, Glass Pen, Liquid Chalk and of course Chalk Marker. The term “Chalk Marker” is a misnomer, not filled with chalk, it does make chalk like marks.  Regardless of the name you use you will see them in use everywhere!  A Manchester, New Hampshire company, “Adored” has even developed an app that pushes out local chalkboards to subscribers all across the country.   In a survey commissioned by this company they found Chalk Art motivated consumers to visit a business 46% more than print and 10% more than photos!

Our customers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have known this for years!  Visit these stores and you will find chalk art  beckoning you to your next culinary delicacy.  In most of those environments they use waterproof chalk markers, let’s find out why.

Waterproof Chalk Marker

These markers are most often used outdoors, as they will not come off in the rain. Use them on car windows, on the painted part of a car, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel and stone; any surface that is not porous will accept the marker. They work well on chalkboards and look like chalk when dry.

Windex used to remove waterproof semi-permanent Chalk MarkersEven though they make a strong bold mark, waterproof chalk markers are semi-permanent removed with Windex. The marks made are resistant to UV light, so they will not fade.  Both the Zig Posterman Waterproof and Markal Pro-Wash D (detergent) remove with high pH cleaners.  Though our testing has found that the Markal products, as industrial level markers tend to take a bit more effort to remove.

Typical Applications

  • Store Window Signs
  • A-Frame Signs
  • Sidewalk Signs
  • Police Markers (for parking violations or Marking a disabled car)
  • Decorating Car Windows or the Car
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Marking Glass or Ceramics
  • Home Decor
  • Fast Pitch Signs
  • Chalk Board Art
  • White Board for semi-permanent application
  • Skateboard Art Excellent on Grip Tape
  • Helmets, Headphones, Computers and Footwear
  • Canvas and Fine Art

The waterproof marker will not “lift” when you re-coat after drying. The same color or different colors are used next to each other with no bleeding or streaking. Just let the liquid chalk dry for 1-2 minutes before adding the next color.

On paper, canvas, cloth or other porous surfaces, the marker leaves a nice matte finish; an opaque mark that is permanent and light-fast. Artists will find they can create giant size calligraphy with the larger markers.

This type of marker only removes with Windex, many kitchen cleaners, Zig Posterman Cleaner, Cohas Cleaning Solution or most whiteboard cleaners. The Windex must have ammonia to work. The chemical properties needed in the cleaner for removal is a pH of 10 or higher.

They are compatible with dry erase and wet erase markers on the same board. When removing the dry erase marker with an eraser, the waterproof mark will not remove.

Shop Waterproof Chalk Markers and Chalk Paint Pots

Wet-Wipe

Used on glass, plastic, blackboards, stone, whiteboards and any non-porous surface, these markers will always come off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Wet-Wipe Broad Chisel 6mm Tip Marker The 27 available Colors in a Circle showing the tips

Click to Shop Wet-Wipe Markers

Often used for menus in restaurants or special boards, they are easy to change. Just wash away the item you would like to change.  The Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe and Markal Pro-Wash W (water) are removed with a damp cloth or wet sponge.

The marks on your board can not be removed by brushing or rubbing.  You must use water to remove the text or artwork on the board.

The majority of Chalk Markers on the market today will be Wet-Wipe style markers that are removed with water.  If you are in a situation where your chalk marker is being affected by nearby water spray, food or beverage contact, or rain outdoors, select the waterproof semi-permanent marker when ordering.

On porous items wet-wipe markers will be permanent.  Always test your surface and consider the application before use.

Typical Applications

  • Store Signs
  • POP displays
  • Table, Counter or Bar Top displays
  • Arts and Crafts on non-porous items when easy removal is required
  • Arts and Crafts on porous items when permanent marks are needed
  • Child artwork on counters or glass
  • Chalk Board Art
  • White Board for easy to use, “erase when dry” applications
  • Menu Boards
  • Wedding and Function Message Boards
  • Kitchen Menu Boards
  • Family Calendar and Activity Board

Most Wet-Wipe chalk markers will apply wet, then dry in about 1-2 minutes.  When dry they can not be rubbed off, this works well for many inside applications.

Shop Wet-Wipe Chalk Markers

Wet-Wipe UV Chalk Markers

Illumigraph is the same ink type as Wet-Wipe in how it functions. The colors will be very fluorescent, especially under black-light, lights at night and on LED boards. Dark surfaces look best with this product. The appearance can be described as a true neon line when on a lighted board like a back-lit menu board or a LED Flashing Board.

These chalk markers will not damage your acrylic menu board surface and are removed by rubbing with a soft cloth.  If the board has scratches or micro scratching, stubborn marks can be removed with a damp sponge or cloth.  With a very smooth surface Illumigraph markers will remove very well with a dry eraser made for use on a white board.  This is different than the Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe, Markal Pro-Wash W and most other brand Wet-Wipe markers.

Zig Illumigraph 15mm Chalk Markers in all 8 colors

When used on your boards, there’s no need to take them down to change them. Unlike the inexpensive markers, these high quality paint markers will not run when you load the tip. No more dripping and dribbling down the board!  If your LED Flashing board came with markers, you will not believe the performance of the Zig Illumigraph markers when you replace them. Not only are the marks cleaner and brighter, they are also available in wider sizes allowing for big bold messages!

Typical Applications

  • Blacklight Environments
  • LED Flashing Boards
  • Table, Counter or Bar Top displays on Black Backgrounds
  • Chalk Board Art
  • Blackboard Chalk Marker for Easy to Use, “Erase When Dry” Applications
  • Menu Boards
  • Wedding and Function Message Boards Super Bright on Dark Surfaces
  • Nightclub, Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge Displays

Once dry, the marks are easy to change; perfect for price changes or changing the special of the day on your message board.

Zig Illumigraph Markers should not be used outdoors, they will come off in the rain. Use care around energized electronic devices. Unplug your LED Flashing or Light Board before use and allow ink to dry. Follow the manufactures recommendation on your writing surfaces.

Shop Bright Ultra Violet Receptive Wet-Wipe Chalk Markers

Permanent Pigment Chalk Markers

While not often used for Chalk Markers the Markal Pro-Line made here in America has some unique features.  For chalkboard applications we find them useful for stone, glass, tile, metal and other outdoor installations.  Available in smaller extra fine and fine tips the Pro-Max is similar to the Zig Posterman 15mm Big and Bold marker.  The Pro-Max has a 14mm tip size.14mm Pro-Max Markal Permanent Chalk (Paint) Marker Shown just after priming and use. Chalk Marker is on a Cohas Chalkboard Systems ChalkFlex Eco Board

It is very important before you start your project to know your intended use and needs. Permanent Liquid Chalk, also called Liquid Paint Markers, can not be removed with water, Windex or detergent.  You may be able to remove them with a solvent.  It is important to note removal is not always possible even with a solvent.

Contact us to order Permanent Chalk Markers

Solid Markers

While not used as Chalk Markers, often we see our customers searching for information on this type of marker.  Solid Paint Markers are more like very large crayons than pens.  The modern ones like the Markal Quick Stick and Quick Stick Mini come in plastic containers that dispense the solid paint.  Some solid markers use a paper cover that is pealed off like a china marker exposing the solid ink.

Solid yellow Markal Paint Marker with an open cap on a Cohas Chalkboard Systems Eco Board

Solid markers provide a long lasting mark that is UV resistant, they can be used on wet surfaces.  Something not possible for most chalk markers.  Typical use is in metal fabrication, automotive marking, construction, welding and shipping applications.

Contact us to order Solid Chalk Markers

Marker Safety

Kuretake (Zig Brand) Manufactured Products

The water based pigment solution, has no odor, no VOC’s and are non-toxic.  The markers conform to EU product safety regulations for children.

Zig Posterman and Zig Illumigraph markers carry the AP Seal, all markers conform to ASTM D4236. This means that the products bearing the AP Approved Product Seal of ACMI are certified in a program of toxicological evaluation by a medic expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans or to cause acute or chronic health problems.  This program is reviewed by ACMI’s Toxicological Advisory Board. These products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236 and federal law, P.L. 100-695.  In addition, there is no physical hazard as defined within the 29 CFR part 1910.1200 (c).

All markers have the CE mark and comply with the CE legislation. This means that the products bearing the CE mark meet the Toy Safety regulation, EN-71, in the European Community for Standardization.

The marker caps also comply with the UK Safety Standard BS7272.  This relates to the design practices of caps to reduce the risk of asphyxiation to children.

As one of the largest stocking distributors in the world, we import the Kuretake Zig markers from Japan for individual sale and integration into our made in the USA Cohas Chalkboard Systems products.

LA-CO Industries (Markal Brand) Manufactured Products

All Markal products use Xylene-free paint reduces user health risks and eliminates California Proposition 65, EPA HAPS and SARA 313 concerns in the U.S.A..  Markal products not recommended in home environments, primarily designed and tested for industrial use.

Markal markers, made right here in America.  Sold individually here on Cohas Chalkboard Systems and integrated into our made in the USA products.

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Ever Wonder about Trader Joe’s Chalkboard Artwork?

A "Brighten bouquets for $4.99 hand painted Trader Joe's ChalkboardThe natural style food markets so popular today have plenty of full color old school displays throughout the aisles.  Trader Joe’s Chalkboard Art creates a 3D paradise pulling you into the shopping experience. You would think these detailed and colorful displays were created in some Madison Ave studio, you would be wrong!

Where and Who Makes Trader Joe’s Chalkboard Art

Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, similar to many local markets use entry level help.  They hire high school and college students to stock shelves and run the cash registers.  They then seek out, or the young budding artists even asks, “Can I try making a display for the flower shop?”  Who says the job description has to be fixed to stocking shelves all day!

Popular at these type of markets are the metallic markers in both waterproof and wet wipe.  Providing great highlights, they lay down on the boards very well and are easy to remove when it is time to change.  The “Brighten bouquets” image shows a great example of how these pop.  This happens when the light hits the foil graphic created with the metallic marker.

Need some inspiration? Check out this remarkable artwork from “sueisem” who is an artist but has a day job at Trader Joe’s.

“The Trader Joe’s Chalkboard artwork is created between running the cash register and helping customers at the store.” she said when we spoke.  We asked if paint markers or chalk were used and the response was both! We love using a little mixed medium here at our Cohas Chalkboard Systems Studios nothing wrong with that.  Though all these designs could be created exclusively with our paint marker pens, plus you can always use a brush to blend colors.  You can see this in action here in our Cohas DIY section, read “Mixed Tools Chalkboard Art Using Brushes” to learn more.

Her Trader Joe’s Chalkboard Artwork

Check out the use of highlights, gradations and shadows to create a 3D effect in the video samples.  Lettering combined with bright colors with plenty of energy abound in her images.  So popular, people contact “sueisem” to see if she will create artwork for their store, market or event.

In the video you will see some outdoor images, no worries as the chalk markers offered here on Cohas Chalkboard Systems come it two styles.  Wet-wipe that can be removed with water and waterproof that can only be removed with a high pH cleaner like Windex with ammonia.  As a mater of fact most our Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s Chalkboard artists use the Waterproof versions. Used in the produce sections of the market standing up to the water spray used on the vegetables.  Use these links to buy our Waterproof Markers or Wet-Wipe Markers used at these markets.

Trader Joe's Chalkboard Artist, suisem

Try your hand at some “Old Style” artwork one of a kind promotion for your product or event. This artist, also places flower orders for Trader Joe’s not surprising what a great eye, and outstanding artwork!

Contact “sueisem” through the YouTube link or click on her image above to connect through Google Plus. 

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Chalkboard Signs Hand Painted Promote the Local Barber

Make a sign for your business using chalk markers, boards, frames and even flexible chalkboard available here from Cohas Chalkboard Systems!  Chalkboard Art is a great way to attract customers into your business with a colorful, creative sign. In this video we have talented Sign Artist John Neal from the United Kingdom creating a sign for Franky The Barber. Watch and learn how to get creative with his “how to” video!

 

How to Draw a Chalkboard Sign

The first step John does is he maps  what the base of his work is going to be. He does so with a Violet Zig Illumigraph Marker. It is dark enough to see, and comes off easy by rubbing it off or using a damp cloth. Anyway, back to the art work. The next step John uses a paint brush and white paint for the lettering. Then he uses a 6mm White Zig Posterman Marker for the smaller print. After it drys, he goes back over with the brush to add another coat to the white.

Cohas Hand Painted Chalkboard Barber Sign

John Neal Chalkboard Artist puts the finishing touches on a Barber Shop A-Frame Sign

Using a 30mm White Waterproof Biggie marker, John makes a pole overlapping the letters. Notice how he mention’s he maybe should have drawn the pole first, oops! After, he adds red using a 30mm Red Zig Posterman Marker. When that step is finished he applied two coats of acrylic varnish spray.

As he almost completes the sign,  he then outlines the letters with red paint using a brush, then adding some white around the letters. Giving it a flashing look, he adds lines to the white paint using a 6mm White Zig Posterman. John then begins to go back over the lettering by using a Black 6mm marker to outline and give it a nice clean look.

While John Neal used a home painted board to create this sign. Our Cohas Chalkboard System surfaces provide for a easy to clean chalkboard, when you are ready to change your sign.  All our surfaces from the ChalkFlex, EcoBoard and even Real Slate can also be overcoated with clear acrylic like John did with his sign.

Our 100% US made high quality wood and wrought iron A-Frame would be great for a display like this. These signs support removable inserts that can make a sign like Franky the Barber’s A-frame even more flexable, with easy to change chalkboard.

Interested in learning more from John Neal Chalkboard Artist? Visit his Artist Website for a full length downloadable video. Make sure you let him know you saw his story on Cohas.com!

 

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