Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk

who doesn't love sidewalk chalk?...

I know I do...

any excuse to 

get outside 

and create

some art,

NOW THAT'S FUN!

Also...you can get a good workout

while helping your little ones use

up all that new sidewalk chalk!

SO GET OUT THERE!

Tools and Materials

• Cardboard tube (saved from center of paper towels or toilet paper
• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Freezer paper
• 32-ounce plastic containers (saved yogurt containers work great)
• Tempera paint in a variety of colors
• 1 cup water
• Mixing spoon
• 1 1/2 cups Plaster of Paris
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Tip: Silicone baking trays also make great chalk molds, and come in fun shapes such as letters and numbers (we bought the ones from Sillycone)

Sidewalk Chalk How-To
1. If necessary, cut cardboard tube to about 5 1/2-inch lengths (the size of half a paper towel tube). Other sizes can be used as well. Use duct tape to tape off one side of each tube.

2. Insert a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size (with paper inside the tube).

3. In a plastic container, mix 2 to 4 tablespoons (depending on color desired) of paint into the cup of water. Continue mixing while slowly adding the Plaster of Paris to the water, until completely combined. The mixture should be about the texture of frosting.

4. Fill prepared tube with mixture, assisting with a rubber spatula. Tap tube on work surface to release air bubbles.

5. The plaster will set in about a half hour, and can be removed from tube after about one hour (check for hardness by gently squeezing tube). Once chalk is removed from tube, place on a cooling rack and let dry completely (at least 24 hours) before using.


I will add some more pictures later. It is raining here now! So now sidewalk chalk today!