DIY Sidewalk Chalk At Home!

young child drawing sun with sidewalk chalk on asphalt

How-To Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk At Home With Your Kids

Make your own sidewalk chalk at home for a creative and hands-on activity to help your kids have fun while they’re not in school.

Materials:

  • Plaster of Paris – it’s important that it is “Plaster of Paris” and not a wall patch compound
  • Water – follow directions on plaster package
  • Large plastic bowl or bucket – a large plastic yogurt container would work great
  • Stirring stick (paint stick)
  • Liquid watercolor or tempera paint (powdered or liquid) – food coloring can work but might be more prone to staining the surface you are drawing on
  • Small container for molding the chalk (good examples you can use: paper cups, paper egg cartons, toilet paper tubes reinforced with duct tape)
  • Rubber gloves
  • Adult help for mixing plaster

What to do:

  1. Protect your work area and your clothes. Working outside is best. Cover the table with plastic and wear “get messy” clothes. Put on those gloves.
  2. Mix water and plaster together according to the directions on the package.
  3. Immediately stir in enough coloring to get the desired result without changing the consistency of the plaster too much.
  4. Pour plaster into containers (cups, egg cartons, etc.)
  5. The chalk won’t be completely dry for a day; however, if you just can’t wait that long, it can be used after about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Agree on a drawing area with any adults involved. Use your new chalk and draw a picture!

Happenings

Upcoming Events

Newsletter Signup

Please Note: The Museum will be CLOSED for the Annual Gala, Time to Wonder, on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26.