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:
- 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.
- Mix water and plaster together according to the directions on the package.
- Immediately stir in enough coloring to get the desired result without changing the consistency of the plaster too much.
- Pour plaster into containers (cups, egg cartons, etc.)
- 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.
- Agree on a drawing area with any adults involved. Use your new chalk and draw a picture!