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Homemade Summer Sidewalk Chalk

By Debby Perry, Macaroni Kid Robinson May 22, 2015

Nothing screams outside fun like SIDEWALK CHALK!  Our little Rembrandts go through BUCKETS FULL each summer.  Here's a fun activity to do as a family that helps keep your CHALK supply plentiful!  It's cheap, easy to make and a great science project!   The sidewalk is their blank canvas--let them create! 

What you will need:

•    Toilet paper or paper towel tubes (cut paper towel tubes in 1/2)

•    Scissors

•    Duct tape

•    Wax paper

•    Small bucket or disposable container to make the recipe

•    ¾ cup of warm water

•    1 ½ cups Plaster of Paris

•    2-3 tablespoons of tempera paint


Step 1: Cover end of each tube with duct tape. Line each with waxed paper. Stand tubes on end within a container nice and snug similar to bowling pins. (Duct tape side goes on bottom.) 


Step 2: Follow directions to begin

making Plaster of Paris. 

(Monitor your children for safety- it hardens

 in 20-30 minutes!  Work fast.)

 

Step 3: Pour the tempera paint into the Plaster of Paris mixture and stir so that it is mixed thoroughly.  

Use separate containers to create the varying colors.

Step 4: 
Spoon your colored chalk mixture into the wax paper lined tubes. Give each tube a tap to release air bubbles! 

Step 5: Set the chalk aside to dry.  It might take a good 3 days or so. 


Thanks to Macaroni Kid Robinson for sharing!