Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Now that the kids are out of school it’s time to start thinking about ways to entertain the little critters.  This DIY sidewalk chalk is like two projects in one.  First they make it, then they get to play with it.  I love it when that happens.

You’ll need:

• Cardboard Tubes {from paper towels or toilet paper rolls}
• Scissors
• Duct Tape
• Freezer or Parchment Paper
• Quart Plastic Containers {like old potato salad containers}
• Tempera Paint {whatever colors you want}
• Water
• Mixing Spoon
• Plaster of Paris
• Rubber Spatula
• Cooling Rack

Directions:

1. Cut the paper towel rolls in half or just use toilet paper tubes.  Tape off one end of the tube using the duct tape.
2. Cut out 6″ squares of the freezer paper and line the inside of each of the cardboard tubes.
3. Pout in amount of water as directed on plaster of paris package and 2 Tbsp. desired color of tempera paint.  Add required amount of plaster of paris and mix well.
4. Using the rubber spatula, fill each tube with plaster of paris mixture.  Gently tap tube on hard surface as you fill it to remove air bubbles.
5. Allow the plaster of paris to dry for about 2 hours, then remove the duct tape, peel off the cardboard tube and the freezer paper.
6. Place chalk on drying rack for 3-5 days.
7. Send your little Picasso’s outside to create their masterpieces.
8. Sit back and watch reruns of Who’s the Boss, while they play.

~Mavis