How to Make Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is relatively inexpensive. You may be wondering why I bother to make it. Well, there's a few reasons. One reason is that children love to play with toys they helped to make. My children spend many quiet hours "chalking" on our walkway and steps. Children at church enjoy drawing on the outside basketball court. Even the junior and senior high kids ask to borrow the chalk. Another reason we make our own chalk is that this homemade version lasts longer than store bought chalk. It doesn't crumble as easily. Also, it doesn't seem to have as many dust particles floating around as commercial brands. The children also seem to take better care of "their" chalk. They pick it up on their own. The final reason we make our own chalk is definitely the fun factor! Custom colors and shapes are terrific for stirring up the creative side of kids.

The hardest part of chalk making is deciding the shape and color of the chalk. In the past, I've used empty toilet paper rolls, cut in half. I've also used plastic bubble molds ( the kind that chocolate Easter bunnies come in). I suppose you could use bubble molds from toys as well. I must caution you, molds can use much more chalk mix. Also, chalk made in the thin molds break easily.

Materials needed:

2/3 c. Plaster of Paris powder

1/3 c. water

2 Tbs. Acrylic paint (Delta and Apple Barrel)

clean plastic bowl, measuring cup, and spoon

1 toilet paper roll, cut in half crossways

masking tape

Methods:

Start by taping one end of the toilet tubes closed. Then, mix water, Plaster of Paris and paint together. Stir well. When the mixture is smooth, pour into toilet paper holders. Tap holders lightly to pop any air bubbles that my be inside. Let dry on flat surface 20-30 minutes. Peel off cardboard holders and let set one or two days to let the middle dry. This recipe will make either one whole toilet paper tube or two half tubes. Enjoy your chalk!

Note:

To make this project for a group (or if you just want lots of chalk), mix plaster and water together. Pour into styrofoam cups. Give each child a spoon and a squirt of paint in each cup. Pour plaster into cups and let each child stir away! Don't mix plaster more than 10-20 minutes ahead of time or it will start to set before you mold it! To find out how much mix you will need, multiply the amounts above by the number of children in your group.

Happy crafting!It's easy to make your own sidewalk chalk!You can make custom shapes and colors.It's simple to make just one or two pieces or enough for a whole group.This homemade recipe doesn't crumble as easily as storebought chalk. It lasts longer, too.