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Macaroni Crafts ~ Homemade Summer Sidewalk Chalk

By Debby Perry, Robinson PA Publisher Mom May 24, 2012

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!  

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

What to do:

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. 

The sidewalk is their blank canvas -- let them create! 



Thanks to Macaroni Kid Robinson for sharing!

Enjoy and send us some pictures of your homemade creation!  We'll post them on our FB page!