Let's Craft: Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk season is here!! Start collecting toilet paper rolls, so you can make your own with your kids.

Supplies

• Plaster of Paris

• Disposable mixing containers

• Disposable mixing utensil such as a Popsicle stick

• Tempera paint

• Wax paper

• Duct tape

• 5 to 8 toilet paper rolls

• Scissors

Directions

Tape off the bottom of your toilet paper rolls with duct tape nice and securely. Then line the insides of the rolls with wax paper.

Place rolls on a wax paper lined baking dish, or cookie sheet. Set aside.

Mix one cup Plaster of Paris to the ratio of water recommended on the box. Mix in tempera paint - whatever amount to reach your desired color. A few tablespoons should do the trick.

Mix thoroughly.

Tip: If you want a rainbow effect, or to make striped chalk, allow the plaster to set a bit before pouring. That way you can layer it easily. For a swirl, layer the colors and then take a bamboo skewer and run through the liquid plaster.

Pour the mix into the toilet paper rolls and let sit a few hours. When plaster is hardened, peel the roll away from the chalk and continue to let dry a few days. Throw used containers and mixers in the trash. You don't want plaster clogging your drains. ;)

Now, go play some hopscotch with your kids! So much fun!!!

Planning to try this at home? We'd love to see how it turns out! Send us photos of your crafty efforts and we'll add them to our photo gallery!