How to Master DIY Sidewalk Chalk Like a Pro

When it finally starts to feel warm and sunny, I love to spend my days outdoors. Unfortunately for us in Texas, the 70-degree days aren’t here to stay, so I try to enjoy it while I can. As much as I love the weather at this time of the year, it’s not always a popular opinion throughout the house. So how do I get everyone excited to soak up some sun? The magic of sidewalk art! Since chalk can get expensive pretty quickly, we’re sharing our favorite DIY sidewalk chalk recipe. Here’s how to get started:

Supplies:

• Water
• Plaster of Paris Powder
• Disposable Cups
• Mold 
• Tempera Paint
• Plastic Spoons

Directions:

1. First, decide which color you want to start with. You’ll have to mix colors in a different cup.
2. Start with your first cup and fill it with 3/4 cup of water.
3. Next, add 1/4 cup of your paint color of choice, followed by 1 cup of the Plaster of Paris powder. Make sure you mix thoroughly before moving on.
4. After your ingredients have been combined, pour your mixture into your mold of choice. I prefer to use a popsicle tray, but you can use any shape you want! If there’s spillover, use a paper towel to clean the edges.
5. For some extra fun, you can stack colors in your chalk. Make sure you don’t mix colors! Start with your first color, then layer your second color, do the same with your third color, etc.
6. Before you put your chalk to use, let it sit for 24 hours. When it’s ready, you can remove the chalk from the mold, but make sure you’re careful because they won’t be completely solid. After removing them from your molds, dry the chalk for another 24 hours.
7. After they’ve had 48 hours to sit, your chalk is ready!

This DIY sidewalk chalk recipe is not only budget-friendly, but simple to make. Your little ones can doodle on the sidewalk all day long! Whether your little ones want to be an artist for the day or just explore some sidewalk games, it will be a day well spent for the whole family. Plus, it’s almost as much fun to make as it is to scrape across the sidewalk! What are some of your favorite variations of DIY sidewalk chalk? Leave your comments below!