Make Your Own: Sidewalk Chalk
Perfect for a warm summer Portland afternoon! Sidewalk chalk can be used to write a meaningful message, play a game of hopscotch, or decorate your driveway. We have everything you need to make your own jumbo sticks at each of our art supply stores. Come visit us at collage to try a sample and get your supplies!
Perfect for a warm summer Portland afternoon! Sidewalk chalk can be used to write a meaningful message, play a game of hopscotch, or decorate your driveway. We have everything you need to make your own jumbo sticks at each of our art supply stores. Come visit us at collage to try a sample and get your supplies!
You will need:
- Plaster of Paris* (1 box is enough to make about 15 3.5" sticks)
- tempera paint for each color of chalk you'd like to make
- biodegradable glitter (if you want to make sparkly ~*galaxy chalk*~!)
- cardboard tubes (from paper towels or toilet paper), cut to desired length
- packing tape or waxed paper
- mixing bowl and spoon
- plastic sandwich bags
*Please note that Plaster of Paris is not non-toxic! Be mindful when using this chalk with young children.
1. Line the inside of your tubes with waxed paper or packing tape, and tape over one end with duct tape to prevent leaking. Make sure to completely cover the cardboard on the inside so the plaster doesn't soak through!
2. Mix a few tablespoons of tempera paint into a 1/2 cup of water, then add about 3/4ths cup of plaster and mix until creamy. It should be the consistency of pudding or runny yogurt! Add more plaster or water as necessary, and add more paint for more saturated color. (If you're using bio glitter, now is the time to add it!)
3. Spoon the mixture into a sandwich bag, and cut the corner off to create a piping bag. Squeeze into the tube until full! (You may also spoon the plaster into the tube.)
4. Let your chalk sit for at least 12 hours to dry. When it's mostly dry, you can unwrap it from the tube and let it sit until it is no longer damp.
Have fun drawing with your homemade jumbo chalk sticks! And as always, give us a call, stop by one of our stores, or visit us online for your art supply needs!
