No matter where you live, the arrival of warmer days usually means more time spent outside.
The great outdoors are a beautiful backdrop for activities of all kinds, from picnics in the park to going on a nature themed scavenger hunt in your very own backyard! When it comes to simple yet enriching activities that will get the kids out in the sunshine and encourage creativity and play, sidewalk chalk is a surprisingly easy and engaging option for kids of all ages.
This easy DIY sidewalk chalk recipe uses plaster of Paris and tempera paint to create colorful, egg-shaped chalk that’s perfect for kids’ outdoor play.
Why not just use store-bought, you ask? While you may be tempted to buy rather than make, the act of mixing up the ingredients for this homemade sidewalk chalk is half the fun! It makes for an activity that kids can take pride in. And like with anything homemade, DIY sidewalk chalk can be a lovely gift for a fellow parent, a teacher, or anyone with a creative streak.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to make your own egg-shaped sidewalk chalk at home.
How to Make Egg-shaped DIY Sidewalk Chalk
Before you begin, decide how many pieces of chalk you'd like to make and what colors you'd like to include. The amount of each ingredient (plaster of Paris, tempera paint, and water) can easily be adjusted depending on how many colors and pieces you plan to create.
To achieve the egg shape, use empty, washed Nellie's Free Range eggshells or plastic Easter eggs. The result? Super pigmented pieces of sidewalk chalk that are easy for small hands to grasp.
Supplies:
- Plaster of Paris
- Washable, non-toxic tempera paint
- Reusable spoons and bowls used for crafting only
- Nellie's Free Range Egg shells (washed) or plastic Easter eggs
- Empty Nellie's Free Range Egg carton
Tip: Neon tempera paint works especially well for creating vibrant, richly pigmented chalk.
Directions:
- Measure 2/3 cup Plaster of Paris into one bowl for each piece of sidewalk chalk you'd like to make.
- Add 1/3 cup water and about 4 tablespoons of tempera paint to each bowl. Mix with a spoon until the color is fully combined and the mixture reaches a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Carefully pour each chalk mixture into an prepared eggshell or plastic Easter egg. Use a toothpick to gently stir and release any trapped air bubbles. Tap lightly on a soft, flat surface to help the mixture settle, then set aside to dry in a cool place.
Tip: Because plaster of Paris begins setting quickly, mix and pour one color at a time to prevent the mixture from hardening before you're ready.
Dry time:
Plan to let it dry for at least 24 hours. For best results, we recommend letting them dry 36 to 48 hours so the chalk is fully set and ready for sidewalk masterpieces. You can reduce drying time by placing your chalk mixture outside on a sunny day.
Once the chalk has dried completely, gently remove it from the shell or plastic egg. If using an eggshell, tap it lightly and peel it away just like you would peel a hard-boiled egg.
Store Your Chalk:
Looking for a place to store your finished chalk? Use an empty Nellie's Free Range egg carton to keep each piece neatly organized.
If you're giving the chalk as a gift, the carton easily transforms into an adorable gift box. Try painting the exterior or covering it with patterned scrapbook paper and a gift tag.
Did you create your own egg-shaped DIY sidewalk chalk? Tag us in your photos @nelliesfreerange so we can see!
