Create Colorful Sidewalk Chalk Molded Into Fun Shapes

Photo Credit: Country Living, July/August 2011

I've been a great fan of sidewalk chalk since I saw a gentleman create the most magnificient works of art on the sidewalks of Innsbruck, Austria.  Whenever I see children's vibrant chalk drawings of flowers, landscapes, and stick figures, I can't help but smile.

These directions for creating sidewalk chalk came from the July/August 2011 issue of Country Living.  These pieces of chalk can be formed in plastic candle molds (such as the ice cream cone mold used to create the chalk in the above photo.)  These molds may be found at spiritcrafts.net.

Step One:  In a disposabe bowl, mix three tablespoons of tempera paint ($3 for one pint; dickblick.com) with one cup of cold water.  Slowly add one and a half cups plaster of Paris ($3.33 for four and a half pounds; dickblick.com) and stir until the lumps dissolve.  (The mixture should have the consistency of extra-thick yogurt).

Step Two:  Pour the mixture into each half of the mold.  Gently tap to release air bubbles, then let the halves sit for two minutes before carefully closing them together to create the unit; tape shut.

Step Three:  Let the mold sit for 24 hours, then open and carefully remove the chalk.  Allow the chalk to dry for another 24 to 48 hours before using.