How to color salt with chalk for sand art

Sidewalk or chalkboard chalk is a key element in coloring salt for sand art.

Making crafts with your children can strengthen your bond with them, keeping them busy indoors on a rainy day and potentially, creating a learning experience. While you could go to the craft supply store and spend considerable amounts of money on supplies, it's more frugal to use items you have on hand. If you plan to make sand-art projects, you can color common table salt with chalk instead of purchasing pricier colored sand.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper or butcher paper
• Table salt
• Colored chalk
• Resealable baggies or jars with lids

Instructions

1. Cover a table or countertop with newspaper or butcher paper to protect it from discoloration or scratches.

2. Pour a small pile of salt onto the paper. Use the amount of salt you wish to have of the particular color you create first; for example, if you want 1 cup of pink-colored salt, pour a little more than 1 cup of salt onto the surface.

3. Select a piece of chalk. Lay it on its side and rub it over the salt. Work the chalk over the salt until the salt is the color you wish to achieve.

4. Pick up the newspaper or butcher paper, creating a funnel with the paper through which the salt will flow.

5. Position the funnel over a resealable plastic bag or a jar. Pour the salt into the container and seal it. Continue with the remaining salt and colors you wish to create until you have a selection of colored salt for your project.

Tips & Warnings

• If your children are old enough, they can participate in this project. While the components are non-toxic, they could prove messy if you take on this project with toddlers.

References

• Craft Ideas: Fun and Free Crafts for Kids