How to Make Chalk From Plaster of Paris

Bigger sticks are easier for small hands to control when drawing on uneven surfaces.

Making chalk is an easy and fun — and surprisingly neat — craft that the kids can help create. Once the chalk has set, it's perfect for sidewalk drawings. And the kids won't be stuck with monochromatic art: The simple addition of food coloring gives them a full set of all the colors of the rainbow.

Things You'll Need

• Plaster of Paris
• Cold water
• Food coloring
• Masking tape
• Empty toilet paper tubes
• Mixing bowls
• Funnel
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the molds using masking tape and empty toilet paper tubes. Cover one end of each tube with several layers of masking tape to make a tight seal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, create your chalk mixture. Mix two parts plaster of Paris to one part cold water and stir until thoroughly mixed. You can create any quantity by following this formula.

3. Separate the mixture into as many different mixing bowls as you would like different colors. Stir in drops of food coloring into each bowl — keep adding drops until you get the shade you want.

4. Pour the mixtures into the molds using a funnel. Clean the funnel between colors.

5. Allow the chalk to dry for at least 24 hours before unwrapping it and using.

Tips & Warnings

• For brighter colors, you may use other coloring agents in place of food coloring. But be sure that the substitute you choose is nontoxic and is not permanent.

• Allow the chalk to dry out of reach of young children.

References

• "Doodles and Oodles of Art"; Iris Siegler and Kim Torgerson