School’s out for the summer. And you’re searching for new and creative—not to mention, inexpensive—ways to occupy the kiddos. Well, here’s an idea! Help them channel their inner Picasso (while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D) with homemade sidewalk chalk.
Chalk art is synonymous with childhood. And with warmer weather and less hectic schedules, summer is the perfect season for kids of all ages to partake in the time-honored tradition of doodling on the driveway, sidewalk and/or patio. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating a colorful masterpiece for all the world (or at least all the nosy neighbors) to admire!
DIY sidewalk chalk paint
Following is a super-simple recipe for DIY chalk paint that takes mere minutes to prepare but promises hours of entertainment for everyone. It produces smooth, vibrant shades that work well on a variety of surfaces (e.g., bumpy walkways, smooth driveways, cracked sidewalks) and wash away with ease so you won’t have to worry about permanent staining. And perhaps best of all, most of the supplies can probably be found in your pantry and cabinets.
Here’s what you’ll need: cornstarch, water, measuring cups, mixing bowl, food coloring, several small containers (one for each chalk paint color) or a muffin tin, paint brushes
Directions:
1. In mixing bowl, mix 1 cup cornstarch and 1 cup water until free of clumps.
2. Pour mixture into containers or muffin tin cups.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container or cup until desired colors are represented.
4. Stir contents of each container or cup until completely blended.
5. Grab the containers or cups, paint brushes and children and head outside!
Helpful tips:
- If the chalk paint appears to be thin and runny, add more cornstarch. If it appears to be too thick, increase the amount of water.
- If you don’t have any food coloring on hand, you can substitute tempera paint instead.
- Don’t limit chalk art to the driveway and sidewalk. Encourage children to paint other surfaces, such as rocks, too.
- Chalk paint isn’t just for creating works of art. Kids can use it practice their penmanship, design mazes and play games such as tic-tac-toe, hangman, hopscotch and four square. The possibilities are endless!