Monday Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk

There's nothing like spending time outside beautifying your neighborhood sidewalks. Kids can draw pictures, trace the outlines of their friends, draw a hopscotch or other fun games and much more.

Add a new dimension to the summer fun by having your kids help make their own sidewalk chalk in custom colors, swirls and a variety of shapes.

Here's what you need:

• A Mold
• 1 cup Plaster of Paris
• 3/4 cup Water
• Medium Sized Bowl
• Powedered Tempera Paint

Here's what you do:

1. Find a mold for your sidewalk chalk. Anything from a toilet tissue roll or small paper cup to fancy candy molds will work.
2. Mix together 1 cup of Plaster of Paris with 3/4 cup of water.
3. Add color to your mixture using powdered tempera paint.
4. Blend well and let stand for a few minutes.
5. Pour your mixture into the molds you chose.
6. Set aside and let dry completely.
7. Once dry you can remove your chalk from the mold.
8. Set it aside to dry for approximately 24 hours more.
9. Take your chalk outside and create fun masterpieces!

Tips:

1. Powdered tempera paint is available at most large craft stores.
2. Experiment with making swirled colors by adding the paint and stirring very little.
3. Drying time can take from several hours to a few days depending on the size of the mold you chose.

I Found this great activity at http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/craftsupplies/ht/SidewalkChalk.htm