Turn ordinary sidewalk chalk into colorful “pops” that look good enough to eat (but definitely aren’t!). Mix up a rainbow of bright colors, let them dry, then head outside to transform your sidewalk into a colorful outdoor art gallery—or even a zoo full of amazing animals!
Time: 24 hours (includes drying time)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Materials
- water
- plaster of paris
- neon tempera paint
- silicone pop molds
- wooden craft sticks, cut in half
- disposable cups and spoons
Tools
- measuring cups and spoons
- newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your work surface
- disposable gloves (optional, for less messy hands)
- apron or old T-shirt (optional)
Steps
- Get the water ready. Chill water in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then put 1/3 cup of cold water in each disposable cup.
- Mix in the color. Add 2 tablespoons of tempera paint to each cup. Stir gently with disposable spoons to mix.
- Make the chalk mixture. Add 2/3 cup of plaster of paris to each cup. Stir until combined.
- Pour and add the sticks. Pour the contents of each cup into a silicone mold. After two minutes, place a craft stick in the center of each.
- Let it dry. Set aside to dry in the sun for 24 hours.
CAUTION: Do not put plaster of paris down the drain! Throw it in the trash.
Tips
- Protect your workspace. Cover your table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth since plaster can be messy.
- Mix one color at a time. This helps keep colors bright and prevents the plaster from setting before you’re ready.
- Use cold water. Chilled water gives you a little extra working time before the plaster begins to harden.
- Tap out air bubbles. Gently tap the filled molds on the table a few times for smoother chalk pops.
- Wait before removing. If the chalk still feels cool or soft after 24 hours, let it dry another day before using.
- Adult help needed. An adult should help measure and mix the plaster of paris.
