How to Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk

First, protect your work surface with a plastic tray or an art mat. This can be a messy project!

If you’re using toilet paper rolls, you can use them as is. If you’re using paper towel rolls, cut the cardboard tube into thirds.

Cut the parchment paper into 7-inch squares, roll into a tube shape, then slip into the cardboard tubes to line them.

Tape off one side of each cardboard tube with duct tape to seal the end.

Next, open up the plastic bag so it’s like a bowl and add ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons of tempera paint. Mix well.

Now add 1 cup of Plaster of Paris to the colored water. Seal the zipper bag and use your hands to knead the plaster into the water to form a paste.

Be careful not to breathe in the Plaster of Paris dust.

Cut one tip off of the plastic bag, then squeeze the plaster mixture out into a prepared cardboard tube. Tap the filled tube on the table to release air bubbles and help the mixture settle.

Repeat with additional colors to make more colors of sidewalk chalk.



Let the plaster set in the tubes for a few hours or overnight.

You can also make interesting chalk shapes by using flexible silicone molds! Instead of using the cardboard tubes, just squeeze the mixture into the molds and let harden.



Dispose of any extra plaster mix in the trash. Never put it down the drain!

Finally, to remove the chalk, peel away the duct tape, then the cardboard tube, and finally, the parchment paper.

You can use your new sidewalk chalk right away or you can let it dry completely first for 1-3 days.