I Always Chose the More Difficult Way

This is a frequent sight around these parts.

So when I saw directions for making your own sidewalk chalk, I said, "YES! Let's do it!"

(NOTE - her site is way more beautiful, peaceful and inspiring than mine will ever try to be. I'm not that type of person. We all know that - so let's not be under any illusions, ok? Let's start off with the reality that I'm so not that person.)

My husband shook his head. He claims that I always try to do the difficult stuff. Why make sidewalk chalk, he wondered. You can just buy it at the dollar store, he said. Which is true, but I like to make stuff. Despite the fact that I haven't a creative bone in my body, I like to make stuff. I make my own body scrubs, have a kit in my wish list to make bath bombs and lip balms - it's neat to me to make those things.

It's definitely not cheaper, though.

Cast of Characters: Plaster of Paris, Tempera Paint (NOTE to you from me: make SURE it is Tempera paint and not, say, watercolor paint. Don't ask me how I know. It's better if I don't share that with you.)

Keep your toilet paper and paper towel tubes. Cover the ends with duct tape (NOTE to you from me: if you don't have duct tape, go get some. Package tape isn't the same. Don't ask me how I know. It's better if I don't share that with you.)

Get a ton of large disposable cups, a couple of foil pans or plastic pans you will toss, and about 438659 plastic spoons and knives. Lay down newspaper. Change into clothes you don't want to wear again.(NOTE to you from me - don't ignore the newspaper or the clothes changing step. It's better if we never speak of those again.)

The directions were actually really easy.

Prepare your tubes - cut the paper towel tubes in half, cover the ends with duct tape, line them with waxed paper. Place them in a foil pan. This step took about 19 hours.

Mix plaster with water and paint. (NOTE from me to you - make the mixture MUCH more runny than you think you will need, because it sets in about .423 seconds. The original set of directions said you have 20-30 minutes. That time estimate is a lie. I tossed several cups that harden before I could pour them, and learned the valuable lesson of more water is better.)

Pour the mixture into the tubes. Let it sit until it hardens.

The original directions said 3 days. Ours took 7. Yes. SEVEN.

The true test. How well did it work?

Pretty well, actually. I think we'll do it again.

Now that I know the secrets.

Comments

[Tammy]

You always have a way of making even your mishaps sound funny. What a fun idea! I don't think I will ever make any...but I do get the "I like to make things"...it surely runs in the family. I'm preparing to make my own liquid soap. I'll let you know how it turns out. From one bar of ivory soap I'm told I can make a gallon of liquid soap.

[Sabz]

I love love love Michaels & JoAnn fabric but can't make anything. But this is a fun idea and doesn't look too challenging esp since you pointed out things to look out for. I'll pass it on to my SIL who has kids that use a ton of this stuff.

[Brandy]

I'm not that creative. I love to see handmade art projects that are supposedly easy, but I just don't have that spark. Ah, well. Someone has to organize everything, right? *g*

[Elizabeth]

I love the concept of making Charlie some sidewalk chalk. Not so thrilled with the idea of actually doing it. Of course Charlie would get bored about 5 seconds into the process so I'd be stuck doing it myself.

I have made my own bath bombs. That was fun. Charlie loved them and wants me to make more. I've also made sugar scrubs.

[Rox]

I love trying to make things, too, even though I often don't succeed. I make bath bombs and also bubble bars with a girlfriend since we make them even better than Lush and save loads and loads of money in doing so. I also have organic lip balm on deck for holiday gifts from my daughter her friends (she'll help make them). But sidewalk chalk? It did look cool, but I'll pass ... dollar store for me (whereas I don't dollar store my bath stuff).

[DebB]

I LOVE your blog - thanks for the smiles! What great, bright colors - my kids would love this! Maybe this Summer...

[Sharilyn]

You.Make.Me.Laugh.
The plaster of paris did say 'fast setting.' Guess that's why you only had .423 seconds. Maybe that was the trade-off for not being fast drying???
Is this how those amazingly creative sidewalk artists get all their fab colors?
Anyway, the results definitely look worth it.

[Pat]

Thankfully for the world, I have absolutely no aspirations or desires in this department. I excercise my creativity by singing in public--much better for everyone.