This is really more of a tip then an actual craft project because it is just so simple and easy. I know lots of you aren’t really crafters or DIY-ers and this little tip is for you.
If you have children they might like coloring with chalk. Mine do but I actually can’t stand the texture of chalk. It creeps me out. So if you want to turn your chalk into more of a paint and get bolder, brighter, more vivid colors from chalk- try soaking the chalk in water first.
You just need to dip it in regular old water for a few minutes so the water absorbs into the chalk. The children can still use it if they like but once the water gets in there you will get really beautiful colors. I keep it submerged in water in a Tupperware if we are outdoors because it will dry out. If I am inside I put a tiny bit of water in a cup and the chalk on top- so only the tips are submerged- for less mess.
The chalk turns into more of a paint- it sort of reminds me of using pastel colors instead of normal crayons. A similiar product but very different textures and results.
Even better this “chalk paint” doesn’t require ages to set up, paint brushes or anything else that is fancy. Just get yourself some regular chalk and a little bowl of water and that is it!
The only downside is that the water will eventually cause the chalk to disintegrate. You should have no problem getting lots of play time though as that is a slow process. But the chalk slides on easier so it will be used up faster.
When we are done, I just take the chalk out of the water and put it on a paper towel until it dries and then back in a jar for later use.
And if you want to get fancy, you can crush the chalk down to create a dust and then add just a bit of water. Mix it up for a real paint and the kiddos can have at it with paint brushes.
Another option would be to put that liquid you create with crushed chalk and water and add it to a spray bottle for a spray paint.
And by the way sidewalk chalk is something that is perfect for a rainy day as well! You can purchase large wrapping paper sized rolls of craft paper at the Dollar Store for a buck. Unroll that baby and the kids can still color right on the floor.
We got home from VBS just today and it was rainy and yucky but the girls had so much energy left- so I unrolled the paper and viola!
I do this on the kitchen floor just in case of spills. My little Maya (in the bottom right) was actually practicing her letters on her side of the paper.
This post is part of the 30 Days to a Funner Summer Series.
You can catch up with the entire series by clicking below:
- Day 1: Get Organized! How to organize children’s activity bags.
- Day 2: End of Year Surprises for Children
- Day 3: Strawberry Lemon Slushie Recipe
- Day 4: Homemade Hamburger Seasoning to AMP up your burgers
- Day 5: How to make Giant Bubble Solution
- Day 6: How to Save Money on Road Trips
- Day 7: How to Create a Summer Schedule.
- Day 8: How to make a GIANT water bed (this is so fun!)
- Day 9: Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Day 10: 8 Ways to Get Outdoors this Summer
- Day 11: How to Calm a Child’s Room
- Day 12: How to Make Movie Night More Fun
- Day 13: Watermelon-Lime Sorbet (just 3 ingredients!)
- Day 14: Ideas for Mommy-Daughter Dates
- Day 15: DIY Dip Dye Shorts for Children
- Day 16: How to Make Bouncy Balls that really bounce!
- Day 17: Caramel Corn Recipe (just like Cracker Jacks!)
- Day 18: How to Make a Lego Tray (perfect for games and puzzles too!)
- Day 18: Painting with shaving cream (homemade bathtub paint)
- Day 19: Indoor Camping Party Ideas!
My husband does this too! He says the drawings last longer too. In the art shows he did they used a coffee grinder to crush up the chalk.