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    Home » DIY & Cleaning » DIY » Family Fun

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk and #EarlyMemories

    Posted: Apr 17, 2015 · Updated: May 2, 2024 by Sara · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!

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    Growing up, the majority of my playtime was spent outside - building forts in the woods, riding my bike, playing in the leaves, skating down at the creek, jumping rope and playing hopscotch and kick the can. There were no wireless electronics like there are today, and as a kid, outside was where we just felt, well, FREE.

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!
    From left to right, top to bottom: My big sis and me playing in the fall leaves, my sis and me skating on the creek with our friends that lived down the street, me and my besties jumping rope in our driveway (I'm holding the rope with the blue coat on)

    Once school was out for the summer, we played harder and we played longer. Lunches were always simple and quick, so I could get back outside and pick up wherever I had left off. Macaroni and cheese was on the menu at least one day a week. . . and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

    I have such fond memories of my childhood and think about it often. There's so much of it I want to re-create for my own children. I want them to explore, I want them to pretend and I want them to learn the games I played as a little girl. Is it crazy that sometimes I love re-living my childhood through them?

    Well, this week I decided that I was going to plan an afternoon like the ones I experienced when I was little. There would be macaroni and cheese, there would be hopscotch, there would be friends and we were going to have some fun! That's when I got the bright idea for this DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk.

    Why scented you ask? It's a nostalgia thing. Remember those markers years ago that were scented, and when you drew with them, they gave off the most wonderful smell? My favorite was grape. Yum.
    Well, anyway, that's it. I thought it would just be fun to make some wonderful smelling sidewalk chalk. The end.

    So before we can get to the hopscotch and the mac & cheese, we need to get this chalk made. I know you're going to want to make some, too, so here's what you'll need:

    Materials 

    • Plaster of Paris
    • Water (not shown)
    • Tempera paints
    • Plastic cups
    • Plastic spoons (not shown)
    • Silicone mold(s)
    • Fragrance or essential oil
    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!


    For each color of chalk you want to make, you'll need:

    • 1 plastic cup
    • 1 plastic spoon
    • 1 cup Plaster of Paris
    • ¾ cup water
    • 4 tablespoons paint
    • 3-5 drops fragrance or essential oil

    Decide on how many colors you want to mix up and let's get started! I chose six bright, fluorescent colors!

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!
    1. Fill each plastic cup with ¾ cup water.
    2. Add 4 Tablespoons of each color of paint to each cup.
    3. Add a few drops of fragrance or essential oil.
    4. Add the Plaster of Paris and use your plastic spoons to stir each cup until the mixture is well-combined.DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!
      I had to punch some holes in a cardboard box to serve as a stand for one of my molds. If you're using something like toilet paper or paper toweling rolls for your molds, you may need to do the same.
    1. Pour the paint into your molds (I used three different kinds of molds).
    2. Allow to dry, untouched for at least 24 hours.
    3. After 24 hours, pop the chalk out of the molds and allow to dry outside of the molds for another 24 hours.

    Note: After 24 hours, the chalk will be more of a "paint-like" consistency. If you allow it to dry "outside" of the molds for another 24 hours, it becomes even more "chalk-like." Personally, I love the "paint-like" consistency. They draw so smooth and the colors are super vibrant, but they will be a bit "wet" yet.

    The hardest part of this all was waiting for the sidewalk chalk to dry. Why did 24 hours seem like an eternity?

    So, while we wait, let me tell you about a normal weeknight at our house. My kids are super hungry when they get home from school. They're always headed to the pantry for a snack. Instead of something sugary, I serve them the fruit or veggie that's planned for dinner that evening. It works out well and it holds them over until the main course is ready.

    Well, for our fun night, dinner didn't take long at all so they were only halfway through their bowls of grapes and strawberries before I called them to the table. Horizon Mac & Cheese was on the menu and it was the perfect precursor to the active play we had planned.

    Horizon macandcheese

    Horizon Classic Mac is made with organic pasta and real Horizon® organic cheese. It's our go-to meal when I need to prepare something quick and delicious. I mean, couldn't you just gobble that right up?

    Mac and cheese

    We did!

    Horizon Organic Mac & Cheese

    We either eat it "as is" or sometimes make this yummy White Cheddar Mac & Chicken Bake. I feel good knowing there are no scary, artificial ingredients in that box that I need to worry about. Because who needs more to worry about? Not me.

    After a delicious and quick mac & cheese meal, we were all ready for some fun! I bet you're anxious to see how this sidewalk chalk turned out. . .

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!

    It turned out FANTASTIC!

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!

    We threw the chalk into a bucket, headed outside and waited for our friends around the neighborhood to join us. It sure didn't take long before the driveway was filled with kids, bikes, chalk and, well, FUN!

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!

    This is what spring and summer are all about! We ate quick, easy and delicious food, spent a beautiful afternoon outside and crashed hard at the end of an active day. I would say, mission accomplished! What were your favorite outdoor activities when you were a child? Do you share experiences from your childhood with your children today? I can't wait to hear about what you have planned for spring and summer in the comments!

    For more information on Horizon Organic, visit their website, follow them on Twitter and become the newest member of their Facebook community!

    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk - Super easy to make and draws better and more vibrant than even store-bought chalk!

    This conversation is sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine.

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    DIY Scented Sidewalk Chalk and #EarlyMemories

    Author: Sara

    Materials

    • 1 cup Plaster of Paris
    • ¾  cup Water
    • Tempera paints
    • 1 Plastic cups
    • 1 Plastic spoons
    • Silicone mold(s)
    • 3-5 drops Fragrance or essential oil
    • 4 tablespoons paint

    Instructions

    • Fill each plastic cup with ¾ cup water.
    • Add 4 Tablespoons of each color of paint to each cup.
    • Add a few drops of fragrance or essential oil.
    • Add the Plaster of Paris and use your plastic spoons to stir each cup until the mixture is well-combined.
    • Pour the paint into your molds (I used three different kinds of molds).
    • Allow to dry, untouched for at least 24 hours.
    • After 24 hours, pop the chalk out of the molds and allow to dry outside of the molds for another 24 hours.

    Notes

    1. Choose Safe and Non-Toxic Ingredients: Ensure the materials you're using, especially the tempera paints and fragrance or essential oils, are non-toxic and safe for children, as they might come into contact with the chalk while playing. Look for paints labeled as safe for children's use, and opt for high-quality essential oils or fragrance oils that won't irritate the skin.
    2. Experiment with Scents and Colors: Have fun experimenting with different scents and colors to create a sensory experience that triggers early memories or simply delights the senses. Consider scents like lavender for a calming effect, citrus for a refreshing aroma, or even childhood favorites like bubblegum or cotton candy. Mix and match colors to create vibrant chalk that adds extra flair to outdoor playtime.
    3. Ensure Proper Drying Time: Patience is key when making DIY sidewalk chalk. Make sure to allow sufficient drying time for the chalk to set properly. Leaving the chalk undisturbed in the molds for at least 24 hours helps ensure that it sets completely. After removing the chalk from the molds, let them air dry for an additional 24 hours outside of the molds before use. Rushing this process could result in chalk that's too soft or crumbly, impacting its performance on the sidewalk.
    1819 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      June 19, 2018 at 1:17 am

      How long did the scent last?

      Reply
      • Sara

        July 06, 2018 at 9:50 am

        I don't know exactly, but quite a long time. A couple months for sure.

        Reply
    2. Angela Nelson

      February 27, 2018 at 9:35 am

      Can you email the recipe to my email. I don't have a printer.

      Reply
    3. Julie entzminger

      July 06, 2016 at 1:33 am

      Mine didn't come out as vibrant as yours and I used neon:( mine are still drying though. Maybe they will brighten up

      Reply
    4. Jessica

      March 15, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      Hi! Thanks for the fun way for making chalk! I make recycled crayons, so reusing the silicone molds for other fun projects is lots of fun. Silly question, but just to clarify, I'm not sure if I missed this part... did you use tempera paint? Can you use acrylic? I'm guessing tempera, just wanted to double check though! I can't wait to make these this week, I will post back some pictures so you can see how they turned out!
      As a last thought! If this was to go in a goody bag for my son's birthday party in April... Do you think it would be OK in a silicone baggie with the twistie tie at the top? I always dress it with raffia or ribbon... I just don't want any crumbling... How would you package this safely, but still festive? Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 16, 2016 at 10:29 pm

        Hi Jessica! Yes, it was tempera paint. I'm not sure about acrylic. I'd go with tempera. I can't wait to see photos! I think it would be fine to put these in a plastic baggie. These hold together pretty well. Good luck!

        Reply
    5. Robin Chasteen

      March 10, 2016 at 10:03 am

      Where did you get the molds for the sticks of chalk?

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 16, 2016 at 10:37 pm

        Hi Robin, I've added links to the post that take you to the products I used now. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    6. aimee fauci.

      April 23, 2015 at 12:52 pm

      This is too amazing and too cool! Love the colors. So bold! Linking up from SITS

      Reply
      • Sara

        April 23, 2015 at 7:35 pm

        Thanks, Aimee! The colors did come out bold and our driveway was a masterpiece work of art!

        Reply
    7. Brenda

      April 21, 2015 at 1:45 pm

      Clever idea! My kids would love these!

      Reply
    8. Nutmeg Nanny

      April 19, 2015 at 9:54 pm

      My niece and nephew will go crazy for this! Love that you made this totally from scratch 🙂

      Reply
    9. Andi @ The Weary Chef

      April 19, 2015 at 9:26 pm

      This is so fun, Sara!! I didn't know you could make scented chalk. OK, I didn't know you could make sidewalk chalk at all! You never cease to amaze me. My kids seriously don't know how to play outside. Our backyard is tiny, and they are in and out constantly if I tell them to go play outside. I need to plan a fun day like this for them. They certainly know a thing or two about mac and cheese, so that would be a good way to warm them up 🙂

      Reply
    10. Lily Lau

      April 19, 2015 at 10:05 am

      I adore chalks, it's so fun to play with kids with them! 🙂

      Reply
    11. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector)

      April 19, 2015 at 5:38 am

      Oh my goodness! I love this!! We must do this, and I'm determined for my kids to have days like this and not want their techy gadgets so much! I love how the colors are so vibrant, and we LOVE Horizon Mac & Cheese too!

      Reply
      • Sara

        April 19, 2015 at 7:20 pm

        All of the parents in the neighborhood have been admiring our driveway this week and no one believes I made the chalk responsible for the vibrant colors. I direct them to this post and then they look at me and say (in a bit of a sarcastic, thanks but no thanks tone), "Thanks a lot. I guess we're making chalk this weekend." LOL

        Reply
    12. Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen

      April 19, 2015 at 12:23 am

      Sara, this sidewalk chalk looks like so much fun! The colors are gorgeous and I love it even more being scented! Horizon is a favorite in our house; I need to try out their mac and cheese for sure! Looks like y'all had a super fun day. 🙂

      Reply
    13. Nina Lewis

      April 17, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      I saw your link on the Diary of a Real Housewife Friday Favorites link party. What a great idea -- especially adding a scent to the chalk!

      I have a website for grandmothers where I share ideas of things they can do to strengthen their relationship with their grandchildren. I think my grandmother readers need to read this idea! Would you put it on my link party? It's at http://grandmaideas.com/grandma-ideas-link-party-12 and it closes at midnight tonight.

      All the best,
      Nina

      Reply
      • Sara

        April 17, 2015 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks for the invite, Nina! I just linked up!

        Reply
        • Nina Lewis

          April 19, 2015 at 9:52 pm

          Thanks so much for participating in my link party! I really appreciate it. You're so sweet.

          Reply
          • Sara

            April 20, 2015 at 5:05 am

            Right back atcha' for the invite! Have a great week!

            Reply
    14. Kate @ Diethood

      April 17, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      Wow that is brilliant! And I LOVE the pictures! Just like you, we were always outside. There was nothing to do inside! 😀

      Reply
      • Sara

        April 17, 2015 at 8:23 pm

        Thanks, Kate! I love to see my children playing outside. It makes you feel good when they come in at the end of the day and just want to crash. You know it was a great day!

        Reply
    15. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer

      April 17, 2015 at 7:22 am

      Perfect timing with this post! My daughter and I have been going through a ton of chalk since the nice weather has started. I have always wanted to make my own, and you have now motivated me to do so!

      Reply
      • Sara

        April 17, 2015 at 8:25 pm

        I hope you do try it, Kacey. You'll be surprised at the quality compared to store-bought!

        Reply

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    Sara Zenner, blogger at Bitz N Giggles

    welcome!

    Hey, I’m Sara!

     Born and raised in Wisconsin, where family and fun are at the heart of it all - I inherited a deep appreciation for home cooking and family traditions. I’m all about quick and easy recipes, tidying up, and laid back “up north” living.

    Read more!

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