Lorie King Kaehler - Chalk on the Wild Side: More Than 25 Chalk Art Projects, Recipes, and Creative Activities for Adults and Children to Explore Together

2016 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

Published by Walter Foster Publishing,

a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

All rights reserved. Walter Foster is a registered trademark.

Photographs Donna Starry, except where otherwise noted.

Photographs on pages Elizabeth T. Gilbert.

All other images Shutterstock.

Copy Editor: Jill Amack

Page Layout: Erin Fahringer

Digital edition: 978-1-63322-931-0

Softcover edition: 978-1-63322-021-8

This book has been produced to aid the aspiring artist. Reproduction of the work for study or finished art is permissible. Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing.

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Chalk was a part of my childhood. I remember being given the job of clapping erasers for my first grade teacher. When a student was chosen for this prestigious job, he or she could choose a partner to help collect the chalkboard erasers and take them outside. Then we cleaned the erasers by slamming two of them together, creating big clouds of chalk dust. In those days, there were lots of erasers to clean because most of the classroom walls were lined with chalkboards. The whole room smelled like chalk, and teachers always had dust covering their clothing. Back then, students really did know the sound of nails on a chalkboard!

My favorite memories of chalk are more recent. Theyre not from my own childhood, but from my childrens. Give them a bucket of sidewalk chalk and a place to draw, and my kids will entertain themselves for hours. They play hopscotch and write messages on the driveway. They draw pictures and trace each others outlines. My favorite chalk recipes and activities are the ones that encourage this kind of creativity. I love to watch my kids express themselves and engage in make-believe while theyre creating something with sidewalk paint or window chalk. Their favorite activities are the messy ones. They like sensory projects, such as ice chalk and exploding stomp chalk. Children learn best when all of their senses are engaged, and these chalk activities encourage exploration, descriptive language, and problem solving. But my kids dont know that. Theyre just having fun. Whatever kinds of activities you and your little ones prefer, this book is full of chalk recipes and projects for adults and kids to explore together. Many of these activities are meant to be done outdoors, but Ive also included some that can be done on a rainy or snowy day. If staining is a concern, choose washable paint for coloring and test first on an inconspicuous area. Dont be afraid to experiment and make substitutions or invent your own twist on a recipe. Due to variations in materials and temperatures depending on where you live or the time of year, I cant guarantee the exact results of your efforts, but theres always room for experimentation. Creating something is often as fun as enjoying the final product.

Although very few classrooms have actual chalkboards now, chalk is still a childhood classic and a great way to connect with kids of any age. I hope this book encourages you and your child to create some of your own chalk memories together.

Plaster of paris is the base for most homemade chalk recipes. It can be found online or in craft or home improvement stores. Its dangerous if inhaled or ingested, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label and only use with adult supervision.

Nonstick Products

Petroleum jelly or nonstick cooking spray are used to help prevent chalk from sticking in the molds.

Molds

Candy molds, ice cube trays, muffin tins, and even toilet paper rolls can be used to give homemade chalk a variety of shapes. Silicone molds work especially well because theyre less likely to stick.

Thickeners

Cornstarch and flour can be found in any grocery store. Theyre used as thickeners in many of the recipes.

Soaps

Liquid hand soap and dishwashing liquid or detergent are used to make foam or bubbles. They can also be added to a recipe to make cleanup easier and staining less likely.

Coloring

Liquid watercolors, acrylic craft paint, liquid food coloring, and washable tempera paint are used to give color to chalk and can often be used interchangeably. If staining is a concern, opt for washable paint.

Scent

Unsweetened drink mix packets, baking extract, and essential oils are used to add scent to chalk.

Pantry Items

Vinegar, baking soda, and salt are likely found right in your kitchen cupboard. Baking soda and vinegar are used to produce a chemical reaction, while salt can be used to grind chalk into a powder.