We made homemade sidewalk chalk paint at our house last week, and it was a big, fat hit. It’s basically liquid sidewalk chalk you paint onto the sidewalk with a brush. So much fun. It only takes 3 ingredients, one of which is water. Hallelujah.
Ingredients for Homemade Sidewalk Paint:
-1/4 cup cornstarch
-1/4 cup cold water
-food coloring
-paintbrush
Seriously, can it get any easier?
Measure your cornstarch into a bowl.
I chose to start off without doubling the recipe, but in the end I needed to double it to make enough for 4 colors.
Add water and start mixing.
It’s going to be a little tough, because you’re mixing cornstarch and water, but be persistent. I know you can do it! I believe in you!
Once it’s thoroughly mixed together, add a few drops of food coloring. This is the best part.
Mix well. Isn’t it pretty? I think so.
I made the four basic colors in my food coloring kit, but you can mix and match and make whatever colors you want.
Now take it outside and start painting.
I only made enough sidewalk paint for onetime use but if I were you, I’d double it up and store it in glass baby food jars for later.
It’s a solid afternoon of fun. And a solid afternoon of peace?
Means mama can read her magazine in peace.
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
Looks super easy and fun…but one question. Doesn’t the food coloring stain??
It doesn’t stain the concrete, if that’s what you mean. I’d always err on the side of caution with clothes, but the sidewalk was just fine.
sounds like a fun activity on our new driveway (concrete being poured todayhopefully!)
same concern though, are we creating a “for painting” onsie with this project? (not that we don’t have at least one stained one that could be put to that purpose, but…)
I’d have a painting onesie for this project for sure. And if you’re worried about the driveway getting stained, do it on the asphalt road. :)
Great idea ! Curious about the food coloring staining as well — since I know it’ll get on more! Thanks for the great idea !
Mine was wearing his *get dirty clothes* when we painted and I didn’t notice anything extra on him, but you never can be too careful!
This. Is. Fantastic!!!!!! I’ve been experimenting for ages with different ‘paint’ recipes – I’ve got two little girls who LOVE to do painting outside, and this looks perfect!!
Sarah,
We had a great time with it, let me know what you think!
ladies: I’ve been doing this the last three summers with my little boy. So far it’s washed out of every article of clothing. We are careful just in case and sometimes let the boys paint in their skivvies/dipes. It dries quickly on the sidewalk or patio and you can just hose it down, let the sprinklers take care of it, or let it dry and flake off in a day or two.
Kimberly,
Thank you for the update, I don’t want anyone stressing about stains, even if I don’t.
This is totally what i’m doing today! thank you!
Let me know how it goes. Have fun!
What an awesome idea! As it happens, I have a whole mess of corn starch. Doing it TODAY!
Carabee,
Corn starch is so handy for crafts, it’s amazing. Have fun!
Anyone who is really stainphobic can use some washable tempera paint instead of food coloring but I wouldn’t worry either!