Home » Education » Sidewalk paint

Sidewalk paint

Inspired by posts on several of my favorite blogs, we decided to try out sidewalk paint. We didn’t have corn starch, so I substituted flour. That worked pretty well, but flour doesn’t wash out of paint brushes as well as corn starch, so we’ll be buying some corn starch to use in future sidewalk chalk adventures. The paint was really easy to make (equal parts flour/corn starch and water, add food coloring and stir), and this activity kept both kids entertained for the better part of an hour.

They started off painting daintily with paintbrushes. I offered them larger brushes (which I still think would work better), but they wanted to use these little tiny ones.

20090710_0063

Next they experimented with drip painting, followed by finger painting.

20090710_0067

Finally, Johnny decided to use the sidewalk paint to give himself a foot mask, as well as to deep condition his hair. When they were done I carried them straight from the patio to the tub for a much-needed bath.

20090710_0070

Here is their final masterpiece, fully dried:

20090710_0090

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

12 thoughts on “Sidewalk paint”

  1. edward and lilly

    Oh wow, what fun! Now I know what to do with my nieces next time they come and visit!

  2. Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog

    I never thought to substitute the corn starch with flour… I'll remember that when we run out of corn starch. Love how you improvise like that!

  3. Raising a Happy Child

    The picture of the foot mask made me giggle. It looks like such a fun activity – thanks for sharing.

  4. Making of a Montessori Mum

    ohhh! fun fun fun! We are going to have to this a go once the rain stops. thanks.

  5. What a splendid idea!

    Love the line about foot mask and deep conditioning his hair. LOL! Yes, straight to the tub.

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top