Home made Chalk
What you need:
cardboard toilet paper tube
waxed paper
disposable empty container (an old 32 oz. yogurt container works well)
Plaster of Paris
liquid tempera paint
water
plastic spoons
What you do:
Line the inside of your toilet paper tube with waxed paper
Set the tube upright on another piece of waxed paper. The easiest way to line the tube is to roll the waxed paper up tightly and insert it into the tube. Then, spread the waxed paper out with your fingers.
Make sure your container and spoon are disposable because you'll want to throw them out after you're done. Don't ever pour Plaster of Paris down your drain because it will harden and clog your pipes!
To make the plaster mixture, combine 1 and 1/4 cups Plaster of Paris and 1/2 cup water in your plastic container. Mix it together until it looks like cake batter. If it's too thick, add a small amount of water. If it's too runny, add more plaster one spoonful at a time. When the plaster no longer dissolves in the water, you've added enough.
Quickly stir in two spoonfuls of liquid tempera paint. Mix it really well.
Pour the mixture into the lined tube and tap gently to get rid of any air bubbles.
Let the chalk dry overnight and then remove it from the tube. It will still be damp, so let it dry for a few more days.
Once it's dry, you've got your homemade chalk!
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