How to Make Sidewalk Art

All you need to get started on this fun DIY is a bit of sidewalk chalk. You can use the classic kind or stock up on a few cans of spray chalk (which works just like spray paint). Whatever you’ve got handy will work just fine.

Tip: If you opt to use spray chalk, be sure to use thin, even layers as you spray.

The trick to this is to frame your design. Whether you follow a design from the video above or come up with your own creation, drawing it out first with painter's tape will help the creation come to life easier.

• Tape off a 1-foot x 2-foot rectangle (or however large you want your spray chalk artwork to be) with painter’s tape on the sidewalk. Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you can create one or many designs at a time.
• To create a mountain-like design (as seen in the video) within the rectangle, use more painter’s tape to create zigzagging lines in alternating patterns along the bottom two-thirds of the rectangle.

Tip: Give freehand chalking a try. This is a great way to let kids express creativity without having to follow a planned out design. Think: tic-tac-toe, ABC's and more.

Once you've outlined your design, it's time to color or spray. If your design incorporates more than one color, you'll want to protect each section while you're spraying the others. This is where cardboard comes in. You can get a cardboard paint shield or simply cut up a cardboard moving or delivery box.

• As you're working your way through your sidewalk art creation, protect the rest from overspray by laying down cardboard or cardstock over the parts yet to be painted. You may also want to secure the cardboard with painter’s tape so it doesn’t blow away.
• Let each coat dry before applying another.

Tip: Use other household items to help your creations come to life. Simple items like a jar lid can stand in as a sun, for example.

Once your design begins to dry, safely and slowly remove the tape. Be sure not to step on the sidewalk art itself, and only remove tape from sections that are relatively dry, to prevent smearing the design.

Any small mistakes can be removed with a little water on a rag.

It's time for the big reveal! Once all of your tape is lifted, stand back and admire your work of art. Your fun creations are bound to delight neighbors on walks. The best part? If you don't like the way your project turned out, or you're ready to try something new, simply wash the chalk away with water and start with a fresh canvas.