Powdered Chalk Containers

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Create colorful chalk decorations with supplies you probably already have on hand. Almost any clear container will work, so look through the recycling bin and give new life to old jars. Homemade or store-bought chalk works equally well for this project, but it can get messy, so you may want to take it outdoors.

INGREDIENTS

• Chalk, one stick for each color

• Table salt, enough to fill the container, plus extra

SUPPLIES

• Clear container with a lid

• Metal or plastic tray (don’t use your best—the salt may scratch it!)

• White paper, one sheet for each color

• Funnel

DIRECTIONS

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1. Place a sheet of paper on the tray. The tray will keep the salt from spilling, and the paper will make it much easier to transfer the powder. Pour a small amount of salt onto the paper. The amount of salt depends on the size of the container and how thick you want each layer of color.

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2. Rub the chalk over the salt until you achieve the desired color. Rub in different directions, and be sure to color all the salt. The longer you rub the chalk on the salt, the more saturated the color will be.

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3. Use a funnel or fold the paper into a funnel shape and pour the powder into the container. You may have to shake the container gently so the chalk settles into an even layer.

HOW IT WORKS

The most common variety of salt is sodium chloride, the same white table salt used in this activity. Salt crystals are shaped like tiny cubes with sharp, squared edges. When rubbed against chalk, the salt crystals scratch and grind the chalk into a fine powder, mixing and coloring the edges of the salt crystals. Be careful—the salt crystals are even sharp enough to scratch the pan!

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4. Repeat with other colors. Change the paper each time and clear any salt from the tray so you don’t contaminate other colors. Once the container is full, add the lid.

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5. If you’re planning to make a rainbow of colors remember to start with purple first, but don’t limit yourself. Have fun experimenting with different patterns and color combinations. Try coloring the same batch of salt with more than one color of chalk. Or give your finished container a gentle shake to achieve a tie-dyed effect.

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If you’re unsure of how much to use, pour the salt into the container to check the level before pouring it onto the paper. This will also give you an idea of how much to use for the rest of the colors.

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