When is the last time you channeled your creative genius on a piece of pavement? Was it the hopscotch court you drew for your 6-year old? Perhaps you used a trusty pack of sidewalk chalk to announce news of an engagement, a baby or something else? Or maybe, like so many of us, it was over a decade (or two!) ago when you were just a tot fooling around with colors and shapes in the summertime. Well, we’re here to bring your love of sidewalk chalk back. And to remind you that it’s the perfect activity to do with your little on a hot day.
We’ve teamed up with the color-loving folks at Crayola to share three sidewalk chalk design ideas that are totally selfie-worthy. Before we exhaust your “pin” button with all the beautiful scenes we set up, we’ve got a little Crayola action to share with all of you. Because it’s not just about ideas and dream designs — it’s about flexing your creative muscles today, tomorrow or this weekend and sharing creativity with your kids, nieces and nephews, students or other children in your life!
As part of Crayola’s #SidewalkSelfieSweeps, we’re asking Y-O-U to share your best #SidewalkSelfie for a chance to win a Crayola Summer Boredom Buster Prize Pack (valued at $275). Even better if you team up with your favorite kid to take on the challenge.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Bust out a pack of Crayola sidewalk chalk. Find a sidewalk. Draw a design you love!
2. Snap a photo of yourself posing with your sidewalk chalk design.
3. Share your photo on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #SidewalkSelfieSweeps. (Note: You can also enter on the Crayola website — just click here and you’re halfway there!)
We can’t wait to see what you create. Be sure to tag @britandco and @crayola so we can check out all of your awesome designs.
From drawing a summery flower crown to creating a scene inspired by Singin’ in the Rain to floating away with some adorably designed balloons, follow along to see how Brit + Co designer Rosee Canfield brought each of these ideas to life.
When it comes to sidewalk chalk, Crayola’s got a TON of unique packs to choose from.
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– Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 24-Pack– Crayola Glitter Sidewalk Chalk
– Crayola Neon Sidewalk Chalk
– Crayola Color Core Sidewalk Chalk
– Crayola Glitter Summer Colors Sidewalk Chalk
– Crayola Multi-Color Sidewalk Chalk
– Crayola Tie Dye Sidewalk Chalk
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1. To create dimension, you can use light/dark tones of the same color for shading.
2. To blend in color, we recommend that you use your fingers. This will ensure a smooth line and better coverage.
3. Layering and blending help to make your designs pop a lot more.
4. If you’re creating a complex piece like our Singin’ in the Rain design, we recommend creating an outline of your artwork with black or gray chalk (whichever is closer in color to the sidewalk). This will act as a guide when you’re ready to use the colors you’ve selected.
5. To create a pattern, you can use objects from around the house to trace or even print out a shape that you like.
6. With the Color Core Sidewalk Chalk, it’s helpful to keep the chalk at the same angle when drawing all the lines to give even and accurate coverage on all sides.
7. Keep wipes on hand in case you make a mistake (cleans it right up!) or when your hands get a little too messy.
Now, let’s start making some sidewalk chalk art!
Let’s start with this adorable umbrella, which is perfect for a re-enactment of a scene from Singin’ In The Rain. This design is complex, but we’re going to show you how to make it like a pro. The key here is definitely to sketch out your idea more than once on a piece of paper before hitting the sidewalk.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
Choose a color palette that suits your design. As we mentioned earlier, if you’re creating a complex piece like our Singin’ in the Rain design, we recommend creating an outline of your artwork with black or gray chalk (whichever is closer in color to the sidewalk). This will act as a guide when you’re ready to use the colors you’ve selected.
Draw raindrops using a light blue, then add depth with a slightly darker blue. Write your words in yellow, and the umbrella handle in red.
Almost done!
Et voila — a masterpiece is born.
How cute is little Henley? That heart-patterned raincoat is on point!
Where there’s rain and sunshine, there’s always a rainbow :)
Next up we’ve got a springy flower crown, perfect for May Flowers!
FLOWER CROWN
Choose your colors. We went with a pretty pastel palette.
Start with an outline. Then add simple flowers to it! Add dimension by layering different shades of the same color on top of each other. Use your fingers to blend to get a smooth, rich hue. Add leaves.
For the final touch, add little white dots that mimic the look of baby’s breath or Queen Ann’s lace. It’ll give your crown a little extra sparkle.
We created a few different crowns to see what other types of designs we could come up with.
Now pick your favorite one and snap that selfie!
So lovely.
For our final design we’ve got a whimsical bunch of balloons that your little buddy can “grab” on to, much like the umbrella. With this one you can play with optical illusion and make it look like the balloons are floating away with your kid in tow. So fun!
Up, up and away!
BALLOON BOUQUET
As with the others, start with an outline of your balloons. Then decide on a color scheme. Mark your balloons or set your colors inside of them to keep track of the color combo you like.
Fill each balloon with color and then blend the chalk using your fingers.
Add a little white arch on the right corner of each balloon to add “shine.”
Your kids will LOVE seeing themselves “flying” through the air in the photos.
Sidewalk chalk is such a fun way to encourage creativity with your favorite minis!
