#BrainBreak: Chalk It Up

Sometimes we start to think we’re “too old” for certain activities. After all, coloring – especially with sidewalk chalk – is for little kids, right? Wrong! In my opinion, you never outgrow the joy of taking to the concrete and getting your fingers smudged all sorts of colors.

My inspiration for this #BrainBreak is my stepsister who runs Lettering by Karen, a hand lettering business with a bustling, colorful social media presence. She started lettering as a hobby to pass the time during her kids' swim practices, and now as far as I can tell, she can't get enough of it. All the "Pro Tips" below are things I picked up from her.

What you'll need: sidewalk chalk, rag/paper towels

1. Find your patch of concrete or asphalt. This can be the ground or a wall, wherever you can find it. Pro Tip: For even brighter, more intense colors, get out there when the ground is a little damp, like right after a gentle rain.
2. Decide what you want to draw and sketch an outline.
3. Fill in your design! Chalk is super blendable, so don't worry about sticking to one color per section. Pro Tip: You can use a rag or paper towel to blend, but your hands work well too. This is a fun kind of messy! Experiment to see what gradients and new colors you can create.
4. If you want to, share your work with neighbors and friends. You never know – the folks next door might want a beautiful design on their driveway too!

Many thanks to Lettering by Karen for the inspiration and photos. Here are a few examples of her creations:

For more chalk inspiration, check out these library sources:

Image

 Chalk on the Wild Side, by Lorie King Kaehler (ebook through O'Reilly)

 Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein

 Amelia Bedelia Chalks One Up, by Herman Parish