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Thursday, May 28, 2009

How to Recycle Old Crayons into New Crayons

Ever since I got a glimpse of the candy molds at Bake it Pretty, I new I wanted to make crayons with them. At first, I wasn't sure how the candy molds would hold up. After a little craft R & D I can tell you they're perfect for crayon making. I originally wanted to make mustache crayons but the mustache molds were all sold out (bummer). Apparently mustache candy is hot in the baking world, who new? So instead of mustache crayons, I present you with car crayon directions.

P.S. This is the kid craft I promised for Friday. It's just a little early.

Supplies
Candy molds - I purchased mine at Bake it Pretty but you can get them anywhere. The main thing is you don't want a mold skinnier than a crayon. Otherwise, the crayons will break easy.

Crayons - I got a bunch of used crayons from the kindergarten teacher at my son's school. This is the perfect time to ask teachers since school is coming to an end. Often the crayon nubs are sorted out and thrown away.

Used cans from fruit, vegetables etc. . .

Large Pot

Instructions
Peel all the paper off crayons. Sort by color into the different cans. Place in a large pot of water. Melt down using the double boiler method.

Other melting techniques - Some sites will tell you to melt down the crayons in paper cups in the microwave. From my experience, the paper cups begin to burn before the crayons melt down. You could also use a microwave safe container to melt down the crayons as well. Note, even though some Tupperware is microwave safe, it will melt if it gets too hot.

Pour the hot crayon wax into the molds. Don't worry if it spills over. You can peel it off when it dries. Let it set for a couple minutes. Then place the mold into the freezer for approximately fifteen minutes. You don't need to spray the molds at all. When the wax cools it pulls away from the mold. All I had to do was turn over the mold and the car crayons popped out. There wasn't even any wax left behind.

top view of car crayon



Other idea

You can mix glitter into the wax to make glitter crayons. I think these rock molds would be perfect for this.

20 comments:

Donnelly said...

This is a wonderful idea! Your instructions are so easy to read. I teach at a school for kids with emotional disorders. I can imagine the looks on their faces if we did this as a craft together. The sorting is something they would all love.
Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day!

The Queen of Clearance said...

I love them! I made little round crayons out of dixie cups (just filled them up a little bit of the way and then once dried I just peeled the cups off) and the kids at the preschool I work at loved them, but I never thought of candy molds! I have tons of candy molds I can try! Bunnies, hearts, frogs, The kids would love that! Thanks for the idea!

AJ Bindel said...

Great idea! I especially like the idea of glitter rock crayons. :)

Thank you for the links!

Best,
Amy

Alexander said...

This is a great idea. I've never thought of that. Cool!

Thanks for sharing, and have a great weekend.

Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

Chrissy said...

I'm so glad you posted this! I'm (hopefully) going to be making some banana crayons for my little girl's BD party so this how-to was perfect timing! Did you happen to see any banana candy molds at Bake it Pretty? I'll have to check there. Also, I'll be linking to your post for others to see!

wayfarer said...

Great idea! I am going to order a train mold and make train crayons for my son's train themed birthday. I'm trying to avoid thomas and go more for just trains and this is just perfect. We made the crayon cookies in a muffin tin last year but i think these will be a bigger hit. Thanks!

Ayie said...

Your kids must be so happy with their "new" crayons! those moulds are good for chocos too!

Novi On The Go said...

Good idea Jessica! Kids will love this. I like the skid marks in your pictures, adds to the fun! Your projects are always so resourceful!

Wendy P said...

I'd like to post a link to this on my blog - would it be ok if I use your picture, too? Such a cute idea!

Kristin - The Goat said...

It's crafty projects like this that make me wish that I had children. Good thing I've got nieces! Maybe we'll do this in July when I go to see them. Thanks!

Yarni Gras! said...

what great stocking stuffers..car crayons for boys!

Rachel said...

This is neat! Theoretically, could you do the same thing to make your own candles from the nubs of old ones?

Alexis said...

Cute! My girls would love the sparkles...

alittlebitofscrap said...

Absolutely Brilliant!

Angel said...

Such a clever idea. I love it! I'd love to make some fun maybe heart shaped crayons with my heart candy mold. Oooh i really love the idea of adding glitter for some sparkles!

Amanda @ www.kiddio.org said...

This is so fabulous. I've used silicone 'ice cube trays', but this gives you such great detail and there are so. many. candy mold options out there! Love it!

Brooke said...

I love the race car crayons. I did this with the children in my after school program. We used a microwavable muffin tray and took turns watching the crayons melt through the microwave window. They loved it, and the new crayons worked well for leaf rubbings.

Brandy said...

this is an incredible idea, i hate having all those broken crayons! brilliant!

Anonymous said...

What I always do for my little cousin (and myself) is just put the crayons in a muffin tin, unmelted, and watch them melt in the oven. Then when you take them out the new crayons are all swirly and even more exciting for a 5 year old.

KateMcKenzie said...

My mom always melted our crayons in muffin tins too, when we were little. I just melted my kids' crayons down tonight. I can't wait for them to see them in the morning. :)

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