How to Make Melted Crayons Into Shapes (Directions)
Drawing crayon pictures provides entertainment for your child while also encouraging him to use his imagination. Sometimes those crayons break into small difficult-to-grip pieces, tempting you to throw the whole crayon bucket away and purchase a new pack of crayons. Instead of buying all new crayons, however, you can recycle the little crayon bits. Turn them into new crayons in exciting new shapes by using the wide variety of silicone ice cube trays sold at department and home goods stores. You can turn those small crayon bits into star-shaped, heart-shaped or even car-shaped coloring tools.
Instructions
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1
Clear a space in your refrigerator or freezer large enough for the cookie sheet.
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2
Preheat your oven to 200 F.
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3
Place the silicone ice cube tray on a cookie sheet. Fill each cup of the ice cube tray with 1/2- to 1-inch long bits of crayon.
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4
Place the cookie sheet in the oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, check to make sure all the crayon bits are melted. If they are, remove the cookie sheet. If not, check again after another 5 minutes.
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5
Place the cookie sheet in your refrigerator or freezer to cool. Leave the cookie sheet for an hour if using the freezer or 2 hours if using the refrigerator. Feel the bottom of the ice cube tray's cups to make sure the crayon is cooled and hardened all the way through before removing the tray. Give it more time if necessary.
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6
Pull the cookie sheet from the refrigerator or freezer and pop the shaped crayons out of the ice cube tray's cups.
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Tips & Warnings
Fill each cup of the ice cube tray with bits of crayon all in the same color for a solid-colored crayon or fill each cup with bits of crayons in a variety of colors for a crayon that colors in a swirl of colors.
Store the new crayons in a plastic zipper bag, crayon box, plastic jar or bucket.
Shaped crayons make an excellent gift for any child who loves to color. Use inexpensive crayons from the dollar store, break them up and melt them down to make crayons to gift.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
