How to Make Chunk Crayons

Use different colors in the same color family for a varied chunk crayon.

A chunk crayon is a large, bulky crayon that is made from several crayons. You can make chunk crayons out of the nubs of old crayons or you can make them from new crayons. This is also a good way to use up a package of crayons that is missing some colors. At the start of a new school year, you can find crayons on sale, so purchase several boxes of cheap crayons for this project.

Things You'll Need

• Oven
• Crayons and crayon fragments, any amount
• Nonstick mini muffin pan
• Oven mitt
• Freezer

Instructions

1. Peel the paper off all the crayons. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Break the crayons into pieces that are about 1 inch long.

2. Arrange the pieces in your mini muffin tin. Choose a different color scheme for each compartment in the tin, if desired. Fill the tin with as many crayon pieces as you wish. The more pieces there are, the thicker the chunk crayon will be.

3. Place the mini muffin tin in the oven. Check it every couple of minutes, until most of the wax on top is melted.

4. Remove the mini muffin tin from the oven. There may still be a few unmelted pieces on top. Allow the tin to sit for about five minutes to allow the carryover heat to melt the rest of the crayons. Place the tin in the freezer when it is cool to the touch.

5. Pull the chunk crayons away from the sides when they are solid. Turn the crayons out of the pan.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want the colors in a tin to mix better, stir the melted crayons with a toothpick. Stir only until they are blended.

• Use shaped pans such as gingerbread men and hearts for a holiday version of the chunky crayon.

• Wax is flammable at high temperatures. Keep a fire extinguisher handy when melting the crayons. Do not leave the crayons in the oven unattended.

References

• Whimsy Love; Cool Chunky Crayons Tutorial; June 2008