How to Use Crayons in Crafts

We all know crayons have countless uses, from creating works of art in coloring books to drawing classic, keepsake family portraits--but what can you do with crayons when they get old or too short to use? Don’t toss your worn out crayons in the trash--instead get creative. Read on for a few creative and crafty ways to use up those old crayons.

Things You'll Need

• Taper candles
• Milk cartons (pint size)
• Heavy paper cups
• Crushed ice
• Old crayons – (not the washable kind)
• Candy molds
• Candle wax – gel (sold in craft stores or departments)
• Cheese grater
• Wax paper
• Iron
• Cardboard
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Rinse out an empty milk carton and cut the top off.

2. Peel off the wrapping from the old crayons and sort them according to color. Melt them in separate heavy paper cups in the microwave over medium heat.

3. Place the taper candle in the center of the milk carton, cutting it to the desired height. Make sure the wick is exposed.

4. Pour crushed ice into the carton and add some candle wax from the craft store. This will make your candle last longer and make the project a little less messy. Add the melted crayons, filling the carton to the top.

5. Leave it until the ice has melted and the wax is hardened. The ice will create pockets throughout the candle. When it is completely dried and hardened, cut away the mold carefully, revealing a decorative candle with interesting bubbles throughout it.

6. Pour the leftover melted crayons in the candy molds and place them in the freezer. When the melted crayons have hardened, you will have creatively-shaped crayons to reuse.

7. Draw a design on wax paper. Using the cheese grater, grate the leftover crayons onto the wax paper, filling in the design. Place the design on a piece of cardboard on the ironing board. Place another piece of wax paper on top the design.

8. Put the iron on the lowest setting and rub it over the wax paper design until the crayon melts. Trim the edges of the design away and paste the sheet to craft paper to make a personalized greeting card.

Tips & Warnings

• Adult supervision is necessary when handling hot melted wax and an iron.