How to Wax Paper and Crayon Window Hangers

If you remember the delight of creating wonderfully colorful window hangings from old crayons shavings and a piece of waxed paper, you already know how much fun it is for kids to see their handiwork take shape before their eyes. These wonderful window hangings are sure to please any child and will please you too.

Things You'll Need

• Waxed paper
• Old crayons
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Construction paper or old frames
• Tape
• Crayon sharpener or old food grater

Instructions

1. Gather an assortment of old crayons. It is best to remove the black and to limit the amount of dark colors, particularly if you are doing the project with a young child. He may not yet understand why he should use dark colors sparingly and will be frustrated if you try to limit his choices once he has begun.

2. Cut a piece of waxed paper twice the size you want your finished project to be. About 10 inches is adequate for this project.

3. Fold the waxed paper in half with the waxy side facing in. Make a good crease for the fold.

4. Open the wax paper to prepare for the crayon shavings.

5. Provide your child with a crayon sharpener or an old food grater and a choice of crayon pieces. Encourage the use of brightly colored crayons like yellow, orange and red with an occasional fleck of other colors.

6. Demonstrate the technique of shredding tiny pieces of crayons and allow them to drop naturally over the waxed paper. Be sure to add the flecks to one half of the waxed paper as the other half will be folded over to seal in the colors when ironing.

7. Cover approximately 1/3 of the waxed paper with crayon shavings. These will spread when they are melted, covering a larger area.

8. Fold the waxed paper over the crayon shavings and place on the ironing board. Be careful to hold it level so that the shreds do not move or bunch up. You may wish to cover the ironing board with paper towels to prevent accidental crayon wax from soiling your ironing board.

9. Place a paper towel over the waxed paper and press with a warm iron. Iron with minimal movement by letting the iron rest on the paper towel for a few seconds. Pick up the iron and move to a new section until you have ironed the entire piece.

10. Remove the paper towel and allow to cool. You can now pick up the sheet and let your child admire his handiwork.

11. Frame with contrasting construction paper so that the sheet of waxed paper art work is visible from both sides. Display in a window to create a beautiful sun catcher.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid excessive use of dark colors.