How to Make a Roof Out of Crayola Crayons

A crayon's shape can provide as much inspiration as its drawing ability.

Crayola Crayons debuted in 1903 with eight available colors. Since then, the line has maintained a stable of 120 core colors. Throughout the years, crayons such as Flesh and Indian Red remained in the lineup with new names due to changing times. New additions responded to fashion and teacher requests. While coloring remains the primary use for crayons, the barrel-shaped appearance of a standard Crayola crayon can also inspire the imagination. When lined up side by side, the curve of the crayon mimics the half-arc shape of Mediterranean or Spanish tiles. Crayon tips evoke a rustic cottage look. Make a whimsical roof for a shoebox house, the perfect homestead for action figures.

Things You'll Need

• Crayola crayons
• Wood or plastic ruler
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the roof size.

   Measure the length of each side of the house's roof.

2. 

   Align the flat ends of the crayons to make a roof.

   Place a ruler on sturdy flat surface, preferably a plastic or wood ruler, which have a thicker edge than their metal counterparts. Line crayons up next to each other, side by side with the crayon tips facing the same direction. Push the crayons so that the flat bottoms line flush with the ruler. Add crayons until the assortment reaches the desired length.

3. 

   Line up a second set of crayons to make the other roof panel.

   Line a second set of crayons together for the opposite side of the roof.

4. Turn the crayons so the desired visible sides face up.

5. 

   Use a glue gun to tack the crayons together.

   Pick each crayon up and squirt a small dab of hot glue on its side. Set the crayon down next to its partner and press gently. Use the ruler as a straightedge to make sure each subsequent crayon tip is flush with the next.

6. Glue the remaining crayons together.

7. 

   Wait several hours for the glue bond to solidify.

   Allow the glue to cool thoroughly. It takes several hours for the bond to harden.

8. Repeat the positioning and gluing process for the other roof panel.

9. Place the roof panel on one side of the slanted roof. The flat end of the crayon may sit at the peak, and the tip of the crayons hang over where the gutter would be. Permanently affix the roof panels with hot glue.

Tips & Warnings

• While the glue is hot, the amount of glue used and the temperature is not great enough to melt the crayons.

• For added visual interest, create and decorate your own crayon wrappers. For a uniform look, select identical crayons and remove the wrappers prior to roof construction.

• Cut the ends off jagged, well-used crayons for a uniform look. Alternatively, the mismatched sizes enhance the look of a woodland cottage for magical creatures.

• Do not allow young children to use glue guns unattended. Allow them to choose the crayons and hold the roof together. Have an adult or teen operate the glue gun.

References

• Crayola: Crayola® Crayon Chronology
• Better Homes and Gardens: Roof Designs & Styles