The Art of Melting and Remaking Crayons: A Colorful Adventure

Crayons have been a beloved tool for artistic expression for generations. They are a staple for teachers, parents, and in every child's art supply collection. But if you have little ones at home, you know it won’t take long for all those beautiful, perfectly pointed crayons to be worn down, the wrappers torn off, and each one most likely broken into pieces, often too small to hold. 

Rather than tossing those old, broken crayons, why not consider transforming them into something new and usable again?

In this blog, we’ll explore the creative and crafty world of melting and remaking crayons.

Part 1: Gathering Supplies

Before you begin, you’ll need to get a few essential supplies:

1. Crayons: Gather up all those old, broken, or unwanted crayons. You can mix and match colors to create unique combinations.

2. Silicone Molds: Silicone molds come in various shapes and sizes, which makes them perfect for crafting custom crayons. You can find molds in the shape of animals, stars, hearts, or simple rectangles.

3. A Heat Source: You can use your oven or a microwave to melt your crayons. If using an oven, have an oven-safe container, like a silicone baking mat or aluminum foil, ready.

4. Protective Gear: When melting crayons, it's wise to wear oven mitts or use potholders to protect your hands from heat.

Part 2: Melting Crayons

Now that you've got your supplies ready, let's dive into the melting process:

1. Prep the Crayons: Remove the paper labels from the crayons (if there are any left!) because they won't melt and can make a mess. 

2. Break the Crayons: If they aren’t broken already, break your crayons into small pieces to speed up the melting process and create more even colors. You can keep similar shades together or mix them for a rainbow effect.

3. Choose Your Melting Method:

• Oven: Preheat your oven at a low temperature, around 250°F. Place the crayon pieces in the molds and then put them on an oven-safe surface like a baking sheet or silicone mat. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crayons have completely melted.

• Microwave: Place the crayon pieces in a microwave-safe container, like a glass measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the crayons are fully melted.

Part 3: Creating Custom Crayons

Once your crayons are melted, it's time to get creative:

1. Mix Colors: Experiment with mixing different crayon colors to create unique shades. You can pour layers of different colors into the molds or blend them together for a marbled effect.

2. Add Texture: Consider adding texture to your crayons by sprinkling glitter, small beads, or even salt into the molds before pouring the melted crayon wax.

3. Cooling and Removing: Let your crayons cool and harden for at least an hour. Once they're completely solid, gently pop them out of the molds. You'll be left with your very own custom crayons.

Melting and remaking crayons is a fun way to breathe new life into old art supplies, and it’s particularly fun to include the kiddos in this project. So, gather your supplies, fire up your oven or microwave, and start melting and remaking crayons today. It's a colorful adventure that's fun for all ages.