Color Your Candles With Old Crayons
If you have kids, you most likely have plenty of old crayons around the house that are no longer used. Before throwing them out, consider using them to make candles. This can be a great way to turn them into something new and useful again. Most children will love the idea of making candles and enjoy knowing their old crayons were used to make them. The candles you make with old crayons make great gifts.
Discuss safety procedures with your children before getting started. Since the crayons will have to be melted at a high heat, they may not be able to participate in that part of the candle making process. Assure them that there are many other aspects of the candle making that they can be a part of.
To start, gather your supplies. In addition to the crayons, you will need a wax carton. This can be from milk, fabric softener, or orange juice container. You will also need paraffin wax, two full ice cube trays, a double boiler, and white packing string. If you don’t want to use your double boiler, an old coffee can and a saucepan will work just as well.
Trim the top off of the wax carton, leaving it approximately six inches high. Cut the string for the wick at least 8 inches long. You will later trim the wick to fit the holder. To ensure a wick that burns easier, take three pieces and braid them together. Use smaller pieces of string to tie the ends together. Any non-flammable container can be used for candle holders. Pretty vases, glasses, and jars work nicely.
Melt about three pounds of paraffin wax in the double boiler or coffee can. Melting will be faster if the wax is cut into small pieces. Melting will take about 15 to 20 minutes. While the wax is melting, peel the papers off of the old crayons. You and your children can choose to separate the colors by lights and darks to have a mix that combines well or you can mix them all together and see what the color ends up being.
For best results, only add the crayons to the wax after it has completely melted. After the crayons and wax have both melted, immediately remove the mixture from the stove and pour into your candle holders. If you would like to make scented candles, try adding a splash of cinnamon or vanilla to your hot wax mixture.
It is important that the candles be left alone to completely harden. Make sure you have an area where this can be done. It is also important to make sure small children can’t reach them because the wax will stay hot for several hours and can cause serious injuries.
A entertaining way to spend time with your kids is to make candles out of old crayons!