If you’re ready to transform broken crayons into colorful fun, start by melting them into formed new crayons or cool heart pencil toppers using silicone molds and a heat gun or oven at 200ºF. Try canvas drip art by melting crayons on a canvas top for creative designs, or layer crayon bits within parchment paper to craft personalized bookmarks. You can mix colors for magical wands or sprinkle grated crayon shavings for confetti art. These projects aren’t just fun—they’re great for learning and upcycling, and there’s plenty more creative ideas just ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Melt crayons in silicone molds or plastic straws to create shaped crayons, wands, or pencil toppers for imaginative play.
- Use a heat gun or iron to melt crayon shavings on canvas or wax paper, creating colorful drip art or layered designs.
- Grate crayons into confetti art shavings and melt with an iron for textured, vibrant paper crafts enhancing fine motor skills.
- Combine melted crayons with simple ingredients to make colorful play dough, promoting sensory learning and color blending exploration.
- Recycle broken crayons into new crafts like heart-shaped crayons, bookmarks, or painted rocks, fostering creativity and sustainability.
Heart Pencil Toppers
If you’ve ever wanted to add a splash of color and a bit of personality to your pencils, making melted crayon heart pencil toppers is a fantastic project to try.
I love experimenting with crayon color combinations to create eye-catching pencil accessory designs that feel truly personal.
Start by melting broken crayons in heart-shaped silicone molds using a heat gun or hair dryer—this warms the crayons evenly for a smooth finish.
After cooling, gently pop out your unique toppers.
It’s a fun way to recycle old crayons and make your pencils stand out while sharing creative vibes with friends.
Shaped New Crayons
Creating formed new crayons is one of my favorite ways to turn old, broken pieces into colorful treasures that kids will love. I use silicone molds to create unique shapes like stars, hearts, or animals, which makes coloring extra fun.
First, I preheat the oven to 200ºF, fill the molds with crayon pieces, and bake them for 10-15 minutes until melted. Mixing different color combinations lets me craft vibrant, multi-colored crayons.
After cooling completely, they pop out easily thanks to the flexible molds. It’s a simple, creative way to recycle and bring joy to little artists.
Canvas Drip Art
While formed crayons add a fun twist to coloring, I also love how melted crayons can create art that’s both vibrant and a little unexpected. Canvas drip art is all about crayon color selection and melting techniques. Using a heat gun or hair dryer, you melt crayon pieces at the canvas top, letting wax flow down in colorful drips. Here’s a quick guide:
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Crayon Choice | Pick bright, contrasting hues |
| Heat Source | Use a heat gun or hair dryer |
| Workspace Prep | Cover with parchment paper |
| Supervision | Always watch kids closely |
It’s creative and a perfect way to bond!
Bookmark Craft
Since bookmarks are such handy little helpers, turning melted crayons into personalized bookmarks is a fantastic way to brighten up your reading time.
Start by layering broken crayon pieces between parchment paper, then gently melt them with an iron to create vibrant bookmark designs. Mix and match crayon colors to express your style—think swirling blues or fiery reds!
Once cooled, peel off the paper carefully. For durability, try laminating your bookmark or using cardstock underneath before melting.
This craft not only recycles old crayons but also gives you a colorful, one-of-a-kind reading companion you’ll love showing off.
Magic Wands Project
Whenever I want to add a little sparkle and color to playtime, I turn broken crayons into magical wands that kids absolutely adore. The magic starts by choosing crayon color combinations and layering them in molds or plastic straws before melting.
Once cooled, the fun continues with wand decoration techniques like glitter, ribbons, or stickers. Remember, adult supervision is key during melting for safety.
Here’s what I focus on:
- Mixing vibrant crayon color combinations for unique swirls
- Using safe, creative wand decoration techniques
- Encouraging kids to personalize their wands for imaginative play
It’s a joyful project that brings us together!
Play Dough Mix
One of my favorite ways to bring a splash of color and creativity into playtime is by making melted crayon play dough—a fun twist on the classic sensory activity. Mixing melted crayons with flour, salt, water, and cream of tartar creates colorful textures perfect for sensory exploration. Kids love watching colors blend while their hands shape the pliable dough, which even smells faintly of crayons! Store it airtight for endless fun. Here’s a quick guide:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Melted crayons | 1/2 cup | Color & scent |
| Flour | 1 cup | Dough base |
| Salt | 1/4 cup | Texture & preservation |
| Cream of tartar | 1 tsp | Elasticity |
Butterfly Decorations
Although crafting with melted crayons can sometimes get a little messy, creating butterfly decorations is a wonderfully colorful project that brings both fun and learning to the table.
I love using butterfly shapes as molds, filling them with broken crayon pieces to investigate exciting color mixing. Here’s why this craft feels so special:
- Each butterfly turns out unique with vibrant, blended hues.
- Kids practice shape recognition while experimenting with colors.
- Hanging these decorations adds a whimsical touch to any room.
This project invites everyone to join in, making creativity and connection flutter beautifully together.
Confetti Art Shavings
Butterfly decorations bring a burst of color and imagination to any space, but if you’re looking to try something with a bit more texture and sparkle, confetti art shavings are a fantastic next step.
I love grating old crayons into tiny pieces and sprinkling these shavings onto paper, creating colorful patterns that really pop. Then, using a warm iron, I melt the shavings to fuse them, adding a glossy finish that feels alive.
This craft invites creative expression and fine motor practice, and mixing in glue or other materials makes each piece uniquely ours—a perfect way to share and discover art together.
Painted Rocks
Painted rocks offer a fun and hands-on way to bring color and creativity outdoors, and adding melted crayon designs takes this craft to a whole new level.
I love how rock painting with crayon melting lets you create vibrant, textured art by melting crayon shavings onto cleaned, dry rocks.
It’s not just about making pretty stones; it’s about expressing yourself and sharing joy.
Here’s why I think you’ll enjoy it:
- Unique, colorful patterns brighten any garden or home.
- Melted crayon rocks make thoughtful, personal gifts.
- It’s a great way to recycle old crayons creatively.
Just remember to stay safe with the heat!
Wax Paper Art
Melted crayon designs on rocks are just one way to enjoy the vibrant colors and textures crayons can create when heated, but wax paper art opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Using simple wax paper techniques, you sprinkle crayon shavings on paper, cover with wax paper, then gently press with a hot iron—no sliding, to keep your design crisp. This method shines with creative layering, letting you craft hearts or abstract patterns, especially fun around holidays.
Pearlescent scrapbook paper adds a magical glow, and sharing your creations connects you with a community of fellow artists exploring this colorful craft.
Iron Melt Technique
Although the iron melt technique might sound a bit tricky at first, I promise it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to create colorful crayon art.
You place crayon shavings between wax paper and gently press with a hot iron, using careful iron temperature control to avoid burning or smearing.
Here’s what I’ve learned helps:
- Use a low heat setting for smooth melting
- Press down without sliding to keep design patterns crisp
- Layer colors for beautiful effects
This method beats using a hair dryer, giving you vibrant, detailed results you and your friends will love.
Glass Ornaments
If you’ve enjoyed experimenting with the iron melt technique, you’re going to love creating glass ornaments with melted crayons next.
Start by removing wrappers and breaking crayons into small pieces. Use a heat gun to melt the wax inside clear glass or plastic ornament shapes.
I find that practicing color layering really makes your ornament designs pop—try pouring different shades in layers to create cool patterns.
Once cooled, these unique ornaments add a personal touch to any holiday display. Plus, it’s a great way for us to recycle old crayons and share creativity together.
Mold Creations
When you want to turn old crayons into something fresh and fun, using silicone molds is a fantastic way to do it.
I love choosing different mold shapes—like stars, hearts, or animals—to mix and match crayon colors for unique creations.
Here’s why silicone molds work best:
- They make it super easy to pop out the hardened crayons.
- They hold vibrant crayon colors beautifully.
- They come in tons of fun shapes for endless creativity.
Just remember to let your creations cool completely before handling.
It’s a simple way to make personalized crayons that add joy to every coloring session!
Oven Baked Method
Moving from shaping crayons in molds, the oven baked method offers a whole new way to create colorful melted crayon art right on a flat surface.
I love how you can sprinkle crayon shavings or arrange broken pieces on foil, then pop it in a 200ºF oven for about 5 minutes.
Remember, oven safety is key—keep the baking sheet level when removing it to avoid spills. This melting technique lets colors blend and swirl beautifully.
Once cooled, punch holes to hang your masterpiece with yarn. It’s a fun, safe way to investigate melted crayon art together!
Microwave Planet Project
One of my favorite ways to investigate melted crayon art is through the Microwave Planet Project, which turns colorful crayon pieces into vibrant, planet-inspired creations.
Start by gathering crayon pieces in blues, greens, reds, and yellows—perfect for creating different planet shapes. Using melting techniques, heat the crayons in short microwave bursts, watching closely to avoid overheating.
Then, pour the melted wax into molds or shape orbs on parchment paper. This project is great because it:
- Teaches basic melting techniques
- Encourages creativity with planet shapes
- Invites hands-on exploration for all ages
You’ll love seeing your planets come to life!
Starry Night Recreation
If you enjoyed creating colorful planets with melted crayons, you’ll love bringing a famous masterpiece to life with the Starry Night Recreation project.
This craft invites you to investigate color exploration by grating crayons in blues, yellows, blacks, and purples, then melting them gently on a foil-lined canvas.
It’s amazing how the shavings blend, encouraging your artistic expression through texture and layered hues. You’ll realize how colors mix and flow together, just like Van Gogh’s iconic swirls.
Hang your finished piece with yarn to proudly display your creative achievement and feel connected to a community of young artists like you!
Aluminum Foil Canvas
Although it might sound a bit unusual, using aluminum foil as a canvas opens up a whole new world of colorful possibilities for melted crayon art.
I love how simple aluminum foil techniques transform a cereal box into a vibrant masterpiece. Here’s what I do:
- Cover the box with foil, creating a shiny base.
- Grate or pound crayons into shavings, then spread them on the foil.
- Melt in a 200ºF oven for 5 minutes, letting colors blend beautifully.
These crayon melting methods make the process fun and creative.
Once cooled, your art is ready to display—making us all feel like true artists!
Paper Plate Swirls
When you want to create something colorful and fun with melted crayons, paper plate swirls are a fantastic choice that’s both easy and rewarding. Start by melting crayon shavings between wax paper with an iron, then cut the cooled sheet into spirals using spiral cutting techniques. Use paper plates as a sturdy base, cutting them into swirls first. Experiment with swirl color combinations for vibrant effects. This craft not only recycles old crayons but also builds fine motor skills and creativity. Here’s a quick guide to inspire your next colorful swirl creation:
| Step | Materials Needed | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Melt Crayons | Crayon shavings, wax paper | Use varied colors for vibrancy |
| Ironing | Iron, heat resistant surface | Use low heat, press gently |
| Cool & Cut | Paper plate, scissors | Spiral cutting techniques make fun shapes |
| Assemble | Melted sheet, paper plate | Layer for depth and color blending |
| Display | String or tape | Hang as ornaments or wall art |
Heat Gun Melting
A heat gun is an amazing tool that can take your melted crayon projects to the next level by allowing you to melt crayons quickly and with great control.
I love how it offers precise melting techniques, making colorful designs pop.
Remember, heat gun safety is key! Keep these tips in mind:
- Hold the heat gun 6 to 12 inches away to avoid burning.
- Direct the heat steadily for smooth, unique patterns.
- Always supervise kids closely and explain the hot surfaces.
Using a heat gun feels like magic, turning crayons into vibrant, flowing art with ease and safety.
Hair Dryer Method
If you don’t have a heat gun handy, a hair dryer can step in as a handy tool for melting crayon shavings onto your paper or canvas.
I always remind myself about hair dryer safety—keeping it at a distance and moving it around to avoid overheating or accidents.
While it takes a bit longer, this method can still create fun melted effects, though crayon color vibrancy may not be as intense as with other tools.
It’s perfect for crafting moments with kids when you want something simple, safe, and creative without extra equipment.
Give it a try!
Jewelry Making
Anyone looking to turn melted crayons into wearable art will find jewelry making a fun and creative project to try.
I love how crayon color blending lets us experiment with marbled effects or layered shavings for unique designs. Using silicone molds, you can craft pendants or earrings that show off cool jewelry design techniques.
Remember to:
- Use heat-resistant tools and have adult supervision during melting
- Mix colors thoughtfully for eye-catching layers
- Attach finished pieces to cords or chains for stylish wear
This project not only recycles old crayons but also helps us feel part of a creative crafting community.
Crayon Shaving Confetti
While exploring new ways to use leftover crayons, I uncovered how fun and colorful crayon shaving confetti can be.
Grating crayons creates tiny, vibrant flakes that invite endless crayon color mixing—imagine blending reds, blues, and yellows into unique patterns!
This eco friendly crafting idea recycles broken crayons, turning scraps into art. You can sprinkle the confetti on greeting cards, scrapbook pages, or gifts for a personal touch.
Plus, if you gently heat the shavings, they melt to form cool textures.
It’s a simple, creative way to bring everyone together while caring for the planet. Give it a try!
Color Blending Design
Exploring crayon shaving confetti is a fantastic way to see colors come alive, and layering those shavings to create a color blending design takes the fun up a notch.
When you melt these layers, you witness color theory in action as pigment interaction creates smooth gradients. I love mixing darker and lighter shades because darker pigments melt faster, blending beautifully with lighter ones.
Here’s what I suggest:
- Arrange shavings thoughtfully to control melting patterns
- Use varied shapes and sizes for texture
- Watch how pigments combine to teach color theory
This process truly brings us all together through creativity!
Upcycled Crayon Bits
Since broken crayons often end up tossed aside, I love how upcycling them into new shapes gives those colorful bits a fresh life and a new purpose. Melting crayon bits in silicone molds lets kids create fun shapes while exploring creative color combinations.
This hands-on activity boosts artistic skills and highlights crayon recycling benefits by reducing waste. Using a hair dryer or heat gun safely melts pieces under adult watch, turning old scraps into unique crayons or pencil toppers.
It’s a rewarding way to bond, embrace sustainability, and enjoy crafting together while giving crayons a vibrant second chance.
Vibrant Wall Display
After giving those broken crayons a new life with fun shapes, you might want to take your melted crayon creativity up a notch by making a vibrant wall display.
It’s a fantastic way to brighten any room while exploring color schemes and seasonal themes. Here’s how you can start:
- Arrange crayon shavings on canvas, then melt them with heat for a swirling, colorful effect.
- Choose seasonal themes, like autumn hues or spring pastels, to match the time of year.
- Mix melted crayon art with paint or glitter for extra flair and texture.
This project invites everyone to create and belong through art!
