Want to make your own crayons? Use these simple steps to get started! For us, this idea started with a problem. The crayons began to melt as my boys did art outside on our driveway. Before we knew it, old crayons were soft, and the colors started mixing. I guess that is what happens in the sunshine. (Sigh.) So, we made the best of it by using the small pieces to make homemade crayons and had the best time. Use these steps to make DIY crayons for coloring or party favors with kids.
RELATED: Art is a large part of our everyday play. We store everything we use in the Art Cart.
Unwrap the crayons
This fun project begins with unwrapping the broken crayon pieces. Peeling off each wrapper takes a steady hand, so I was on the sidelines to help. And after some time, my boys eventually gave up on the peeling, so I pulled us all in for the homestretch.
If you have the Crayola brand of crayons, the easiest way to peel off the label is by soaking them in water first.
Fun Fact: Have extra pieces of broken crayons? Toddler crayons are best when they encourage a proper grip.
How to make DIY crayons
Important Quick Tip: Each section should have an equal number of crayons. Our blue crayons had too many and needed more time. They also bubbled over to the bottom of our oven. Next time, I will place foil on the rack to prevent overspill.
- Gather broken crayons (or new crayons) you have around your house.
- Find a muffin tin or silicone trays that you do not eat from.
- Brainstorm how you want to create each new crayon. Will you blend the colors? Keep each crayon within the same color family? Perhaps you may make a homemade primary-colored crayon? Get creative! Coming up with your colors is the best part.
- Peel off the backing of the crayons.
- Place the different pieces of crayons into the tray.
- Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 300 degrees. I wait on this step because peeling and sorting the crayons took us a few days to complete. We worked in small amounts of time.
- Place the muffin tin into the oven for 12-15 minutes, watching the crayons melt.
- Remove the silicone molds. The melted wax will still be hot!
- Put the tray on a rack or baking sheet to cool.
- Once the crayon wax has cooled, your rainbow crayons will pop out and are ready to be used!
Young kids will enjoy using the final product or giving their washable crayons to a friend. Adding a few to a ziplock bag and using them as party favors is a great idea.
Supplies
There are so many possibilities and different shapes you can make with these silicone molds. Here, I have a variety of molds listed from muffin tins to silicone ice cube trays.
It is a good idea to keep your trays separate from the ones you use to make baked goods. I added even more silicone molds here because there are many great options! There are so many different types of crayons just waiting to be made.
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Alphabet and Numbers Mold
We have used this mold for years to make crayons and ice cubes. We love this set!
Crayon Shaped Mold
This is on our list of crayon molds to try. It is an excellent option if you are looking to remake a traditional crayon shape.
Disney Mold
Where are my Disney people? This one is for you.
My observations
These DIY crayons took a few days to make, which was perfectly okay with me.
Peeling off each label takes some concentration. We worked with a handful of crayons at a time, then took a break.
Having more crayons to peel is the perfect way to regroup. After a cranky morning, we gathered around the table to finalize the crayons in each colored section.
Once the crayons were ready, they were a fun new way to color!
Now, who is ready to make their own homemade crayons?
Empower your child with skills to thrive.
24 low-prep activities and relatable conversation starters that equip kids for life.
- Order the easy-to-follow activity cards.
- Build the foundation for social-emotional learning.
- Notice a shift in self-confidence and self-regulation as you and your child implement what you practice.
