The Fascination of Making Candles Out of Old Crayons

If you see worn down and unused crayons inside your home, do not throw them out just yet; instead, consider using them to make candles. This way, you can recycle them and turn them into something new and colorful. Even your child will enjoy making candles, especially if he learns that his old crayons can be used to make these items. You can even use these as gifts whenever the occasion calls for one.

Before anything, you must first discuss safety with your child. When using crayons, you need to melt them at a very high temperature, so your children will not be able to participate at this part of the process. Do not discourage them; tell them that there are a lot more things to do with his or her help.

When you are ready to start, gather your supplies and make sure that everything is in good condition. You will need the old crayons, a wax carton, paraffin wax, two full ice cube trays, a double boiler or an old coffee can or saucepan, and white packing string.

You need to trim the top off of the wax carton so that what is left behind measures six inches. Cut the string approximately eight inches long. To make sure that the wick burns easier, bread three pieces and braid them together. To tie the ends together, use small pieces of string. Your candle holder may be of any design just as long as it is not flammable.

Now you need to melt three pounds of paraffin wax in the double boiler. You may want to cut it into small chunks for it to melt faster. Wait for about fifteen to twenty minutes until all the wax melts. You can peel the papers off the old crayons while waiting for the wax to melt to help save time. You can tell your child to choose the colors that he or she would like the candle to have. Try mixing different colors and see which one your child likes best.

Add the crayons to the wax only after it has completely melted to achieve the best results. Once the crayons and wax have melted together, remove the mixture immediately from the stove. Pour them into the candles carefully and add your choice of scent.

When you have finished doing all those things, leave the candles to harden. Place them in an area where they cannot be touched by unwanted hands. Remember to keep it out of your children's reach, since it will remain hot for several hours and the heat can cause burns.

Making candles using old crayons is a fun and enjoyable activity for everyone of every age, especially with children. Through this, you will help develop their creativity and bring out their imagination.