If you’re looking for simple activities to do with your kids that double as holiday decorations and meaningful keepsakes, this collection of melted crayon crafts is sure to inspire you. From sun catchers, to candles, to ornaments, to jewelry, you will be amazed at what you can create with broken pieces of crayons!
3 Simple Ways to Melt Crayons
Whether you’re melting crayons so you can paint with them or pour them into moulds, there are 3 simple, mess-free methods you can use.
1. MICROWAVE
Remove the wrapper from around each crayon and divide them by color. Break or cut the crayons into small pieces and put them into separate microwave safe cups. I like to use small paper cups so I can toss them out afterwards! Microwave your crayons on high heat until melted. I find 4-5 minutes is ideal, but each microwave is different and timing can also depend on the number of crayon pieces you’re trying to melt.
2. STOVETOP
To melt crayons on the stovetop, you’ll need a large pot and smaller heat-proof jars to place inside. Mason jars are a great option, but recycled tin cans also work! To begin, fill your pot with about 2 inches of water, and then place your jars or cans into the pot, ensuring no water gets inside them. Place your pot on high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once your crayons are free from their wrappers and have been divided by color and broken into smaller pieces, place them into the jars/cans and allow the heat from the boiling water to melt them.
3. OVEN
You can also melt crayons in the oven! Start by preheating your oven to 275F, and then remove the wrappers from your crayons and break them into smaller pieces. Next, organize them into small oven-safe dishes, using one dish per color (or combination of colors if you prefer). Place your dishes onto a cookie sheet and place into the oven until your crayons have melted. I find it takes about 6-8 minutes for crayons to melt using this method, but again, it will depend on your oven and how many crayons you’re working with.
If you want to melt crayons directly into moulds, check the labels to see if your moulds are microwave or oven safe. If they are, you can place your broken crayons directly into the moulds and allow them to melt inside. And remember to use caution when removing melted crayons from your microwave, stovetop, or oven. The containers you use to melt them in will be extremely hot, as will the melted crayons. Use oven mitts and keep children a safe distance away so they don’t burn themselves!
6 Melted Crayon Craft Essentials
Before you dig into the list of melted crayon crafts for kids below, make sure you have the supplies you need handy. You can double check the list of supplies you’ll need for each craft, but I suggest investing in the following upfront:
1. Crayons
I realize this is obvious, lol, but wanted to point out that Amazon sells boxes of crayons in a single color. If you’re working on a project that needs only one or a few colors and you don’t think you have enough, you can likely buy what you need rather inexpensively.
2. Paper cups
If you plan on melting your crayons in the microwave and don’t have small microwave safe dishes, small paper cups are a great option as you can toss them in the garbage once you’ve finished.
3. Bamboo Skewers
You will need something to stir your crayons as they melt to ensure the heat is evenly distributed and to remove any lumps. And if you are combining 2 or more colors, bamboo skewers will allow you to create cool swirls for a little extra pop!
4. Moulds
When it comes to melted crayon crafts, it doesn’t get much easier than making your own crayons using fun shapes. Amazon sells tons of great silicone moulds that are perfect for this kind of project!
5. Wax Paper
Wax paper is a must when making melted crayon crafts so make sure you have some handy. Check out the wax paper sun catchers below – they’ll inspire you to make tons of beautiful art projects with your kids!
6. Hair Dryer
Some of the melted crayon crafts below, such as the melted pumpkins and canvas art ideas, require a hair dryer to create ‘drips’ of crayon.
14 Easy Melted Crayon Crafts for Kids
Easy Melted Crayon Ornaments | Heathered Nest
Sun Melted Crayon Art | Hands On Teaching Ideas
Melted Crayon Butterflies | ART BAR
Melted Crayon Canvas Art | B + C Guides
DIY Melted Crayon Christmas Ornaments | The Sweetest Occasion
Melted Crayon Heart on Canvas | Mommy’s Bundle
Melted Crayon Hearts | Heather Christo
DIY Rainbow Candles | KIMSPIRED DIY
Melted Crayon Snowflake Mobile | Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Melted Crayon Pumpkins | Mom Spark
Melted Crayon Jewelry | Color Me Happy
How to Make Your Own Crayons | The Kitchen Table Classroom
Tie Dye Melted Crayon Jewelry | Instructables
Wax Paper Suncatchers | The Maternal Hobbyist
Whether you’re looking for simple boredom busters to keep your kids from climbing the walls on bad weather days, or beautiful homemade gift ideas for family and friends, I hope this collection of melted crayon crafts for kids inspires you!
