Creating your own crayons at home can be a fun and engaging activity for both kids and adults. Not only does it allow for the recycling of old, broken crayons, but it also offers the opportunity to mix and match colors to create unique and personalized art supplies. Using the oven to melt and mold the crayons is a straightforward process that yields beautiful, one-of-a-kind results.
In this guide on how to make crayons in the oven, you’ll learn step-by-step instructions on how to transform your old crayons into vibrant new ones using simple kitchen tools.
What is Needed
Old, Broken Crayons:
To get started, gather all the old and broken crayons you want to use. You can also purchase new ones in different colors if you’d like to create a specific color scheme for your crayons.
Oven-safe Molds:
Choose a heat-resistant mold to melt and shape the crayons into. You can use silicone molds, muffin tins, or even ice cube trays for smaller shaped crayons. Make sure the molds you choose are oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
Knife or Grater:
To prepare the crayons for melting, you’ll need to chop or grate them into small pieces. A sharp knife works well for this, but if working with children, be sure to supervise closely and consider using a cheese grater instead.
Baking Sheet:
To prevent any melted wax from dripping onto your oven’s bottom surface, place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the oven rack to catch any spills.
Oven Mitts:
To handle the hot molds and melted crayons, protect your hands with a pair of oven mitts. The molds will be extremely hot when taken out of the oven, so take caution when handling them.
8 Simple Methods on How to Make Crayons in the Oven
Method 1: Gather and Sort the Crayons
Begin by collecting all the old and broken crayons you want to recycle. Remove any paper wrappers from the crayons and discard them. Next, sort the crayons by color. Grouping similar shades together will help you create more vibrant and uniform new crayons.
However, feel free to experiment by mixing different colors to see what creative combinations you can come up with. Sorting the crayons adequately is essential for ensuring a smooth melting process and achieving the desired color outcomes. Once sorted, place the crayons aside in separate piles or containers according to their colors.
Method 2: Preheat the Oven
Before you begin melting the crayons, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This temperature is ideal for melting the wax without burning it, ensuring that your crayons will melt smoothly and evenly. Allow the oven to fully reach this temperature before placing the crayons inside. Preheating is a crucial step that guarantees a consistent melting process, leading to better-quality crayons.
Make sure to use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure of your oven’s accuracy, as precise temperature control will aid in the success of your crayon-making endeavor.
Method 3: Chop or Grate the Crayons
Once the crayons are sorted by color, the next step is to chop or grate them into small pieces. This will help them melt more quickly and evenly in the oven.
If you are using a knife, carefully chop the crayons into small chunks roughly the size of a pea. If you prefer to use a grater, run the crayons along the grating surface to create shavings. Be sure to work on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or wax paper, to collect all the pieces.
If children are participating in this step, a cheese grater is a safer option than a knife, though adult supervision is still necessary. Once all the crayons are chopped or grated, divide them into separate containers based on their color groups. This preparation will make it easier to fill the molds with the desired color combinations in the next step.
Method 4: Fill the Molds
Now it’s time to fill your chosen oven-safe molds with the chopped or grated crayon pieces. You can fill each mold with one color for a more monochromatic look or mix and match colors to create unique combinations. This step is where you can unleash your creativity and experiment with different color schemes.
Make sure not to overfill the molds, as the wax will expand slightly when melted. Leave some space at the top to prevent overflowing. Once all the molds are filled, place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Method 5: Bake in the Oven
Carefully place the filled molds onto the baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until all the crayons are melted. Keep a close eye on them, as different molds may require varying amounts of time to melt fully depending on their size and shape.
You can also rotate the molds halfway through to ensure even melting. Once melted, remove the molds from the oven using your oven mitts.
Method 6: Cool and Set
Allow the crayons to cool in their molds for at least 20 minutes before attempting to remove them. If you try to take them out too soon, they may break or crumble. The longer you let them cool, the more hardened and solidified they will become. You can place them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the cooling process if desired.
It’s essential to let the crayons set completely before removing them from their molds to prevent any mishaps or deformed shapes.
Method 7: Pop Out the Crayons
Once the crayons have cooled and hardened, carefully pop them out of their molds. To remove them from silicone molds, gently push on the bottom of each mold until the crayon pops out. For metal molds, you can use a knife or other flat object to loosen the edges slightly before popping them out.
Be sure to handle the hot molds with oven mitts when removing and be careful not to touch or drop any melted wax that may still be inside.
Method 8: Use and Enjoy Your New Crayons
After all your hard work, it’s time to enjoy your newly made crayons! These homemade creations make unique and fun coloring tools for kids or can be a creative addition to any art project. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a variety of colors and shapes using this simple oven method.
Following these steps on how to make crayons in the oven will result in vibrant, melted crayons that are fun to make and even more enjoyable to use. So gather up all those old, broken crayons, and give them new life by making your own custom-made crayons in the oven! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different colors and molds for a personalized touch. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Use Any Type of Crayons for This Method?
A: Yes, you can use any type of crayons, whether they are paraffin or soy-based. Just make sure to remove any paper wrappers before melting them. It’s also a great way to use up any old or broken crayons you have lying around.
Q: Can I Use Plastic Molds Instead of Silicone or Metal?
A: Yes, you can use plastic molds, but make sure they are oven-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 250°F (120°C).
Q: How Long Will It Take for the Crayons to Cool and Set?
A: It typically takes around 20 minutes for the crayons to cool and set in their molds. However, leaving them in the fridge or freezer may speed up this process. You can also leave them in the molds for an hour or more if you want a thicker, more solidified crayon.
Q: Is This Method Safe for Children to Participate In?
A: While adult supervision is necessary when handling hot objects and using knives or graters, children can safely participate in sorting and filling the molds with adult guidance and assistance. Overall, this method is a fun and safe activity for all ages to enjoy. So gather your materials and get ready to create some one-of-a-kind crayons in the oven!
Conclusion
Making crayons in the oven is a delightful and creative way to repurpose old or broken crayons into new, vibrant art tools. This straightforward method allows for endless customization in terms of color combinations and shapes, making it a perfect activity for both children and adults. Involving the whole family in the process not only fosters creativity but also serves as a fun bonding experience.
By following the recommended steps and practicing safety precautions on how to make crayons in the oven , you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable crayon-making journey. So next time you find yourself with a collection of worn-out crayons, remember that they can be transformed into something beautiful and useful, sparking joy in future art projects. Happy crafting!
