We all know the lure of a fresh box of Crayolas with those pristine wrappers intact and perfect sharp points lined up in rows. But don’t toss the broken crayons lurking at the bottom of the old box just yet! You won’t believe the incredible crafts you can make from them. (Not into crafting? Learn how to recycle your crayons instead.)
1. Melt broken crayons into new ones
Melting broken crayons down and molding them into new ones is so easy you’ll be surprised you’ve never tried it. Kitchen Table Classroom has directions for this simple process. You’ll need molds (silicone is best) to be used just for making crayons. Here are some of our favorites from Amazon:
3. Pass out Earth Day crayons
These Earth crayons aren’t just cute, they’re also a terrific Earth Day craft! Transform broken crayons into blue and green rounds with this thrifty and Earth-friendly recycling project.
Learn more: Earth Day Crayon Craft
4. Turn broken crayons into candles
After all, crayons are made of wax! These will smell like crayons when they burn, of course. So if you don’t love that scent, just use a small number of crayon shavings to color traditional candle wax instead.
Learn more: Candles From Crayons
5. Spell it out with crayon letters
These crayon art letters make a terrific inexpensive teacher gift. They’d also be great on a classroom or bedroom wall, don’t you think?
Learn more: Crayon Letters
6. Hang colorful crayon ornaments
Can you believe all you need to customize these fillable ornaments is crayon shavings and a hair dryer? You can hang them on a tree, or display them in a sunny window year-round.
Learn more: DIY Melted Crayon Ornaments
7. Cook up some vibrant salt dough
Substitute broken crayons for food coloring in your salt dough recipe for the most vivid colors you’ve ever seen! Hit the link for the how-to.
Learn more: Crayon Salt Dough Recipe
8. Spice up your slime
This is such a cool new twist on slime. Crayon shavings add flecks of brilliant color, making it more fun to play with than ever.
Learn more: Colorful Crayon Slime
9. Paint rocks with melted crayons
We absolutely love this unique take on the painted rock trend! Note that kids might need a little supervision with this one since it involves heating rocks in the oven.
Learn more: Hot Rock Crayon Art
10. Use a glue gun to make wax seals
Bet you didn’t know a glue gun could do that! Crayons fit perfectly in the slot for mini glue sticks. Drip a few drops of wax, and press a seal into it if you like. It will make your mail extra special! (Tip: You’ll want to get a cheap glue gun to use just for crayon projects.)
Learn more: Crayon Wax Seals
11. Drip melted crayon art pictures
Explore pointillism with this neat project that’s excellent for using up broken crayons. Melt the crayons carefully over a candle flame, or try using a glue gun as described above.
Learn more: Melted Crayon Art and Pointillism
12. Use the power of the sun to melt crayons
Don’t feel comfortable around open flame? Use the sun instead! Set a piece of wax paper on a metal cookie sheet out in the sunshine. When it heats up, color on the wax paper with crayons to create a masterpiece.
Learn more: Sun-Melted Crayon Art Activity
13. Assemble a wax paper lantern
Use your wax paper art to put together a charming little lantern with wood craft sticks. You can also make the wax paper panels in a time-honored way, using crayon shavings and an iron.
Learn more: Wax Paper Lantern
14. Light the night with melted crayon luminaries
Here’s one more version of the classic crayon and wax paper project: luminaries. Use white paper bags for the base, then add broken crayon shavings, top with wax paper, and iron. Punch holes for extra illumination.
Learn more: Melted Crayon Luminaries
15. Make wax-resist leaf rubbings
Broken crayons are terrific for taking old-fashioned leaf rubbings. Kick this craft up a notch by using a white crayon for the rubbings, then layering watercolors over the top. The wax resists the paint, creating soft muted designs.
Learn more: Crayon leaf rubbings
16. Wear a sandpaper printed T-shirt
Sandpaper printing is such a clever trick, your kids will want to make a whole wardrobe of shirts printed with their designs. Learn how to make the magic happen at the link.
Learn more: Sandpaper Printed T-shirt
17. Transform broken crayons into jewelry
Can you believe that this lovely little pendant is made from broken crayons? It’s true! Learn how to make one yourself at the link.
Learn more: Crayons to Colorful Jewelry
18. Hang the most vivid wall art
You’ve probably seen these gorgeous melted-crayon canvases before but never got around to making one for yourself. Now’s the time! Grab a hair dryer and melt away.
Learn more: Crayon wall art
19. Craft a melted-crayon silhouette
Use broken crayons to outline a silhouette of just about anything, like this incredible piece featuring Cinderella’s Castle from Disney World. The link has a detailed video to walk you through the process.
Learn more: Melted crayon silhouette
20. Build broken crayons into a mosaic
Broken crayon mosaics are simply amazing. They take a little time and planning, but the example shown here was a collaborative art project done by kindergartners!
Learn more: Crayon Mosaic
21. Carve crayon sculptures
It takes concentration and attention to detail, but talented fingers can make some pretty incredible crayon carvings. Don’t be afraid to give it a try—the only thing you have to lose is broken crayons!
Learn more: Crayon sculptures
22. Protect your tables with crayon coasters
These thrifty coasters are easy to make, and a coat of Mod Podge helps them last. (Don’t use them under hot beverages though; they will melt.)
Learn more: Crayon coasters
23. Dress up a pumpkin with broken crayons
Pumpkins don’t have to be spooky, as this delightful example proves. Melted crayons lend a cool abstract look to this fall decoration.
Learn more: Melted-Crayon Pumpkin
24. Decorate Easter eggs with melted wax
Try something new with your Easter eggs this year: When you take the hot eggs out of the boiling water, quickly dry them off and drizzle crayon shavings over them. They’ll melt into spectacular and unique patterns.
Learn more: Crayon Easter Eggs
25. Make crayon valentines
To make cute heart valentines, just find some old crayons and melt them. Next, pour them into a heart-shaped mold and let them set overnight. Make sure to use a silicone-based heart tray so the crayon hearts pop right out! Add them to a personalized valentine card to create the perfect DIY valentine.
Learn more: Crayon Hearts
26. Turn crayons into puzzle pieces
Use the same method of melting with a silicon mold, but switch out the heart shape for a puzzle piece shape to create your very own puzzle using found crayons.
Learn more: Crayon puzzle
27. Add flowers to make a garden painting
To achieve this look, line up a row of green crayons at the bottom of a canvas and use a blow-dryer to melt the crayons upward. For a floral touch, add some picked and pressed flowers to the longer crayon lines to make a beautiful garden scene with grass and flowers.
Learn more: Dynamic crayon art
28. Crayon impressionist paintings
First, crumble a couple of old crayons using the colors you want in your painting. Then, lay the crayons on a canvas in a circular manner. Use a blow-dryer to melt the crayons directly on the canvas, and watch your impressionist painting appear.
Learn more: Crayon impressionist paintings
29. Add tape to your painting to make a crayon pattern
To add more dimension to your crayon painting, add clear tape to your canvas in whatever shape or pattern you desire. After you melt the crayons on the canvas, peel the tape to reveal negative space and a fun new pattern on your painting.
Learn more: Crayon patterns
30. Crayon truck driving
A super-fun classroom activity for the restless would be to gather some old crayons and some toy cars and trucks. Use some clear tape to attach the crayons to the trucks, and let your students roll the trucks along a piece of paper or canvas. The canvas will pick up the truck tracks as the crayon moves around, and the students can keep a fun memory of the activity!
Learn more: Crayons on Construction Cars
