Transform Your Kids' Broken Crayons into Candles

If you've got kids, then chances are, you've got crayons coming out of your ears. From kindergarten up through middle school, every new school year comes with a supply list that inevitably includes a brand new box of crayons. I have three kids, which means that on the last day of school, my kids bring a lot of broken, shabby crayons home. They get tossed into a big plastic bin and get used for home projects. But a family only needs so many crayons. This project is a nice way to recycle some of those extra crayons into something beautiful.

This project costs about $10 for three medium-sized candles in containers.

Step 1: Materials

You will need:

- Broken crayons
- Assorted jars. For this project, I used a jelly jar, a small pickle jar, and the remnant of an old Christmas candle whose wick had burned out.
- 1 lb bag of soy wax (makes three small to medium candles)
- Candle wicks
- Clothes pins
- Hot glue gun
- Double burner (or two pots and one metal cookie cutter)
- Newspaper
- Scissors

Comments

[Kayd809]

What kind of wicks did you use? I purchased just basic wicks at Hobby Lobby and when I light the candles, they burn for a moment and go out. I tried burning off some of the wax but they still won't light. The crayon wax doesn't seem to burn as easily as regular candle wax and I think that might be my problem. Any suggestions? I was super excited to have a way to use our broken crayons but now I'm sad that they won't burn.

[tkeelan]

Wow thanks, what a wonderful way to recycle crayons. I think I will use your idea to teach tech to my class. =)

[hermionegranger]

Me and my mom made this, they both turned out great but for some reason whenever we light them they go out within a minute or two. They're great as decorations, though.

[SuzyQzy]

Try letting some of the melted wax run off so the wick has more space. Should do the trick. And yes, they are great to just look at, too. :-)

[bajablue]

Fabulous idea... but I'm glad my kids are grown! 8-)

[farzadbayan]

Maybe they have chemical smells that they aren't good for body. But I'm not sure.
Anyway they are funny candles!

[mary candy]

it looks cool

[Alphonsus]

What do they smell like?

[SuzyQzy]

They smell a bit like crayons :-)

If you like, you can add candle scent (available at craft stores like AC Moore) to make them smell like vanilla, spiced apple, or whatever you like.

[RedneckEngineer]

I've done this and they smell alot like crayons. I suggest if you add scents, to add a bit more than normal to help cover the crayon smell. Nice Ible by the way.