Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cozy atmosphere. Making your own candles is a fun and easy way to use up old, broken, or unused crayons. In this project, you'll learn how to make colourful and unique candles using crayons. You can choose your favourite colours and even add fragrances to make your candle extra special. It's important to note that candles made entirely of crayons burn quicker and less brightly, so it's recommended to mix crayons with candle wax. This project should only be conducted with adult supervision, especially when handling hot wax or using the stove or microwave. With the right tools and supervision, you'll be well on your way to creating your own custom candles!
Characteristics and Values Table for DIY Candles with Crayons
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crayon Type | Broken, dull, unused |
| Wax Type | Candle wax, coconut oil |
| Wax Form | Flakes, pellets, blocks |
| Wax Quantity | Enough to fill the holder, plus extra |
| Wick Type | Depends on candle size, fiber |
| Wick Length | 1/4-1 inch above the candle surface |
| Mold Type | Cookie cutter, baking cup, muffin tin, ice cube tray, glass |
| Heat Source | Stove, microwave |
| Heat Duration | 2 minutes, 30-second intervals |
| Heat Safety | Oven mitts, pot holders |
| Additives | Fragrance, essential oils |
| Cooling Time | 5 minutes |
| Layering | Wait for the first layer to set |
| Wrapper Removal | Soak crayons in water, peel |
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What You'll Learn
Candle-making safety precautions
Candle-making is a fun and meditative process, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Here are some safety precautions to follow when making candles with crayons:
Adult Supervision:
This activity should be conducted with adult supervision. It involves handling hot wax and melting crayons, which can pose a safety risk if not done properly.
Handle with Care:
Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot equipment, such as pans and containers. Be cautious when removing wax from the heat source, as the container and its handle can get very hot. Avoid touching any hot surfaces to prevent burns.
Heat with Caution:
Never leave melting wax unattended. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overheating. Keep the wax away from open flames, including the handles of pitchers or pots, as they may catch fire. If using a gas stove, exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.
Choose the Right Materials:
Use candle-making specific materials, including wax, wicks, and containers. Ensure containers are not made from porous materials that can absorb wax. Check for defects in containers before pouring wax to avoid leaks or cracks.
Wick Maintenance:
Select an appropriate wick size for your candle. Test different sizes to find the best match. Keep wicks centered and stabilized while pouring wax and during the cooling process. Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before burning to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper burning.
Safe Burning:
Always burn candles under supervision and away from drafts, vents, or air currents. Extinguish the candle if the flame gets too close to the container or if it flickers and smokes excessively. Discontinue burning when 2 inches of wax remain (or 1/2 inch for container candles) as a safety precaution.
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Choosing the right wick
To insert the wick, start by making a small hole in the half-set candle with a toothpick or the pointed end of a crayon. Place the wick in the hole and gently press the surrounding wax towards the wick with your finger. Ensure that the wick is secure and trim it down to about 1/4 inch (0.64 centimetres) above the candle's surface. This step is crucial for the candle's performance and safety; if the wick is too long, it will not burn properly and may create a fire hazard.
The best method for choosing the correct wick size is through experimentation. Try different wick sizes for various candle recipes to determine which works best. Additionally, consider the type of wax used in combination with the wick. Candles made entirely of crayons tend to burn quicker and less brightly than those made with a mixture of crayons and candle wax.
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Melting crayons
First, remove the paper wrappers from the crayons. This can be done by soaking the crayons in ice water for about 5 minutes, then snapping the crayons in half and peeling off the wrappers. Alternatively, you can use a knife to gently slide the wrapper off. Once the wrappers are removed, cut or shred the crayons into small pieces to make them easier to melt.
Next, place the crayon pieces into your heat-safe container. If using a double boiler, you can also add candle wax to the crayons to help them melt more evenly. Place the container on your heat source and melt the crayons over medium heat, stirring often. For a microwave, melt the crayons in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Once the crayons are fully melted, you can pour the mixture into a mould or candle holder. If making a candle, place the wick into the centre of the mould or holder before pouring in the melted crayon. Let the candle harden completely before lighting it, which may take several hours. You can speed up the process by putting the candle in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours.
It is important to note that candles made entirely of crayons tend to burn quicker and less brightly than those made with a mixture of crayon and candle wax. Additionally, the size of the wick will affect the burn rate of the candle, with smaller wicks generally being more suitable for smaller candles. Always exercise caution when handling hot wax and lighting candles.
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Adding fragrance
Once your wax is melting, you can add your chosen fragrance. Fragrance can be added using either candle fragrance or essential oils. Only a few drops are needed, and these should be stirred into the wax to blend everything together.
If you are making a striped candle, you will need to add the fragrance to each separate batch of wax. It is important to stir the wax well to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed.
If you are using essential oils, you can choose from a variety of scents to create your desired fragrance. For example, you could use lavender oil for a calming scent or peppermint oil for a refreshing scent.
You can also add coconut oil to your candle wax. This will help to moisturize your skin if you are using the candle as a massage candle. The coconut oil will also add a subtle scent to your candle, enhancing the fragrance.
It is important to note that some fragrances may be too strong or overpowering, so it is recommended to start with a small amount and adjust as needed. You can always add more fragrance, but it is difficult to remove it once it has been added.
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Pouring and setting
When you are ready to pour your candle, make sure your container is prepared. If you are using a mould, place your wick in the centre, securing it with pencils or popsicle sticks. If you are using a glass holder, you can pour the wax first and then insert the wick once the wax has partially set.
If you are making a multi-coloured candle, pour your first colour and let it set completely before pouring the next layer. If you add the second layer too soon, the colours will mix and you may end up with an unattractive colour.
When pouring, be sure to leave a little space at the top of your container to allow for the wax to shrink as it sets. If you are making a candle with stripes, melt each colour separately and pour in thin layers.
Once you have poured your wax, let it harden. If you are using a mould, you can place it in the fridge to speed up the setting process. Once the wax is set, remove the mould or, if using a glass container, trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to melt crayons for candles. One way is to grate the crayons into small pieces and mix them with candle wax, melting the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Another way is to use a double boiler by placing a heat-safe measuring cup filled with crayons and wax into a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water, melting the contents over medium heat.
The wick size depends on the candle size. Generally, small candles use small-diameter wicks. It is recommended to trim the wick down to 1/4 inch above the candle's surface. To insert the wick, make a small hole in the half-set candle with a toothpick and push the wick into the hole.
Peel off the paper wrappers from the crayons and recycle them. To make the wrappers easier to remove, soak the crayons in water for about 5 to 10 minutes.
