Jessie Taylor
Candles can be made from old, broken, or unused crayons. While it is possible to make candles from pure crayon wax, adding candle wax is recommended for a better burn. To make crayon candles, first, cut or shred the crayons into small pieces. Next, melt the crayon pieces with candle wax in a double boiler or in the microwave. Then, pour the melted wax into a mould, adding the wick before the wax sets, and leave it to cool.
How to add crayons to homemade candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crayon preparation | Peel off the wrapper and cut or shred the crayons into small pieces |
| Wax | Candle wax should be added to crayon wax to make a usable candle that will burn well |
| Melting the wax | Use a double boiler over medium heat or melt the wax and crayon in a paper cup in the microwave |
| Mould | Use a cookie cutter, mini baking cup, or a shaped container of your choice. You can also use a muffin tin or a jelly jar |
| Wick | Place a wick in the centre of your candle holder before pouring in the wax |
| Layering | For a striped candle, melt each colour separately and layer them one by one, allowing each layer to cool before adding the next |
| Fragrance | Add essential oils for fragrance |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparing crayons: Peel wrappers off and cut or shred crayons into small pieces
- Melting crayons: Melt crayons with candle wax in a double boiler or microwave
- Adding fragrance: Include essential oils to the melted wax for fragrance
- Pouring wax: Pour the melted wax into a mould, jar, or cookie cutter
- Adding a wick: Place the wick in the mould before the wax sets
Preparing crayons: Peel wrappers off and cut or shred crayons into small pieces
Preparing crayons for homemade candles is a simple process. First, remove the crayon wrappers. If the wrapper comes off easily, simply snap the crayon in half and peel off the wrapper. If the wrapper is more stubborn, there are a few methods you can try. One method is to soak the crayons in a bowl of ice water for about five minutes, which should make the wrappers easier to remove. Alternatively, you can use a craft blade to carefully cut off the wrapper. Once the wrappers are removed, cut or shred the crayons into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to melt the crayons down and mix them with your candle wax. You can also try breaking the crayons into pieces with your hands, especially if they are already small or broken crayons.
If you want to make a striped or multicoloured candle, you will need to prepare multiple colours of crayons. Depending on the desired effect, you can either layer the colours in your candle mould or melt and mix them separately before pouring. For a layered effect, prepare your crayons by colour, cutting or shredding them into small pieces. You can also try breaking them into pieces with your hands if they are already small. For a more blended, marbled effect, melt each colour separately before pouring and layering the wax.
It is important to note that crayon wax does not evaporate, so be sure to burn your crayon candle in a deep dish to catch any melted wax. Additionally, some sources advise against making candles from crayons, as the colour pigment is not meant for candles and could potentially be unsafe. If you are concerned about this, you may want to consider using candle dye instead of crayons to achieve your desired colours. However, many people have successfully made candles from crayons with proper supervision and safety precautions.
Overall, preparing crayons for homemade candles is a straightforward process that mostly involves removing wrappers and breaking down the crayons into small pieces. With some creativity and caution, you can create colourful and unique candles using this simple technique.
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Melting crayons: Melt crayons with candle wax in a double boiler or microwave
Melting crayons with candle wax is an essential step in making homemade candles from crayons. This process can be done in a double boiler or a microwave, and here is a step-by-step guide to doing it right.
First, prepare your crayons by peeling off the wrappers. If the wrapper does not come off easily, you can soak the crayons in water for a few minutes, or use a craft blade to cut it off carefully. Chop the crayons into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will be to melt. You will need about six crayons per cup of wax.
Now, set up your double boiler. Fill a saucepan with one to two inches of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Take a heat-safe measuring cup, preferably made of glass, and place your crayon pieces and candle wax inside. The wax will help the crayons burn better and reduce shrinkage. Place this cup into the saucepan and stir the contents regularly until everything is melted. You can also use a spoon or a popsicle stick to stir.
If you prefer to use a microwave, put the crayon pieces and wax in a paper cup and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also use an old white candle instead of candle wax, but be sure to break it into smaller pieces and remove the wick first.
Once your crayon and wax mixture is melted, you can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired. Then, carefully pour the mixture into your chosen mould. You can use a metal cookie cutter, a mini baking cup, or any shaped container you like, but be sure to spray it with non-stick spray first. Place your wick in the centre of the mould, holding it in place until the wax begins to set.
Let your candle cool and harden. If you want to create layers of different colours, wait 20-30 minutes and then place the mould in the fridge to speed up the process. Repeat this for each layer, allowing each to cool before adding a new one. Finally, leave your candle to set for about an hour before removing it from the mould.
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Adding fragrance: Include essential oils to the melted wax for fragrance
Making candles from crayons is a fun and simple way to use up old or unused crayons. To make crayon candles, you will need to add some candle wax to your crayon wax to ensure the candle burns well. The wax will shrink when melted, so extra wax is necessary.
To add fragrance to your homemade crayon candles, you can include essential oils to the melted wax. Essential oils are derived from organic plant matter and are therefore a natural alternative to fragrance oils. They are also known for their health benefits and ability to improve your general well-being. For instance, mint and eucalyptus are invigorating and healing, while cinnamon and orange bring festive scents.
When using essential oils in candles, it is important to ensure they are pure and do not produce toxins when burnt. Check the burning point of each essential oil, as some may burn at lower temperatures than others. For example, lavender may burn at a lower temperature than sweet orange.
You will need around 80-110 drops of essential oil to scent your candle effectively. Popular choices include lavender, grapefruit, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, and orange. It is important to note that essential oils have low flashpoints, so they should be added to the wax when it is no longer hot to get the best fragrance throw.
To add essential oils to your homemade crayon candles, simply follow these steps:
- Melt your wax over low-medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
- Once the wax is thoroughly melted, remove it from the heat.
- Add your desired essential oil, stirring well to combine.
- Prepare your wicks by anchoring them to the bottom of your candle holder using a bit of wax or purchased anchors.
- Tape the wicks upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen/pencil.
- Pour the wax into your candle holder and allow it to cool and solidify (about 1 hour).
- Cut the wicks to the desired length.
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Pouring wax: Pour the melted wax into a mould, jar, or cookie cutter
Now that you've melted your wax, it's time to pour it into your chosen vessel. If you're going for a more traditional candle, opt for a glass candle holder or a jar, such as a jelly jar, which can withstand high temperatures. If you want to get creative with shapes, you can pour your wax into a metal cookie cutter, a mini baking cup, or any shaped container of your choice. Just make sure to spray your container with non-stick spray before pouring to avoid any sticking issues.
If you're making a single-colour candle, simply pour your melted wax into your chosen container. However, if you're going for a rainbow or striped effect, you'll need to take a layered approach. Start by pouring a small layer of one colour into your mould or jar, and let it cool for 20-30 minutes. You can speed up this process by placing your mould in the fridge after 10 minutes. Once the first layer is set, carefully pour the next layer on top, allowing each layer to cool down before adding a new one.
For a unique, textured look, you can try a kid-friendly method using a milk carton that's been cut in half. Simply pour your wax into the carton and let it harden. Then, peel away the carton to reveal your candle. Alternatively, you can melt your wax and crayons in a paper cup in the microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals, and then pour the mixture into your chosen mould.
When it comes to pouring your wax, it's important to work quickly as it will start to set once it's off the heat. However, be careful not to rush the process, as spilling hot wax can be dangerous. Always supervise children during this step to ensure safety.
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Adding a wick: Place the wick in the mould before the wax sets
Adding a wick is a crucial step in making homemade candles with crayons. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your wick is securely placed before the wax sets:
Firstly, choose the right wick size. While there is no exact formula for determining the perfect wick size, there are some general guidelines to follow. The size depends on several factors, including the additives in the candle, the candle's size, and the type of wick being used. Testing different wick sizes is the best method to find the most suitable one for your candle.
Next, prepare your mould or container. You can use a variety of moulds, such as metal cookie cutters, mini baking cups, jelly jars, or shaped containers of your choice. If you are using a metal mould, consider spraying it with a non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Now, it's time to prepare the wick. Cut the wick to an appropriate length, ensuring it is long enough to protrude slightly from the top of your mould. You can use a wick holder or super-glue to secure the base of the wick to the centre of your mould. If you are using a container with a flat bottom, you can use a small super-glued weight to hold the wick in place.
Once the wick is secure, you can carefully pour your melted crayon and wax mixture into the mould. Fill it only partially so that you can create even layers if you are using multiple colours. Allow each layer to cool and harden before adding the next.
Finally, while the wax is still molten, adjust the wick as needed to ensure it is centred and straight. You can use a pencil or a thin stick to hold the wick in place while the wax sets.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wick is securely placed before the wax fully sets, creating a stable and functional homemade crayon candle.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the wrapper from the crayons. If the wrapper does not come off easily, you can cut it off using a craft blade, soak the crayons in water for a few minutes, or try the ice water method. Then, cut or shred the crayons into small pieces.
You can use a glass measuring cup, a heatproof cup, a paper cup, or a jelly jar. Avoid using pie tins, milk cartons, plastic, or paper due to melt and fire hazards.
You can melt the crayons and wax in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring regularly. Alternatively, you can melt them in a microwave or oven in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
After pouring the melted crayon mixture into your chosen container, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, place the wick in the centre of the candle.
