Chloe Adams
Making candles from crayons is a fun and creative way to use up old or broken crayons. While it is possible to make a candle from just crayons, many people find that these do not burn very well. Therefore, it is recommended to mix crayons with candle wax to make a usable candle that will burn effectively. This process is simple and safe to do at home, although children should be supervised by an adult when making candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crayon preparation | Peel off the wrapper, cut or shred the crayons into small pieces |
| Wax preparation | Use wax flakes or pellets for quicker melting. If using wax blocks, cut into smaller pieces. |
| Melting | Melt crayons and wax in a double boiler over medium heat or in a paper cup in the microwave |
| Wick preparation | Soak a cotton string in wax and leave to dry. Secure the wick with hot wax, super glue, or double-sided tape. |
| Mould preparation | Place two sticks across the mould to hold the wick steady |
| Pouring | Pour the melted wax into the mould around the wick |
| Scenting | Add essential oils for a scented candle |
| Setting | Place the candle in the fridge to set. Repeat the process for multiple layers |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparing the crayons: Peel off the wrapper and cut or shred the crayons into small pieces
- Melting the wax: Melt the crayons and candle wax in a double boiler or a paper cup in the microwave
- Adding a wick: Place a wick in the centre of your candle holder and secure it with wax, glue, or tape
- Pouring the wax: Pour the melted wax into your candle holder, being careful not to disturb the wick
- Setting the candle: Put the candle in the fridge to set. Once set, trim the wick, and your candle is ready to burn
Preparing the crayons: Peel off the wrapper and cut or shred the crayons into small pieces
Preparing the crayons is the first step in making your very own crayon candles. This process is simple but requires some care and attention. First, you must remove the paper wrapper from the crayons. If the wrapper comes off easily, simply peel it off. However, if the wrapper is being stubborn, there are a few tricks you can try. One method is to soak the crayons in a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes. After soaking, the wrapper should peel off more readily. Alternatively, you can use a craft blade to carefully cut off the wrapper, or you could try melting the wax and pouring it into a mould, leaving the wrapper behind.
Once the wrappers are removed, you will need to cut or shred the crayons into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier the crayon wax will melt. You can use a grater to shred the crayons into flakes, or simply cut them into small chunks. If you plan to make a multi-coloured or striped candle, keep the different colours separate at this stage. Now, your crayons are ready to be melted down and transformed into candles!
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Melting the wax: Melt the crayons and candle wax in a double boiler or a paper cup in the microwave
Melting the wax is a crucial step in making crayon candles. You can use a double boiler or a paper cup in the microwave for this process. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Using a Double Boiler:
Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and place it on the stove. Put a heat-safe measuring cup, such as a glass measuring cup, into the saucepan. This creates the double boiler effect, ensuring even melting without direct heat on the wax. Add your crayons, broken into small pieces, and candle wax into the measuring cup. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will melt. You can even grate the crayons into flakes for quicker melting. If you want to make a striped candle, melt each colour separately. For every cup of wax, you'll need about six crayons.
Using a Microwave:
Place your crayon pieces and candle wax in a paper cup. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring the contents between each interval. This gradual heating ensures that the wax doesn't burn or char. If you're using an old candle, break it into small pieces and remove the wick before microwaving.
Tips for Melting:
- If you're having trouble removing crayon wrappers, try soaking the crayons in ice water for about 5 minutes. This makes the wrappers easier to peel off.
- When melting wax in the microwave, avoid using metal containers or utensils, as they can cause arcing in the microwave.
- Always add extra wax to your crayon mixture. Crayon wax tends to "'shrink'" when melted, so having extra wax ensures you have enough for your candle.
- You can add essential oils to your melted wax for scented candles. For example, a drop of lavender oil per layer can create a soothing aroma.
By following these steps, you'll be able to safely and effectively melt your crayons and candle wax, preparing you for the next steps in creating your unique crayon candle.
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Adding a wick: Place a wick in the centre of your candle holder and secure it with wax, glue, or tape
When turning crayons into candles, there are several ways to secure a wick in the centre of your candle holder. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of wick. The size of the wick depends on factors such as the size of the candle, the presence of additives, and the type of wick itself. Testing different sizes of wicks for different candle recipes is a good way to determine the best size. As a general rule, the wick size should match the candle size.
Once you have chosen the appropriate wick, you can proceed to secure it in place. One method is to use wax. Simply place a drop of hot wax in the centre of your candle holder and fix the wick in place. You can also twist the wick around a pencil to keep it straight. Alternatively, you can use glue. Hot glue is an effective option, and you can even use it to create patterns with your crayons. Super glue is another strong adhesive that can be used to secure the wick.
If you prefer a less permanent option, tape can be used to hold the wick in place. Double-sided tape provides a secure adhesion, while some wicks come with self-adhesive tabs that can be conveniently stuck to the bottom of the candle holder. For added stability, you can lay two sticks, such as pencils or popsicle sticks, across the top of the candle holder, sandwiching the wick between them to keep it upright.
When securing the wick, it is important to ensure it remains centred. You can adjust the wick's position by gently moving it within the liquid wax or using a toothpick to create a small hole and inserting the wick. Once the wax sets, you can trim the wick, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch above the candle.
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Pouring the wax: Pour the melted wax into your candle holder, being careful not to disturb the wick
Now that you have melted your crayon and wax mixture, it's time to pour it into your candle holder. This step requires careful handling to avoid disturbing the wick.
First, ensure your wick is secure and centred in your candle holder. You can use a drop of hot wax, super glue, or double-sided tape to hold it in place. If using hot wax, be cautious and only use a small amount to avoid creating a mess. Place two sticks, such as pencils or popsicle sticks, across the top of the candle holder to stabilise the wick.
Next, carefully pour the melted wax into the candle holder. Go slowly and steadily to avoid splashing or overflowing. Take care not to bump or move the wick as you pour. If needed, you can gently adjust the wick with a toothpick or similar tool after pouring to ensure it remains centred.
If you are making a multi-coloured candle, pour one colour at a time, allowing each layer to set before adding the next. This process will create a striped effect. Remember to stir your wax between colours to ensure even melting and distribution of colour.
Once you have poured all your wax and it has set, you can remove the sticks holding the wick in place. Trim the wick to the desired length, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch above the candle. Now your crayon candle is ready to be enjoyed!
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Setting the candle: Put the candle in the fridge to set. Once set, trim the wick, and your candle is ready to burn
Setting your crayon candle is a straightforward process. Once you've poured your wax into the jar, place the candle in the fridge to set. The time it takes to set will depend on the type of wax you use. For instance, if you use soy wax, this will take a bit longer to set than regular wax.
While you're waiting for the wax to set, you can prepare the wick. The size of the wick depends on a few factors: the size of the candle, the type of wick, and any additives in the candle. As a general rule, the wick size should match the candle size. You can soak a cotton string in wax and leave it to dry, or use a tabbed wick, which you can secure with a drop of hot wax, superglue, or double-sided tape. If you're using a tabbed wick, place two sticks, such as pencils or popsicle sticks, across the mouth of the candle holder to keep the wick straight.
Once the wax has set, you can insert the wick. Make a small hole in the wax with a toothpick or the pointed end of a crayon. Insert the wick, pressing the wax around it with your finger. Trim the wick, leaving around 1/2-1 inch above the candle.
Your candle is now ready to burn!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove the wrapper from a crayon. One way is to soak the crayons in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes and then snap the crayon in half and peel off the wrapper. Alternatively, you can use a craft blade to cut the wrapper off.
Crayons melt best when they are cut or shredded into small pieces. You can grate the crayon into flakes to help it melt faster. You can melt the crayons using a double boiler over medium heat or in a paper cup in the microwave.
It is recommended to use wax in addition to the crayon wax to make a usable candle that will burn well. The wax will "shrink" when you melt it, so you will need extra. Try to get wax that comes in flake or pellet form as it will melt quicker.
Place a tabbed wick in the middle of the glass candle holder and secure it with a drop of hot wax, super glue, or double-sided tape. If you are making the candle in a jar, you do not need to secure the wick, you can just let the wax hold it in place.
You can add essential oils to your melted wax to make a scented candle. For example, you can add one drop of lavender oil per layer.
