Jessie Taylor
If you have broken crayons lying around, you can turn them into beautiful colour block candles. This is a fun and easy way to recycle your old crayons and create unique candles. To make these candles, you will need to grate or melt the crayons and mix them with candle wax. You can then pour the mixture into a mould or container with a wick and let it set. You can experiment with different colours and layers to create your own designs. This project is a great way to upcycle broken crayons and add a touch of personality and aroma to your candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crayon preparation | Peel off and recycle any paper wrappings. Chop or grate the crayons into the smallest pieces possible. |
| Wax preparation | Melt a mixture of crayon and candle wax in a double boiler over medium heat. |
| Wick preparation | 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. |
| Mould preparation | Spray your container with non-stick spray. |
| Candle preparation | Pour the melted wax into the mould. Allow the candle to cool for about 30 minutes, then trim the wick to 1/4 inches. |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove crayon wrappers
To remove crayon wrappers, start by filling a bowl with water and ice. Allow the water to get very cold. Next, place the crayons in the bowl, leaving them to sit for around 5 minutes. After this time, the wrappers should peel off easily. If not, you can use a craft blade to carefully cut the wrapper off. Alternatively, you can soak the crayons in plain warm water for a few minutes, which should help the wrapper peel off with ease.
If you are still struggling to remove the wrapper, try placing the crayon vertically on a table. Take a knife (it doesn't need to be very sharp) and gently slide it downwards on the crayon until you begin to see the wax underneath. You can then snap the crayon in half and peel off the wrapper from the middle.
Once the wrappers are removed, cut or grate the crayons into small pieces. You can then melt the crayons in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at regular intervals. Be sure to handle the bowl with care, as it will be very hot.
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Grating and melting crayons
Grating Crayons:
Start by peeling off and recycling any paper wrappings from your crayons. Then, use a grater to grate the crayons into the smallest possible flakes or pieces. Grating the crayons will help them melt faster and create a smoother consistency when mixed with candle wax. Make sure to grate enough crayons to fill your desired candle mould or container.
Melting Crayons:
There are a few different methods you can use to melt grated crayons:
- Microwave: Place the grated crayons into a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the crayons as they can burn.
- Stovetop: Fill a saucepan with water and heat it on medium heat. Place a heat-proof cup or glass jar filled with the grated crayons into the saucepan. Stir the crayons regularly until they are completely melted. This method provides more control over the melting process and reduces the risk of overheating.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Layer the grated crayons into a muffin tin, aiming for 2-3 colours in each space. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crayons have melted completely. This method allows you to create colourful layers that can be popped out of the tin once cooled.
Regardless of the melting method you choose, always exercise caution when handling hot wax and grated crayons. It's recommended to have adult supervision, especially when working with children.
Once your grated crayons are melted, you can mix them with candle wax and add fragrances or essential oils to create beautifully scented colour block candles. Remember to stir the mixture well to ensure that the colours and fragrances are evenly distributed.
Now that you've mastered the art of grating and melting crayons, you're well on your way to creating unique and colourful candles that are sure to brighten up any space.
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Choosing the right wick
The type of wick you choose will impact the flame's heat, duration, scent throw, and combustion. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right wick:
Diameter of the Candle
The diameter of your candle plays a significant role in determining the size of the wick. A wider diameter will require more heat for the melt pool to reach the candle's edge. If your candle is 3.5" in diameter or less, you can easily find a single wick that provides enough heat. For candles with a diameter of 4" or more, it is better to use multiple wicks.
Type of Wax
Different waxes have different densities, melting points, and heat requirements. For example, beeswax's hard and sticky consistency pairs well with cotton braid wicking. On the other hand, harder-to-melt viscous waxes, such as paraffin and vegetable base (soy), work well with the CD series of wicks, which are flat braided with a special paper filament woven around them. The ECO series of wicks, which are flat, coreless cotton wicks braided with thin paper filaments, work best with soy wax.
Thickness of the Wick
Thinner wicks burn cooler because they deliver less fuel to the flame. These wicks are ideal for candles with a narrower diameter or those made with softer waxes like soy.
Test Burning
It is recommended to test burn different wicks to ensure proper selection. This will help you avoid issues such as improper combustion, poor scent throw, and candles burning too slowly or too quickly.
Safety Precautions
Use a wick with a taller neck to ensure safety. The taller neck prevents the bottom 3/8" of the candle from burning, which is essential if your candle has a small diameter.
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Adding fragrance
Once your wax has melted, you can add your chosen fragrance. Candle fragrances or essential oils can be used, and only a few drops are needed. Stir the wax well to ensure the scent is evenly distributed.
If you are making a candle with multiple colours, you can add a different fragrance to each colour. For example, you could use a floral scent for one colour and a fruity scent for another. Just be sure to stir each colour well before pouring it into your mould.
You can also experiment with different combinations of fragrances to create unique scent profiles. For example, you could try mixing a few drops of lavender essential oil with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to create a relaxing and cosy aroma.
If you are using candle dye, be aware that some dyes are UV light-sensitive, so they should be stored in a shady spot. This will ensure that the colour of your candle remains vibrant.
When adding fragrance, it is important to use only a small amount of oil or fragrance, as too much can affect the burning properties of the candle. A few drops are usually sufficient to scent a small to medium-sized candle.
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Pouring and setting the wax
Once your wax is melted and you've added your fragrance, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen container. If you're making a candle with multiple colours, you'll need to pour one colour at a time, allowing each layer to set before adding the next.
If you're using a microwave to melt your wax, you should pour the wax into your container as soon as it's melted, as the wax will start to set up quickly. If you're using a double boiler, you'll have a little more time, but it's still important to work quickly.
Pour the wax into your container, filling it almost to the top. If you're making a striped candle, make sure to keep the colours separate as you pour. You can use a spoon to stir the wax, but be aware that this may dirty your spoon. A popsicle stick or a disposable chopstick is a good alternative.
If you're making a candle with multiple colours, you'll need to wait for each layer to set before adding the next. Once you've poured your final layer, you can add the wick. Place the wick in the centre of the candle holder and secure it with a drop of hot wax, super glue, or a piece of double-sided tape. You can also use a self-adhesive tabbed wick. To keep the wick straight, lay two sticks (such as pencils or popsicle sticks) across the mouth of the candle holder, sandwiching the wick between them.
Leave the candle to set for about 30 minutes, then trim the wick to 1/4 inch. Longer wicks can produce a flame that's too big.
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Frequently asked questions
You can soak the crayons in water for a few minutes and then the wrapper should peel off easily. If not, you can cut it off with a craft blade or use a knife to gently slide the wrapper off.
You can melt crayons in a double boiler over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals. Make sure to stir the wax regularly.
You need to add candle wax to your crayon wax to make a usable candle that will burn well. You can also add essential oils to create a fragrance.
You will need 6 crayons per 1 cup (225 grams) of wax.
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. You can also use a clothespin to hold the wick in a vertical position.
