Children love crayons and most children love science. So, making DIY Crayons with kids is a sure win. Not only do children enjoy homemade crayons, but they also enjoy the process of tearing off the crayon's wrapper and especially enjoy the process of breaking the crayons.
Homemade Crayons
TIP: Crayola crayons melt the best, most even way.
Materials for Making Earth Day Crayons
- Old crayons in earth tones
- Mini Round Silicone Mold
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- A bowl for crayon wrapper scraps (save these scraps for another art project!)
- A bowl for your crayons
Steps to Making Homemade Crayons
- Gather your materials
- Set out two bowls
- Invite your child to the activity
- Talk about making earth crayons
- Ask your child to choose colors for the earth crayons
- Demonstrate how to peel the crayon wrapper & break the crayons to fit in the mold
- Place the mold on a baking sheet
- Bake at a low temperature, like 200 degrees. Honestly, I am not sure if there is a specific temperature better or worse. I like a slow, low temperature to avoid any mishaps and to allow for more time to check on the melting process.
- Typically after 10-15 minutes, the crayons have melted well enough
- Leave time to cool & pop them out of the mold
Why is this activity so great?
- Fine motor skills development
- Creative in making the crayons and in using them!
- Integrates science
- Versatile in using a variety of molds and colors
Enjoy!
Marnie