Upcycle Broken Crayons into Fun New Shapes!

Updated at: 26/03/2025

Do you have a drawer overflowing with broken crayons, remnants of countless masterpieces and childhood creations? Instead of discarding these colorful fragments, consider transforming them into something new and exciting! Broken crayons, often destined for the trash, hold untapped potential for creative reuse. Their vibrant hues and waxy texture lend themselves perfectly to a surprising array of upcycled projects, allowing you to give these beloved art supplies a second life. Imagine melting them down and molding them into unique shapes, turning discarded scraps into charming new decorations or even useful items.

This simple yet rewarding process lets you repurpose your broken crayons into fun, personalized creations, while also teaching valuable lessons about sustainability and resourcefulness. From whimsical animals to stunning, colorful candles, the possibilities are endless. Ready to breathe new life into your old crayons and unleash your inner artist? Let's dive into our step-by-step guide to upcycling broken crayons into fun new shapes!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Broken crayons
  • Silicone molds
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times, especially during melting and pouring.
  • Use a heat-resistant container and oven mitts to prevent burns. Crayons can get extremely hot.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Gather your broken crayons and silicone molds.
    Gather your broken crayons and silicone molds.
    Preparation

  2. Crayon Crushing

    • Break the crayons into smaller pieces to fit into the molds.
    Break the crayons into smaller pieces to fit into the molds.
    Crayon Crushing

  3. Mold Filling

    • Fill the silicone molds with the crayon pieces.
    Fill the silicone molds with the crayon pieces.
    Mold Filling

  4. Baking

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake.
    Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake.Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake.
    Baking

  5. Cooling

    • Let the crayons cool completely. You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge or freezer.

  6. Unmolding

    • Once cool, carefully remove the new crayon shapes from the molds.
    Once cool, carefully remove the new crayon shapes from the molds.
    Unmolding

Read more: DIY Blender from a Broken Beyblade Launcher!

Tips

  • Use a variety of colors and molds for interesting results.
  • Be careful when removing the crayons from the molds as they will be hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overheating the Crayons

Reason: Melting crayons at too high a temperature or for too long can cause them to burn and become brittle, resulting in a poor final product.
Solution: Use a low to medium heat setting and monitor the crayons constantly, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

2. Using the Wrong Mold

Reason: Molds that are too flexible or have intricate designs may not hold their shape well while the crayon wax cools, leading to misshapen or damaged crayons.
Solution: Choose sturdy molds made of silicone or metal with simple, uncomplicated designs.

FAQs

What kind of molds can I use for melting crayons?
You can use silicone molds (like ice cube trays, candy molds, or even muffin tins), metal tins, or even create your own molds using foil or cardboard. Just make sure the mold is heat-safe.
How do I prevent the crayons from sticking to the mold?
Lightly grease your mold with cooking spray or a thin layer of petroleum jelly before pouring in the melted crayons. This will help them release easily once cooled.
Can I use all types of crayons?
Generally, yes. However, avoid crayons with glitter or other additives that might affect the melting process or final product. Also, separate crayons by color to avoid muddy mixtures.