Crayons are a perennial favorite of children and adults alike. These colorful sticks of wax are not only fun to use but also have educational benefits, such as improving fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. However, what do you do with old, broken, or unused crayons? The answer is simple: mold them into new ones! In this post, we will discuss how to make molded crayons and the different types of molds you can use.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the materials you will need. You will need a collection of old or broken crayons, silicone molds, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. Before starting, it is important to remove the peel and glue from the crayons. You can do this by soaking them in warm water for ten minutes.
Once your crayons are ready, break them into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will melt. You can use a knife to chop them or a pair of scissors to cut them into small bits. Next, fill your molds with the crayon pieces. You can mix different colors together or make monochromatic crayons. The choice is yours!
It is essential to use molds that can withstand heat. Stay away from clear plastic molds as they can warp or melt in the oven. Silicone molds are the best for making molded crayons. They are heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean. Plus, they come in an array of fun shapes and sizes, such as animals, letters, numbers, and more.
Once you have filled your molds with crayon pieces, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the molds from the sheet and prevent any messes. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your crayons for 10-15 minutes or until they are melted through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully pop them out of the molds. Voila! You have made your very own molded crayons. They are perfect for gifting, party favors, or just to have fun coloring with.
Molded crayons are a fantastic way to upcycle old or broken crayons into somthing new and exciting. With a little creativity, you can make unique, colorful, and fun crayons that will delight children and adults alike. Be sure to use silicone molds and follow the steps outlined in this post. Happy coloring!
Creating a Crayon Mold
To make a crayon mold, you will need a silicone mold in the desired shape, a baking sheet, and a collection of crayons. Begin by preheating your oven to 200 degrees. Next, alow the crayons to soak in warm water for 10 minutes to remove any peels or glue. Once the crayons are ready, break them into small pieces and fill the molds with the pieces. Place the molds on the baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crayons have melted through. Once melted, remove the molds from the oven and allow them to cool and harden before removing the crayons from the molds. This process will result in custom crayons in the desired shape and color.
Source: amazon.com
Using Mold for Making Crayons
When it comes to making crayons, silicone molds are the most popular choice. These molds are flexible, durable, and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for melting wax. Silicone molds come in varous shapes and sizes, including animal shapes, numbers, letters, and many more. They are also easy to clean and can be reused multiple times. It is important to note that not all silicone molds are safe for use with food, so make sure to check the label and choose a mold that is specifically designed for use with crayons. silicone molds are the perfect choice for making crayons at home, as they are versatile, affordable, and easy to use.
Using Plastic Molds for Crayon Making
It is not recommended to use plastic molds for making crayons, as most plastic molds are not able to withstand the heat required for melting and molding crayon wax. Clear plastic molds, in particular, tend to melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, making them unsuitable for this purpose. Moreover, crayon wax can be difficult to remove from plastic molds, which can make them unusable for other projects. Therefore, it’s best to use silicone or metal molds that are heat-resistant and easy to clean when making crayons. By usng a suitable mold, you can ensure that your crayon-making process is safe, efficient, and produces high-quality crayons that are fun and safe to use.
Molding and Melting Crayons
Molding and melting crayons is a fun and creative activity that can yield unique results. To melt crayons, you will need to preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, remove the paper from each crayon and cut them into small, manageable pieces. Once you have your crayons ready, fill each mold with different colors. You can use any combination of colors that you like!
Once your molds are filled, place them in the oven for 7-8 minutes or until the crayons have completely melted. Be sure to keep a close eye on the crayons while they are melting, as they can quickly become overcooked and lose ther vibrancy.
After the crayons have melted, carefully remove the mold from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, you can pop the crayons out of the mold and admire your creations! Melted crayons can be used for a variety of crafts, such as making custom candles or creating unique art pieces. So, get creative and have fun!
How Long Does It Take for Melted Crayons to Harden?
It takes approximately 20-30 minutes for melted crayons to harden completely in the silicone mold. It is important to allow the melted wax to cool and solidify before attempting to remove the crayons from the mold. Touching the wax while it is still hot can cause serious burns, so it is crucial to exercise caution and patience when waiting for the crayons to harden. Once they have cooled and hardened, they can be easily removed from the mold and used for coloring and drawing.
Melting Point of Crayons
Crayons are made of wax, which means that they will begin to melt at temperatures between 120°-150° Fahrenheit. This temperature range is relaively low and can easily be reached in warm environments, such as inside a car on a hot day. When crayons melt, they lose their solid form and become a viscous liquid that can be messy and difficult to clean up. It is important to store crayons in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting and to avoid leaving them in hot environments for extended periods of time. By doing so, you can ensure that your crayons remain in their solid form and are ready to use whenever you need them.
Cleaning Silicone Molds for Melting Crayons
Cleaning silicone molds for melting crayons is a straightforward process. First, you’ll want to remove any excess or leftover crayon pieces from the mold as much as possible. You can use a soft cloth or a paper towel to wipe the mold’s surface gently. Then, generously spray a no-stick cooking spray into the crayon-affected areas in and on the mold. This will help break down the wax and make it easier to remove.
Next, let the mold sit for a few moments to allow the cooking spray to penetrate and loosen the crayon residue. After a few minutes, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the mold gently. You can also use a toothbrush to clean any hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to use a gentle touch so that you don’t damage the silicone mold’s surface.
Once you have thoroughy scrubbed the mold, rinse it with warm water. Check to make sure that all the crayon residue has been removed. If there are still any stubborn spots, you can repeat the process or use a small amount of dish soap to help remove the wax.
Rinse the mold thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. This will help prevent any water spots or residue from forming on the mold’s surface. Your silicone mold is now clean and ready to be used again!
Melting Crayons in Plastic Molds
To melt crayons in plastic molds, you can use an old microwavable plastic cup. First, break the crayons into small pieces and place them in the cup. Microwave the cup on the highest setting unil the wax is completely melted. Be careful when removing the cup from the microwave as it will be hot. Then, carefully pour the melted crayon into plastic candy molds. You can use different shapes and sizes of molds to create fun and unique crayons. Ensure that the molds are on a flat surface to prevent any spills. Let the crayons cool for just a little bit before placing them in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once the crayons have hardened, remove them from the molds and they are ready to use!
Source: littlebinsforlittlehands.com
Conclusion
Making molded crayons is a fun and creative way to upcycle old or broken crayons into somethng new and exciting. By using silicone molds, you can easily create unique shapes and designs that are sure to impress kids and adults alike. However, it is important to remember to use molds that can withstand heat and to designate them solely for crayon making as wax is difficult to remove. By following the simple steps of breaking crayons, filling molds, and baking them in the oven, you will be able to create beautiful and colorful crayons that are perfect for gifting or for your own artistic endeavors. So, don’t let those old crayons go to waste and try making molded crayons today!
