8. Broken Crayon Candles
If you have a box of crayons that’s seen better days, broken bits and stubs included, this is a delightful way to give them new life. Melted into old candle wax or simply into a clear wax base, crayons create colorful candles that look like stained glass when lit.
Materials: Old crayons, soy wax flakes or remnants from old candles, wicks, a small pitcher or microwave-safe container, chopsticks or wooden skewers, and small jars or tins to pour the wax into.
Instructions: Peel the paper off the crayons and break them into small pieces. Melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave according to the package directions. Once the wax is fully melted, stir in crayon pieces in your chosen color combinations. The more crayon you add, the more saturated the color will be. Place a wick in the center of each container, secured with a small dab of glue or a wick sticker. Carefully pour the colored wax into the containers and let them cool for several hours until completely solid.
Time: About 1 hour plus cooling time.
Difficulty: Easy, though adult supervision is essential when working with hot wax.
Customization: Layer different colors for a striped effect by letting each layer cool slightly before pouring the next.
Common mistake to avoid: Using too much crayon. A little goes a long way, and too much can clog the wick and prevent the candle from burning properly.