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Crayon Crafts

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-622 -- More Projects »
Children's crafts expert John Thomas shows how to recycle old crayons into all-new artworks, using an iron and a microwave.

Cran-Melt Magic Art

Materials:

crayons
kitchen grater
wax paper
iron
thick piece of cardboard or several pieces of newspaper
scissors

Steps:


  1. Recycle old crayons into great new cran-melt magic art! First remove the paper from crayons. An adult can quickly peel the crayons by cutting off the wrapper with a knife.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
PHOTO

Figure C
PHOTO

Figure D
PHOTO

Figure E
  • Use a kitchen grater to grind the crayons into fine bits (figure A).

  • Draw a figure or design onto a sheet of wax paper, and fill in the design with crayon shavings (figure B).

  • Have an adult set an iron on the lowest setting. Put a thick piece of cardboard or several pieces of newspaper on the ironing board, and set the design on top. Place another sheet of wax paper on top of the design, and rub the warm iron over the design until the crayon flakes have melted (figure C).

  • While the design is still warm, trim away excess paper and crayon with a pair of scissors (figure D).

  • Remove the hardened crayon figure from the wax paper and decorate (figure E). Make suncatchers with the crayon decorations, or use them to adorn greeting cards, artwork or other projects.

    Melty Art

    Materials:

    crayons
    heavy piece of cardboard
    microwave or conventional oven
    1 cup water
    cookie sheet

    Steps:

    • PHOTO

    Figure F
  • Another way to create neat artwork with crayons is by coloring a picture on a heavy piece of cardboard and placing it in the microwave or conventional oven to create melty art (figure F). As a safety precaution, place a cup of water in the microwave to absorb some of the excess microwaves.

  • Microwave the melty art for about 30 seconds, or place on a cookie sheet and heat in a conventional oven at 150 degrees for two or three minutes. The crayon will melt, giving the appearance of an oil painting. After it cools completely, add more layers of color to the piece and bake again.

  • Make sure to have an adult supervise the baking, whether it's in the microwave or conventional oven.

    Artwork on Fabric

    Materials:

    crayons
    fabric item of choice (pillowcase, tablecloth, etc.)
    iron
    scrap piece of fabric or an old towel

    Steps:


    1. Let children create beautiful artwork on pillowcases, tablecloths or other fabric items, then make the designs permanent with an iron. Make sure to use cloth items that are at least 50-percent cotton.

    2. After the items have been decorated with crayons, cover with a scrap piece of fabric or an old towel and iron. Place the iron on a low setting.
    • PHOTO

    Figure G
  • A great way to use this technique is by making a family reunion tablecloth (figure G). Give everyone at the reunion some crayons, and let them draw pictures and leave messages.
    • Resources
    The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions 2: More Than 65 Wacky, Wild & Crazy Concoctions
    by John E. Thomas, Danita Pagel Thomas
    Kid Concoctions Company, 2000
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions: More Than 65 Wacky, Wild & Crazy Concoctions
    by John E. Thomas, Danita Pagel Thomas
    Kid Concoctions Company, 1998
    Order this title from Amazon.com.
    Guests
    John E. Thomas
    Kids' Crafts Expert / Video Producer / Author / Co-Owner, Kid Concoctions Company
    Website: www.kidconcoctions.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-622
    •Crayon Crafts
    •Fall Garden
    •Sticky Solutions
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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