Brighten Your Day: A Comprehensive Guide to Making DIY Crayon Candles

Creating your own candles can be a fun, rewarding, and cost-effective hobby. Instead of spending money on store-bought candles, why not recycle old crayons and transform them into beautiful, vibrant, and fragrant creations? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a safe and enjoyable candle-making experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, you’ll find everything you need to know to make stunning crayon candles.

Why Make Crayon Candles?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s explore the benefits of making crayon candles:

* **Recycling and Upcycling:** This is a fantastic way to repurpose old, broken crayons that might otherwise end up in the trash. It’s an eco-friendly craft that reduces waste.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the color, scent, and size of your candles. Mix and match crayon colors to create unique hues, and add your favorite essential oils or fragrance oils for a personalized aroma.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own candles is generally cheaper than buying them, especially if you already have some of the supplies on hand.
* **Creative Outlet:** Candle-making is a therapeutic and creative activity that allows you to express your individuality.
* **Unique Gifts:** Handmade crayon candles make thoughtful and personalized gifts for friends and family.
* **Fun Project:** It’s a great activity to do with kids (with adult supervision, of course!).

Materials You’ll Need

To make crayon candles, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

* **Crayons:** The star of the show! Gather your collection of old or unwanted crayons. You’ll need enough crayons to fill your chosen container with melted wax. Approximately 8-10 standard-sized crayons will yield about 4 ounces of wax. Crayola brand is generally recommended because of its wax composition and vibrant colors. Other brands may work, but the color payoff or burning quality might vary.
* **Wax:** While crayons provide the color, you’ll need additional wax to create a stable and long-lasting candle. Paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of waxes can be used. Soy wax is a popular choice due to its eco-friendliness and clean burning properties. Paraffin wax is more traditional and holds fragrance well. Beeswax offers a natural aroma and longer burn time, but it’s more expensive. Experiment with different waxes to find your preferred option. Consider using wax flakes or pellets for easier melting. About 1 pound of wax will make approximately two 8-ounce candles, depending on the container size.
* **Wicks:** Choose wicks that are appropriate for the diameter of your container. Pre-waxed wicks are convenient, but you can also use plain wicks and wax them yourself. Wick size is crucial for proper burning. A wick that is too small will drown in the wax, while a wick that is too large will produce excessive smoke and heat. Generally, for containers with a diameter of 2-3 inches, a medium-sized wick is suitable. For larger containers, use a larger wick or multiple wicks.
* **Containers:** Select heat-safe containers to hold your candles. Glass jars, teacups, tins, or ceramic containers are all excellent choices. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before use. Repurposed jars from food products can be used, just ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
* **Double Boiler or Heat-Safe Bowl and Saucepan:** A double boiler is ideal for melting wax safely and evenly. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heat-safe bowl (stainless steel or glass) placed over a saucepan of simmering water.
* **Thermometer:** A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the wax. This helps prevent overheating and ensures the wax is at the correct temperature for adding crayons and fragrance.
* **Stirring Utensil:** Use a heat-resistant stirring utensil, such as a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, to mix the wax and crayons.
* **Pencil or Chopstick:** For centering the wick in the container.
* **Hot Glue Gun or Wick Stickers:** To secure the wick to the bottom of the container.
* **Paper Towels:** For cleaning up any spills.
* **Optional: Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils:** To add a pleasant scent to your candles. Use candle-specific fragrance oils, not just any essential oil, as some essential oils can be flammable.
* **Optional: Heat Gun or Hair Dryer:** To smooth out any imperfections on the surface of the candle after it has cooled.
* **Optional: Apron:** To protect your clothing from wax splatters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your materials, let’s get started with the candle-making process:

**Step 1: Prepare Your Crayons**

* Remove the paper wrappers from the crayons. This is important because the paper can cause the crayons to burn unevenly and produce smoke. You can use a utility knife or your fingernails to peel off the wrappers. Soaking the crayons in warm water for a few minutes can also help loosen the paper.
* Break the crayons into smaller pieces. This will help them melt more quickly and evenly.
* Sort the crayons by color if you want to create specific hues. You can mix different colors together to create unique shades.

**Step 2: Prepare Your Container and Wick**

* Clean and dry your chosen container thoroughly. Ensure there are no cracks or chips in the container.
* Attach the wick to the bottom of the container. Use a hot glue gun or wick stickers to secure the wick in the center of the container. This will prevent the wick from moving around while you pour the wax. Wick stickers are double-sided adhesive dots specifically designed for candle making. Place the sticker on the metal base of the wick and press it firmly onto the bottom of the container. If using a hot glue gun, apply a small dot of hot glue to the metal base of the wick and quickly press it onto the bottom of the container.
* Center the wick using a pencil or chopstick. Place the pencil or chopstick across the top of the container and wrap the wick around it. This will keep the wick centered while the wax cools and hardens.

**Step 3: Melt the Wax**

* Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. If you’re using a heat-safe bowl and saucepan, fill the saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer.
* Place the wax in the top pot of the double boiler or in the heat-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is securely placed over the saucepan and doesn’t touch the water.
* Heat the wax over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is completely melted. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of wax you are using. For soy wax, aim for around 180-185°F (82-85°C). For paraffin wax, aim for around 170-175°F (77-79°C). Do not overheat the wax, as this can cause it to scorch or become flammable.

**Step 4: Add the Crayons**

* Once the wax is completely melted, reduce the heat to low. Add the crayon pieces to the melted wax. Start with a small amount of crayons and add more until you achieve your desired color intensity. Remember that the color will appear lighter once the wax has cooled and hardened.
* Stir the wax and crayons constantly until the crayons are completely melted and evenly distributed. Ensure there are no crayon chunks remaining in the wax. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.

**Step 5: Add Fragrance (Optional)**

* If you’re using fragrance oils or essential oils, add them to the melted wax after the crayons have completely melted. Use candle-specific fragrance oils and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount to add. A general guideline is to use about 6-10% fragrance oil by weight of the wax. For example, if you’re using 1 pound (16 ounces) of wax, you would add approximately 1-1.6 ounces of fragrance oil. Add the fragrance oil slowly and stir gently to avoid creating air bubbles.
* Stir the wax and fragrance oil thoroughly to ensure it is evenly distributed.

**Step 6: Pour the Wax**

* Carefully remove the pot or bowl from the heat. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from the hot pot or bowl.
* Slowly and carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Pour the wax in a steady stream to avoid creating air bubbles. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the container.

**Step 7: Secure the Wick and Let Cool**

* Make sure the wick remains centered as the wax cools. If necessary, adjust the pencil or chopstick to keep the wick in place.
* Let the candle cool completely at room temperature. Avoid placing the candle in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the cooling process, as this can cause the wax to crack. The cooling process can take several hours, or even overnight. Be patient and allow the candle to cool undisturbed.

**Step 8: Trim the Wick**

* Once the candle is completely cool and hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will ensure a clean and even burn.

**Step 9: Smooth the Top (Optional)**

* If the surface of the candle is uneven or has imperfections, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently melt the top layer of wax and smooth it out. Hold the heat gun or hair dryer a few inches away from the candle and move it in a circular motion until the surface is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can cause it to melt too much and create a pool of liquid wax on top.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Crayon Candles

* **Use High-Quality Crayons:** Crayola crayons are generally recommended because they are made with high-quality pigments and wax that melt evenly and produce vibrant colors. Cheaper crayons may not melt as well or produce the same color payoff.
* **Experiment with Colors:** Don’t be afraid to mix and match different crayon colors to create unique hues. You can create ombre effects by layering different colors of wax in the container. Try swirling different colors together for a marbled effect.
* **Control the Color Intensity:** The more crayons you add to the wax, the more intense the color will be. Start with a small amount of crayons and add more until you achieve your desired color intensity. Remember that the color will appear lighter once the wax has cooled and hardened.
* **Add Fragrance Sparingly:** Too much fragrance oil can make the candle burn improperly and produce smoke. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount to add and start with a small amount. You can always add more fragrance oil later if needed.
* **Ensure Proper Wick Size:** Choosing the correct wick size is crucial for proper burning. A wick that is too small will drown in the wax, while a wick that is too large will produce excessive smoke and heat. Refer to wick size charts or consult with a candle-making supplier to determine the appropriate wick size for your container diameter.
* **Let the Candle Cool Slowly:** Cooling the candle too quickly can cause the wax to crack or develop imperfections. Allow the candle to cool completely at room temperature.
* **Double Boiler is Key:** Melting the wax in a double boiler is the safest and most effective way to prevent overheating and scorching the wax. If you don’t have a double boiler, use a heat-safe bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.
* **Safety First:** Always supervise the melting wax and never leave it unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Work in a well-ventilated area.
* **Clean Up Spills Immediately:** Wax spills can be messy and difficult to clean up. Clean up any spills immediately with paper towels and hot water. You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the wax and make it easier to remove.
* **Test Burn Your Candle:** Before giving your candle as a gift or using it for extended periods, test burn it for a few hours to ensure it burns properly and safely. Monitor the flame, wax pool, and scent throw to ensure everything is working as expected.
* **Consider Additives:** You can add additives to your wax to improve its performance and appearance. For example, you can add stearic acid to help the wax harden and improve its scent throw. You can also add UV inhibitors to prevent the candle from fading in sunlight.
* **Preheat Your Containers**: Preheat your containers in a low-temperature oven (around 150-200°F or 65-93°C) for about 15-20 minutes before pouring the wax. This can help to prevent the wax from cooling too quickly and cracking, and can also improve the adhesion of the wax to the container.

Troubleshooting Crayon Candles

Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues while making crayon candles. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

* **Uneven Burning:** This can be caused by an improperly sized wick or an uneven surface. Make sure you’re using the correct wick size for your container diameter and that the surface of the candle is level. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to smooth out any imperfections on the surface.
* **Drowning Wick:** This occurs when the wick is too small for the diameter of the container and is unable to burn the wax fast enough. The wax pool will become too deep, and the wick will eventually drown. Use a larger wick size or multiple wicks.
* **Excessive Smoke:** This can be caused by an improperly sized wick, too much fragrance oil, or impurities in the wax. Make sure you’re using the correct wick size, using the recommended amount of fragrance oil, and using high-quality wax.
* **Cracking Wax:** This can be caused by cooling the candle too quickly or by using a wax that is not suitable for candle making. Allow the candle to cool slowly at room temperature and use a wax that is specifically designed for candle making.
* **Poor Scent Throw:** This can be caused by using too little fragrance oil or by using a wax that doesn’t hold fragrance well. Use the recommended amount of fragrance oil and choose a wax that is known for its good scent throw.
* **Color Fading**: Over time, the color of your crayon candles might fade, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent this, add a UV inhibitor to the wax when melting. Alternatively, store your candles in a cool, dark place when not in use.

Safety Precautions

Candle making involves working with hot wax and open flames, so it’s essential to take the following safety precautions:

* **Never leave melting wax unattended.**
* **Work in a well-ventilated area.**
* **Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.**
* **Wear appropriate safety gear, such as oven mitts and an apron.**
* **Keep children and pets away from the candle-making area.**
* **Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax.**
* **Avoid overheating the wax, as this can cause it to scorch or become flammable.**
* **Pour the wax slowly and carefully to avoid spills.**
* **Allow the candle to cool completely before burning it.**
* **Never burn a candle near flammable materials.**
* **Keep burning candles within sight.**
* **Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.**

Conclusion

Making crayon candles is a fun and rewarding way to recycle old crayons and create beautiful, personalized candles. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can create stunning crayon candles that will brighten your home and make unique gifts for friends and family. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy the process of transforming old crayons into beautiful works of art!