🖍️ How to Make Your Own Crayons Using Silicone Molds: A Fun & Creative DIY Guide

Crayons are a childhood staple—but they don’t have to be store-bought. Whether you’re looking to recycle broken crayons, create custom shapes for party favors, or just want a fun weekend project with the kids, making your own crayons using silicone molds is a colorful and rewarding experience. Plus, it's an eco-friendly way to breathe new life into old art supplies.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making crayons with silicone molds—from materials and safety tips to step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Let’s get melting!

🧰 What You’ll Need

Materials:

• Old crayons (or new ones if you prefer specific colors)

• Silicone molds (choose fun shapes like animals, stars, or letters)

• Baking sheet (for stability in the oven)

• Craft knife (for peeling crayon wrappers)

• Glass or metal bowl (if using the double boiler method)

• Optional: Essential oils or glitter (only if safe and non-toxic)

Tools:

• Oven or double boiler method

• Oven mitts

• Cooling rack or tray

• Toothpick or skewer (to mix colors in molds if desired)

🧼 Step 1: Prep Your Crayons

1. Gather broken or old crayons.
   If you're starting with full crayons, feel free to snap them into smaller pieces for faster melting.

2. Remove all paper wrappers.

   • Use a craft knife to slit the wrapper for easy peeling.

   • Soaking crayons in warm water for 5–10 minutes can loosen stubborn wrappers.

3. Sort by color or mix creatively.
   Decide whether you want single-color crayons or beautiful marbled creations.

💧 Step 2: Melt the Crayons

There are two popular melting methods:

🔥 Oven Method (Recommended for Ease)

1. Preheat oven to 200–250°F (93–120°C).

2. Place silicone molds on a baking sheet for stability.

3. Add crayon pieces to each mold cavity.

   • Fill about ¾ full to avoid overflow.

   • Mix and match colors for a swirl effect.

4. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until crayons are fully melted.
   Important safety tip: Do not exceed 250°F or leave crayons in the oven for too long. Overheating crayons can cause the wax to smoke or release fumes that may be irritating or toxic if inhaled. Always monitor the oven closely during melting.

5. Carefully remove from oven using mitts. Let cool on a heat-resistant surface.

💧 Double Boiler Method (More Control, Great for Pouring)

1. Melt crayons in a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water (make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl).
2. Stir occasionally until crayons are fully melted.
   Important safety tip: Keep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to avoid overheating the wax. Overheated wax can produce smoke or release harmful fumes. Never leave the melting process unattended.
3. Pour the liquid wax into silicone molds using a spoon or heatproof funnel.
4. Let crayons cool and solidify before handling.

❄️ Step 3: Cool and Pop Out

• Allow the crayons to cool at room temperature for at least 30–60 minutes.

• For quicker results, place molds in the freezer for 10–15 minutes.

• Once solidified, gently pop the crayons out of the silicone molds.

🌈 Creative Ideas

• Party Favors: Make personalized crayons in themed shapes for birthdays.

• Alphabet Fun: Use letter molds to teach kids spelling and color recognition.

• Holiday Gifts: Wrap custom crayons in clear bags with tags for festive presents.

• Color Blends: Combine similar hues (e.g., reds and oranges) for gradient crayons.

• Add-ins: Sprinkle glitter or a drop of essential oil (make sure it's kid-safe and non-toxic).

⚠️ Safety Tips & Precautions 

To ensure your crayon-making experience is safe and enjoyable, please follow these important guidelines:

1. Temperature Control:

   • Keep oven temperature between 200–250°F (93–120°C). Do not exceed 250°F.

   • Use a gentle simmer on the double boiler method — never boiling water or direct flame contact.

2. Avoid Overheating:

   • Overheated crayons can emit smoke and potentially harmful fumes.

   • Always monitor your melting process closely and never leave it unattended.

3. Ventilation:

   • Work in a well-ventilated area or near an open window to avoid inhaling any fumes.

4. Handling Melted Wax:

   • Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot molds or bowls.

   • Melted wax can cause burns — keep children supervised at all times. 
     ❗❗ Always supervise children when using heat or handling melted wax.

   • Crayon wax can stain, so wear an apron and protect surfaces.
   • Allow crayons to cool completely before use to avoid burns.

5. Safe Materials:

   • Use food-safe or craft silicone molds designated only for crayons (do not reuse molds intended for food after using with wax).

   • Avoid adding non-approved additives (like certain glitters or scents) unless confirmed non-toxic and safe for children.

6. Clean Up:

   • Wipe up any wax spills immediately to prevent slipping or staining.

Following these precautions will help you create fun, safe crayons without any hazards.

♻️ Why DIY Crayons?

Making your own crayons isn't just fun—it’s practical and sustainable. Here's why:

• Reduces waste by recycling broken crayons.

• Encourages creativity through color mixing and shape selection.

• Great learning tool for young kids (colors, letters, shapes).

• Budget-friendly craft that requires minimal investment.

🖍️ Final Thoughts

DIY crayons are a creative project that blends fun, learning, and sustainability. With just a few supplies and a little time, you can create vibrant, unique crayons that spark joy in both kids and adults. Whether you’re doing this as a solo craft, a family activity, or a classroom project, the results are always rewarding—and colorful.