How to Make Crayon Candles

Co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood

Last Updated: April 2, 2024 Approved

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Making candles from crayons is a fun and easy way to use up your old, broken, or unused crayons. Though you do need to add some candle wax to your crayon wax to make a usable candle that will burn well, the process is pretty simple. Ready to create some beautiful crayon candles? Read on!

DIY Crayon Candles

Peel off the wrapper and cut or shred the crayons into small pieces.
Melt the crayons and candle wax in a double boiler over medium heat.
Place a wick in the center of your candle holder and pour in the wax.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up

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1
Peel a crayon. If the wrapper does not come away easily, you can cut it off using a craft blade, or you can soak them in water for a few minutes.^{[1]
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- If you want to make a striped candle, peel some more crayons. You'll need about one crayon per color.^{[2]
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- You will need 6 crayons per 1 cup (225 grams) of wax.^{[3]
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Break the crayon into smaller pieces and set them aside. The smaller pieces you break the crayons into, the easier they will melt. Some people find that grating the crayon into flakes helps it melt faster.^{[4]
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- If you are making a striped candle, be careful to keep the colors separate.
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Place a tabbed wick in the middle of the glass candle holder and secure it with a drop of hot wax.^{[5]
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Research source} You can also use a drop of super glue or a piece of double-sided tape. Some tabbed candle wicks will be self-adhesive.
Lay two sticks (such as pencils or popsicle sticks) across the mouth of the candle holder. Sandwich the wick between the two sticks so that it stands up straight.

Part 2

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Melting the Wax

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Measure out enough candle wax to fill your candle holder, plus some extra and set it aside. Try to get the kind of wax that comes in flake or pellet form. It will melt a lot quicker. If your wax comes in blocks, cut it into smaller pieces so that it melts quicker.
- You will need to add wax to your candle. Many people find that candles made from pure crayon do not burn well.
- The wax will "shrink" when you melt it, so you will need the extra wax.
Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water. Place a heat-safe measuring cup into the pot.^{[6]
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Place the crayons and wax into the glass measuring cup. If you want to make a striped candle, you will need to melt each color in a separate batch.
- If you plan on making a striped candle, don't do the other colors yet. Wait until the first color layer sets.
This will help the wax and crayon melt more evenly. You can use a spoon to stir. If you don't want to dirty your spoon, use a popsicle stick or a disposable chopstick.
It will be very hot, so be careful. Set it down on a heat-safe surface.
Once the wax is melted, you can add in a few drops of candle fragrance or essential oil. Be sure to stir the wax well to blend everything together.

Part 3

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Pouring the Wax

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If you plan on making a layered candle, don't fill the holder all the way. If you plan on making a solid-colored candle, fill it almost to the top.
^{[7]
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Research source} If you add the second layer too soon, it will mix into the first one, and you might end up with an ugly color. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for each layer to harden.^{[8]
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This will take several hours. You can speed up the process by putting the candles in the freezer for two to three hours.
If you don't trim the wick down, it will be too long. It won't burn right and will create a fire hazard.
You will now have a beautiful candle.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I use just crayons to make crayon candles?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will not work as well. Candles made entirely of crayons for wax burn quicker and less brightly.

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Can I use vanilla as a scent when making crayon candles?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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What is a tabbed wick, and do I have to use it?

Community Answer

it's just a wick with a neck at the bottom. You could use an untabbed wick, but it may be more difficult.

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Tips

For a kid-friendly version, use a milk carton that's been cut in half. After the candle hardens, you can peel the carton away.^{[9]
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You can also melt the wax and crayon in a paper cup in the microwave. Microwave the wax and crayon at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one.^{[10]
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If you can't find candle wax, you can also use an old, white candle. Be sure to break it into smaller pieces and to take the wick out first, however.^{[11]
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Warnings

Crayon wax does not evaporate. Make sure that you burn the crayon candle in a deep dish to catch all of the melting wax.

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Children must have adult supervision for this project.

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Candle-making can be both fun and dangerous. You should never try any projects that use heat and fire without an adults help and always follow candle safety rules.

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You must mix the crayons into the wax.^{[12]
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Research source} Many people find that candles made purely out of crayons do not burn very brightly, or for very long.^{[13]
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Research source} The reason for this is because the pigments from the crayons clog the wick, and prevent it from burning.^{[14]
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