DIY Valentine's Day Crayons

Curating space for my family and artistic creation to flourish is my top priority this year. And when it comes to finding clever ways to repurpose and reuse items, I am in my element. Not only is it a fun challenge, but it also aligns with the first pillar of sustainable event planning - upstream sourcing. This means considering where our materials and products come from and opting for those that already exist rather than adding new items to the waste stream. It's a simple yet powerful step towards sustainability.

So, in the spirit of repurposing, here's a quick and enjoyable way to make sustainable Valentine's Day gifts or party favors from items you probably have lying around in your craft drawer. Not only will you declutter your space, but you'll also create gifts that will be useful, AND- bonus- you will divert waste from the landfill too.

Broken crayons in heart-shaped sections of a red tray. Colors vary: greens, oranges, yellows. Bright and colorful arrangement.

Materials You'll Need:

- Broken crayons (you can also buy bulk crayons without paper for ease)

- Silicone heart molds (let your creativity guide you with different mold shapes)

- Vegetable oil (any kind will do, just avoid aerosol spray- here's a handy oil sprayer that gives the ease without the aerosol!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

2. Grease the silicone molds with oil (optional but helpful for removal).

3. Remove all paper from the crayons.

4. Place crayon pieces into the greased molds.

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

6. Let cool completely before removing from molds.

Heart-shaped molds filled with swirled orange, red, green, and blue paints on a pink tray. Vibrant, artistic, and playful.

Notes*

-Go light on the oil in the molds to avoid a film. If you find one develops, use that portion of the crayon on paper until the color is available- that is- if you don't like the way it looks.

-If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area- go to Scrap SF- they have second hand art supplies of all kinds- including massive amounts of crayons- AND- if you are a teacher they have added specials and freebies.

*Optional: Add a surprise element by mixing colors before baking, or adding a small toy or glitter to the crayons after baking before they cool completely.

And just like that, you've got adorable heart-shaped crayons that are not only fun to make but also allow for endless color combinations. Embrace your creativity and repurpose with purpose!"

Colorful, heart-shaped crayons scattered on a wooden surface. Text reads "Higgins Wood Finishes Made in USA." Bright and playful mood.

Creating your own DIY Valentine's Day Crayons is not only a fun and creative activity, but it also makes for a heartfelt gift that can be cherished by loved ones. In less than an hour, you can transform broken crayons into beautiful, colorful shapes that spread joy and creativity. Whether you decide to give them to friends, family, or use them for your own crafting projects, these DIY crayons are sure to brighten anyone's day!

So gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process of making something special this Valentine's Day. Happy crafting!

Dawn

Eco Event Planners