Homemade Crayons - Reuse Old Crayons

Need a way to use the nubs on crayons or maybe your little one decided to break every crayon your household owns? Here's a great way to make 'new' crayons and have a blast!!!!

We started by sorting crayon into similar colors and a few with mixed to make some funky crayons.

We then placed the muffin tin in the sun. Normally on an 85 degree day they would melt in an afternoon. However, it was only 72 here this day and it was taking a bit long. Our crayons were soft  and started to melt but we wanted to be able to use them that afternoon.

We decided to pop them in the oven, which is what I remember trying as a child. - oh growing up with a crafty mom was AWESOME!! 

 

Try to get your oven as low as you can go. I was able to set mine to 100 degrees.

 We left them in for about 20 minutes, until they were liquid and glossy on top.


 

Make sure you let them cool completely or you will have finger prints and dents.



To get them out, we had to turn the pan upside down and bang on it a bit. It also helped to try and lightly twist the muffin tray like an ice cube tray.

Use this as a conversation starter to talk about the sun. You can discuss how the sun heats the Earth, warms the water in pools, lakes, etc, warms the soil so plants can grow. Have fun talking about color sorting, matching light blues and dark blues or opposites on the color wheel (blue vs orange). Anytime you can help build your child's vocabulary, you are only helping them be more successful!!!! Give them the words and let them practice what those words mean. When they get to do - they learn!!!! 

I am not sure about no stick spray and the wax in the crayons. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Window Blocks - Window Clings

I loved finding this idea!!! I wish I could remember which blog I saw it on first! - Totally snagged this one and it's a KEEPER!

I found foam sheets in rectangles and circles at the dollar store. I picked up one pack of each totaling $2. 

I know an expensive activity ;) 

This is going to be my next busy bag contribution at our next exchange (not scheduled - but too easy to pass up!!!)

When foam is wet it sticks easily to windows and walls, like window clings. We have two little ones that LOVE their water table and playing in the kiddie pool. Dipping and splashing in water is always a plus. I set them up outside, let them dip and splash all they wanted and it didn't matter if they were getting the windows or themselves wet. 

We call this Window Blocks. 

Cut into various easy shapes. I did this during nap time one day in about 4 minutes. I didn't worry about making cuts perfect or look beautiful. Didn't think it matter very much.

Use a small container to dip the foam pieces in to get wet and make the stick to the window.

Have fun! Build towers, castles, houses, trees, etc....

Sort by shapes

Sort by colors

Just stick them on and build. It doesn't matter, have fun!

Practice giving your little ones words to add to their vocabulary. Talking with your kiddos and explaining what they are doing and with what they are working will always help your child grow.

Store them how you wish, zlip-loc, a sak, a plastic container. They dry VERY fast in the sun. I leave them out for a minute and then gather them up for the day.