Materials Needed:
- Crayons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crayons:
- Unwrap the crayons and break them into small pieces to melt more evenly.
2. Place in the Microwave:
- Place the crayon pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Set the Power and Time:
- Set the microwave to low power (usually 20-30% power) to avoid overheating the crayons.
- Start with short intervals, such as 30 seconds.
4. Start Microwaving:
- Microwave the crayons in short increments of 30 seconds, checking and stirring the mixture in between.
- Repeat this process until the crayons have completely melted into a smooth, liquid consistency.
5. Be Patient:
- Crayons can take several cycles to melt completely, so be patient and continue stirring between each increment.
6. Remove from Microwave:
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using a kitchen towel or pot holder.
7. Let It Cool:
- Allow the melted wax to cool slightly. It will still be hot, so use caution.
8. Add Embellishments:
- If desired, you can add scents, glitter, or dried flowers to the melted crayons for an extra touch.
9. Pour into Molds:
- Once the wax is cooled slightly, but still liquid, pour it into your desired molds for your project (e.g., ice cube trays for wax seals, votive holders for candles).
10. Let It Set:
- Let the wax cool and harden completely. The time it takes to harden will depend on the amount of wax and the size of your molds.
11. Remove from Molds:
- Once the wax has hardened, pop it out of the molds and enjoy your handmade creations.
Safety Tips:
- Always handle hot wax with caution, as it can cause burns.
- Do not microwave crayons for too long or at too high a power, as they can overheat and catch fire.
- Ensure that the bowl used to melt the crayons is microwave-safe.
- Never leave the crayons unattended in the microwave.
- Let the crayons cool completely before using them in your project.
By following these steps, you can safely and easily melt crayons in the microwave for various crafting projects. Happy melting!