We have made these Valentines every year for one child or another since my oldest began school. This year is no different with two of my kids deciding they wanted to make these simple hearts to give to classmates; I needed nearly 50 of them! I am always happy to make them with the kids as they are simple, easy, kid-friendly {to make and to use}. And most likely, you have everything you need in your house right now to make them too!
Those of you who have been around long enough know about DIY crayons. Today I’m going to show you how to make DIY Valentine heart crayons. All you need is a silicone heart tray, used crayons, a knife, and a cutting board.
DIY crayons are a great way to use up all those broken crayons or restaurant crayons floating around the bottom of your diaper bag or purse (assuming you’re like me and stash them every time). These are so super easy and your effort {or your kids’ effort} goes a long, long way. Here’s how to get started:
1. Send your children on a hunt through every crayon box, craft box, ziplock bag, purse, and backpack for any and all broken crayons.
2. Once they have collected a giant pile on the kitchen table have them peel the paper off each and every crayon. To aid in the fun I put on some music, pop some popcorn and let them loose! In this DIY activity a little destructiveness is good. 🙂
3. Congratulations, you now have naked crayons. Pretty, right?
Naked crayons
4. Grab a knife and a cutting board and chop away! Any and all pieces will fill the gaps so don’t get too particular about size.
Chop your crayons
5. Now back to the kid labor. Have them fill each heart with broken crayons. My son just stuffs in the pieces, but my girls will usually color coordinate or try to see if they can make a pattern, but whatever way they enjoy, let them at it!
Fill the hearts
6. Once all your hearts are filled put your silicone hearts on a cookie sheet so as not to spill the melted crayon when removing the tray from the oven. Melt the crayons for 8-9 minutes at 275 F. Take your crayon hearts from the oven and let them sit on the counter a few minutes to firm up before placing the silicone tray in the freezer for ten minutes.
7. Take the tray from the freezer and pop your hearts out! The kids will love the final product. Just let them harden all the way on a piece of wax paper.
Crayons complete
8. Use them any way you’d like. We have done so many things with them over the years. Just attach them to a handmade heart, or white card stock square with double stick tape and not only do you have enough Valentines for your class, but your house (and purse) are neater and cleaner and it didn’t cost a thing!