Looking for a simple and fun craft to do with the kids? These melted crayon hearts are just the thing. Make them for Valentine’s or just to reuse old broken crayons.
Melted Crayon Heart Valentines
After the abundance of candy and cookies consumed over the holidays, I cringe at the idea of more sweets finding their way into our home. Especially candy with artificial colored dyes added. Valentine’s Day and Halloween are the two holidays where I have to brace myself for the inevitable influx of dye-laden candies. I don’t have concrete proof, but I’m fairly certain that one of my sons has a dye sensitivity. This sensitivity manifests itself in behavior issues.
Because of this, I try to make Valentines that don’t use candies. Years ago, I made these Melted Crayon Heart Valentines! They were a big hit with the kids. This year my boys are too old for swapping Valentine’s (and they are enrolled in virtual school until the Fall), but I thought this would be a fun craft for those of you with little ones looking for easy crafts to fill the time.
How to Make Melted Crayon Heart Valentines
Materials:
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- Broken crayons
- Heart-Shaped Muffin Tin or Silicone Candy Mold
- Cardstock for Valentine’s
- Elmer’s Glue Dots or hot glue
Instructions:
- Start by collecting all those broken crayons (or sacrifice some worn down ones.)
- Pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Peel the labels off all the crayons.
- Break the crayons into small pieces.
- Optional: Separate into colors if you want to create monotone heart crayons
- Fill the bottom of the muffin tin with the broken crayons.
- Place in 300F oven for 15 minutes.
- Once the crayons are liquified, remove them carefully from the oven.
- Set out to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Pop them out of the tins and glue to cardstock for Valentine’s or let the kids color with them.
We attached them using Elmer’s glue dots to cards that said “For Crayon Out Loud, Won’t You Be My Valentine.”
Kelly added some glitter to her crayon hearts:
And Heather of Whipperberry paired her melted crayon hearts with these adorable Valentines using a cutting die:
Want another candy-free Valentine idea? Make these adorable “You Rule” Valentines:
Now tell me, how are you all doing? Made it through 2020? I hope you are having a happy new year so far.
Pin for later!
This is such a great idea and a great way to recycle those broken crayons. Fun alternative to candy for sure!
this is the cutest idea! where did u get the mold?
This is such a cool and creative Valentine’s idea. My kids will love it. Thank you!
Great Valentine idea! I did the plain muffin tin version over Christmas break, trying to use up the massive amounts of crayons we’ve accumulated over the years. I sustained a removing-the-paper injury (got crayon jammed way up under my nail from picking off the paper before I got smart and used a knife!!) Next time I won’t use any crayons other than the name brand versions though–a few of them didn’t melt. Yours turned out very cute!
What a great idea! With 3 boys we certainly have our share of broken up crayons that never get used!!
Tanya, thanks for the comment. And I totally hear you on the broken crayons. We had our fair share.
What a great idea! I’m always looking for good ideas for Valentine’s that aren’t dye-laden candy or those little cards that just end up getting thrown out or in the recycling bin. This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Karen, exactly. I sort of dislike those cheesy cartoon character valentines.
I have made these the past 2 years for my son. So much fun to do. If you use all brown crayon they look like chocolate!
Janet, wow, what a cool idea. I’d be afraid the kids might try to eat them though. LOL.
Hi, Brittany
I always love making these and my kiddo loves helping out too. Have a great one.
Hugs,
Vanessa
Vanessa, I really enjoy making these with all those broken crayons. A great upcycling project! 😀
Brittany such a great, USEFUL alternative to candy. I’m adding it to my non-candy valentines list for future reference. Thank you.
Jaime, thanks for your comment. Yes, we need more non-candy Valentine ideas!
I made these last year for our youngest son’s preschool class. I will be doing them again this year for his kindergarten class! Those heart-shaped silicone baking molds in the Dollar Spot at Target are great for these. Makes them really easy to remove afterwards!
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
Mary Ellen,
I didn’t realize that Target had those molds! And to think I spent $10 at Michaels for the metal ones. Thanks for the tip.
I don’t have any young ones at home any more, but these look like so much fun! (I still enjoy coloring.)
Awww Sheila. You can come color with us anytime 😉
Adorable Brittany! You’ve got to be the most popular Mom on the block, in school and just about everywhere!
Colleen, according to my oldest, the kids at school weren’t happy about the non-candy valentines last year. I think I’m in the unpopular mom category with some of the kids ;-(.
So cute!! I can’t wait to hear how your son changed your mind about candy at Valentines.
Crystal, stay tuned…;-)