If you have a box of broken crayons tucked away in a drawer, don’t throw them out. Those colorful leftovers can become beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments that look festive, creative, and surprisingly elegant.
One of the easiest holiday crafts uses old red crayons and mason jar lids to create wax ornaments that are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, wrapping gifts, or adding a handmade touch to your holiday décor.
Here’s how to make these charming ornaments at home.
Why This DIY Is So Popular
This simple project has become a favorite because it’s:
- Budget-friendly
- Great for using leftover crayons
- Easy enough for beginners
- Fun for family crafting
- Perfect for handmade Christmas decorations
Each ornament has its own unique swirls and color patterns, making every piece one of a kind.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
- Old red crayons (remove the paper wrappers)
- Mason jar lids or canning jar rings with flat inserts
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Decorative ribbon or twine
- Faux greenery or mini pine sprigs
- Small pinecones, berries, or holiday embellishments (optional)
- Hot glue gun (for decorating)
Most of these items are inexpensive or already sitting around the house.
Step 1: Prepare the Crayons
Remove every bit of paper from the crayons.
Break them into small pieces so they’ll melt evenly.
If you’d like a marbled effect, combine several shades of red or mix in small amounts of white, gold, or glitter crayons.
Step 2: Arrange the Mason Jar Lids
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the mason jar lids flat on the baking sheet so they can act as molds for the melted wax.
Fill each lid with enough crayon pieces to cover the bottom.
Step 3: Melt the Crayons
Place the baking sheet into a warm oven just until the crayons completely melt.
Keep a close eye on them during the process and avoid overheating the wax.
Carefully remove the baking sheet and allow the wax to cool completely.
As the wax hardens, beautiful color variations will naturally appear.
Step 4: Decorate the Ornaments
Once the wax has cooled, it’s time for the fun part.
Decorate each ornament with:
- Burlap ribbon
- Twine bows
- Artificial holly
- Evergreen sprigs
- Mini pinecones
- Wooden stars
- Cinnamon sticks
- Bells
- Small wooden beads
Attach everything with a hot glue gun.
Finally, add a ribbon loop for hanging.
Creative Ways to Display Them
These ornaments can be used almost anywhere during the holidays.
Try them as:
- Christmas tree ornaments
- Gift package toppers
- Stocking decorations
- Wreath accents
- Garland decorations
- Table centerpiece decorations
- Handmade holiday gifts
- Rustic farmhouse décor
They’re especially beautiful when paired with natural greenery.
Tips for the Best Results
To make your ornaments look even better:
- Use clean mason jar lids.
- Don’t overfill the molds.
- Allow the wax to cool naturally.
- Mix several shades of the same color for added depth.
- Add decorations only after the wax has completely hardened.
Patience gives the ornaments a smoother finish.
Safety Tips
Since this craft involves heat, remember to:
- Supervise children during the project.
- Handle hot baking trays carefully.
- Never leave melting crayons unattended.
- Allow ornaments to cool completely before touching them.
- Work on a protected surface when using hot glue.
A little caution helps keep the crafting experience safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you melt old crayons for crafts?
Yes. Broken crayons melt easily and can be reused for many decorative projects, including ornaments, wax art, and colorful molds.
Do I need special molds?
No. Mason jar lids work well because they create sturdy, round ornaments with a rustic appearance.
Can children help?
Yes. Kids can unwrap crayons and decorate the finished ornaments, while adults should handle the oven and hot glue.
Can I use other crayon colors?
Absolutely. Green, white, gold, silver, blue, or mixed colors can all create unique holiday decorations.
Final Thoughts
Instead of throwing away broken crayons, turn them into festive Christmas ornaments that add warmth and personality to your holiday decorating. This simple DIY project is affordable, beginner-friendly, and a wonderful way to spend time crafting with family.
Whether you hang them on the tree, attach them to gifts, or use them as seasonal decorations around your home, these handmade ornaments are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.
