What You Can Do With Broken Crayons.....

This is a soothing, satisfying art technique--the crayons glide across the paper.  You can try several variations and see what works best for you and your child. This activity is best for children over age three.


Here's What You Need:
Warming tray, such as an electric pancake griddle, with low setting.
Foil
Peeled crayons
Different kinds of paper


Here's What You Do: 
*Cover the tray with foil--set temperature to low or medium-low. Supervision is needed so your child takes care with the heat. Show your artist how to hold an end of the crayon so fingers don't come in contact with the heat.
*Use crayons to draw directly on the foil.  When you are finished, press a piece of paper on the design and set aside to dry.  Wipe off foil with a paper towel for the next artist.
*Variation:  tape the corners of paper to the foil and make your design directly on the paper. Try other "canvas" such as fabric, paper plates, etc.

Chunky Rainbow Crayons

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Peel crayons  and fill each muffin tin with the colors of your choice. Place the muffin tin in the oven and turn if OFF. Check every few minutes.  When the crayons look soupy, take them out of the oven, and if you have room in your freezer--freeze for half an hour.  Otherwise, wait overnight.  The colorful wax will harden into chunks of crayon just the right size for little hands. When they are ready, carefully pop them out of the pan and you're all set for some rainbow art!