How to Create Artwork with Melted Crayons

Creating art using melted crayons is a simple yet exciting activity for those who enjoy exploring new artistic experiences. The process is straightforward but results in truly unique and vibrant outcomes. This is why this method is so popular. You can use a hairdryer or a glue gun to create your melted crayon masterpiece; of course, you will need crayons and a canvas. Both techniques can get messy, and the results might differ slightly, but they are both fun and result in stunning artworks.

Gather Your Materials. You will need a canvas (size of your choice), crayons (choose according to the size of your canvas), a glue gun, and a hairdryer. You should also prepare some old newspaper, a shirt, or a towel to place under the canvas to protect against any wax splashes.

• Make sure to thoroughly cover the areas that could get messy. And don't forget to protect yourself! Avoid letting wax stain your skin and your good clothes.

Organizing Crayons. The arrangement depends on your preferences. A rainbow pattern is a popular choice; if you select this style, you'll place the crayons in the order of the rainbow colors. Some people arrange the crayons from light to dark, while others prefer grouping crayons with varying shades of the same color. The organization of colors is entirely up to your creativity.

• Just ensure you have enough colors to cover the entire canvas surface. Repeated colors can also create a visually appealing effect.

Use a Hot Glue Gun to Attach Crayons to the Canvas. Some people keep the crayon wrappers on, while others peel them off. Both methods work well.

• You can remove the wrapper and even cut the crayon in half. This will give your artwork a more natural look, and the 8cm above the canvas won't show the crayon's color outline.

Tilt the Canvas to Let the Crayon Wax Drip Down. A common approach is to lean the canvas frame against the wall. If you choose this method, make sure to tape some newspaper on the wall beforehand to prevent it from getting stained.

Use a Hair Dryer to Melt the Crayons. It's best to point the hair dryer downward at the crayons to allow the wax to melt and drip down. Keep in mind that this process can get messy! However, if you've placed newspaper down correctly, there's no need to worry.

• You can use a candle to speed up the melting process. This method is a bit riskier, and the candle wax can leave stains. If you're not afraid of the mess and want to save time, a candle could be a great option.
• A heat gun is also a useful alternative tool that can shorten the process and is available at most art supply stores.

Add the final details. Fine-tune your artwork. Remove any crayons or wax pieces from areas you don’t want them. Feel free to add more color if you wish.

• Display your masterpiece! Hang it on the wall or share a photo on Facebook or Tumblr to show your friends and family. Let the world see your creativity—everyone will love it! Kids will enjoy your artwork too!

Prepare the canvas. Secure the fabric on the wall or on a chair with a cloth underneath. Choose a spot where you don't mind getting a little messy. Pick a canvas size that suits the amount of crayon wax you have.

Insert a crayon into the hot glue gun. Peel off the crayon wrapper and shave down the crayon to make it fit into the glue gun easily.

• If you want to use multiple colors, after attaching the first crayon to the glue gun, continue adding second, third, and so on—this will help push the wax out.

Create color on the canvas. This technique lets you control the amount of color and the way it flows. You can go for the classic drip effect or design shapes and patterns as you wish. Hold the glue gun nozzle close to the canvas and get creative!

• When you run out of color, just add another crayon to the glue gun. You’ll notice that the wax from the new crayon will change the color flow, making it lighter or darker as it melts.

Dry it out. This method is faster than using a hairdryer, isn't it? If you need to clean the glue gun, simply load it with a regular glue stick and let it melt until it becomes clear, free of any color or wax remnants.

• If you're not satisfied with a particular part of your artwork, this method allows you to easily go back and fix (or add more color) to that section.

• Wear old clothes to avoid worrying about getting them dirty during the process.
• Ensure your canvas is thick enough to prevent the wax from dripping through.
• You can leave the crayons on the canvas to create an effect as though the wax is dripping straight from them.
• Have extra cloths or rags on hand in case you run out of newspaper.
• Use a brush or sponge to create softer lines. You can even add tape to make patterns or designs.
• Some people write words on the canvas and let the color drip onto the letters. Common words include: belief, creativity, smile, and innovation.
• Ask someone to help hold the hairdryer to save time.
• Perform this project outdoors to avoid staining your furniture and to prevent wax odors inside the house. On hot days, you won't need a hairdryer—just place the crayons in the sun to melt.
• Set the hairdryer to a high speed when you want to melt the crayons.
• Arrange the crayons in different shapes, like hearts or circles, to create unique patterns.
• You could even start selling your one-of-a-kind crayon artwork.
• Using a candle or heat gun will be more effective than a hairdryer.

• Make sure the wax doesn't get on furniture or carpets, as it is extremely hard to clean.
• Be careful not to touch the artwork after finishing, as you could burn yourself if the wax has not fully cooled.
• Handle the glue gun with care, as it is very hot and can cause burns.