Are you a rainbow searcher like me? As soon as I realize the conditions are right for a rainbow, I start searching. So much so, that I probably look like a lunatic looking up into the rain filled sunny sky, but they are so worth, aren’t they? Rainbows turn an average moment into a spectacular event, and they certainly seem to have a way of showing up at times when we need them. For many folks, rainbows represent the beauty of our differences as humans. Even Dorothy sang about them when she was sad, and our beloved pets cross the rainbow bridge at the end. They are, and always will be beautiful. So today, it’s all about beautiful colorful rainbows here at redheadcandecorate.com. First up, is this fun repurposing crayon craft: “DIY Crayon Rainbow Candle”, and then I have a few more rainbow ideas at the end…of the rainbow.
Now, I have to be totally honest with you here like I always am, and let you know right off the rainbow that this was not an easy craft. I originally saw this concept over and over again on Pinterest and there are many tutorials on how to make a candle using leftover crayons. No matter what method I learned about, they all seemed to be easy. Well, this just wasn’t easy, and I not only burned myself, I also made a huge mess. So, if you decide to try this, just know that you will need some patience- and know that your first one might not look perfect, and that is ok. This is my very own method (the microwave method did NOT work for me) , and I admit I was not very organized. Hopefully my “after the mess” tutorial will help you make a crayon candle with ease. Just please be careful not to burn yourself.
(This craft is not appropriate for children.)
Obviously you will need some crayons . I used high quality Crayola crayons, and as you can see I had quite a few left over from my very artistic children (want some?). I have a drawer devoted to leftover crayons in our guest room and I am sure our guests wonder what the heck I’m saving them for. Well, now they know.
You will also need an old large leftover white candle. It’s totally up to you what type of candle you want to use (soy, etc.).
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Here’s the specific steps I took to make the DIY Crayon Rainbow Candle…
HOW TO MAKE DIY CRAYON RAINBOW CANDLE
BASIC SUPPLIES NEEDED (quantities listed below):
- CLEAR GLASS CANDLE CONTAINER
- CRAYONS
- WHITE WAX
- WICKS
- OLD SMALL NON-STICK POT YOU CAN TRASH AT END (GET ONE AT THRIFT STORE)
- PROTECTIVE HAND GEAR SUCH AS POT HOLDER GLOVES
- WOODEN CHOP STICKS
- X-ACTO KNIFE & SHARP PARING KNIFE
- NEWSPAPER AND/OR PROTECTIVE HARD SURFACE TO WORK ON
- OPTIONAL-FRAGRANCE OIL (I USED LEMON)
- Clean and dry the clear glass container to use for your candle(s). I used a 16 ounce Mason jar, but you can use anything you have-get creative. It also depends on the size candle you want. I wanted a big one, but now I know a votive size candle would have been so much easier.
- Place the wick in the container and secure by gluing to bottom of jar, or secure like I did using a chop stick shown in the photo way down below.
- Gather together your left over crayons. I used approximately 3 crayons of each color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) for this size candle (16 oz.).
- Remove all of the paper off the crayon. I used my favorite X-acto knife to slice the paper off, and it came off easily (not for kiddos).
4. Divide each color crayon(s) into 2 paper Dixie cups. If you are making smaller candles, you’ll only need 1 Dixie cup per color.
5. *Melt the white wax on medium heat in a old pot (don’t forget to use pot holders to protect your hands) stirring with the wooden chop sticks. The photo below shows it right before it was all melted. It will be very hot and clear in color. Add your fragrance oil here as well. I used a teaspoon for every color.
*Note: Don’t fill pot with white wax to the top. Do a little at a time so it’s easy to pour into cups and control.
6. While wearing pot holder gloves, carefully pour the hot wax into the Dixie cup(s). This can be tricky and can leak onto the surface you are working at (trust me I know 😯 ). Mix the clear hot white wax and crayons with a wooden chop stick until the crayons have melted completely.
7. Pour the mixed colored hot wax into the container and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. I speeded things up by putting it into the fridge for 10 minutes. Do the same process for each color allowing each color to cool inbetween. Be careful to keep the wick straight.
Remember I told you about the mess? I wasn’t kidding. Yes, that is my husband sleeping in the background 😆
Time to relax and enjoy the rainbows (more of my DIY rainbow ideas below).
THRIFT STORE RAINBOW OMBRE GLASS DISPLAY
THRIFT STORE RAINBOW OMBRE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SHELF

Wow Jules! This is cool but it does seem time consuming. Def a great way to use up those old crayons!
Took about 1.5 hours. I used the fridge to cool it faster. Also, small votives would go much faster.
This is the best idea, good work, love, Dad in N Y
Oh the memories!….I remember doing this with my mom!…Just love all of your rainbow/ombre displays!!!
And Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Shirley!
That is Super Cool. I like the idea of using the votives. What great gifts these would make and doing in different holiday colors. Was just thinking about doing a couple for the 4th of July.
By the way Julie; I do like them light bulb salt & Pepper shakers and your table setting is so pretty as well.
Have an enjoyable weekend
Great idea, Colleen!
The cat looks like he expects something to eat out of all that kitchen activity. So cute,
I couldn’t resist sharing that picture of Sylvia. She looks so tired of waiting.
Hi Julie:
What a lovely candle, I don’t have crayons, but have made something like it with other coloured candles. It turned out okay, but I guess the brilliant colour of the crayons would be nicer.
Was it your birthday on the 26th, mine was on the 27th.
Hope you had a good one.
Cheers, Bette
On the 26th! 🙂
Hi, Julie, long time no see! A really good idea for making this cute and vivid rainbow candle! I could see Sylvia was supervising (actually I wouldn’t noticed your husband there if you didn’t mention him LOL!). I hope MoMo and Orea (my new adopted cat)will be beside me when I am crafting.
Hi Sarah! Tell those kitties hello!!
[…] Candles can be made with so many crazy ideas using different materials and supplies. This candle is made with crayons and that too in rainbow colors. You need to obviously have crayons for this project along with an old large white candle, clear glass candle container, white wax, wicks, wooden chopsticks, and a few other supplies. here! […]