I love a good DIY project—especially one that’s equal parts adorable, practical, and fun for the whole family. These Valentine’s Day Heart Crayons check every single box. Made from old, broken crayons (or new ones if you’re in a pinch), they melt down into colorful heart-shaped gifts that are perfect for school valentines, classroom parties, or just adding a homemade touch to your holiday.
The first time I made them was with a bag of crayon stubs I couldn’t bring myself to toss. I figured we’d try melting them into something cute and useful. What we ended up with were these vibrant, swirly heart crayons that kids went wild for. They’re easy to hold, fun to color with, and way more exciting than another candy bar.
Let me show you how I make them, how I like to gift them, and why they’ve become a Valentine tradition in our house.
Why These Heart Crayons Work
Besides being just plain cute, these DIY crayons are a total win for a few key reasons:
- Budget-friendly: Made from broken or dollar-store crayons
- Easy and fun for kids to help make
- Non-candy Valentine idea: Great for schools with treat-free policies
- Customizable: Match them to any holiday, theme, or color combo
- Zero waste: Finally a reason to keep those crayon nubs!
Supplies You’ll Need
(Makes 12–24 hearts, depending on mold size | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 15–20 minutes)
- Crayons (broken, unwrapped)
- Silicone heart-shaped mold (mini muffin tin size works best)
- Baking sheet (to stabilize the mold)
- Knife (for cutting crayons, optional)
- Paper towels or cloth for cleanup
Optional for gifting:
- Clear treat bags
- Printable “You color my world” tags
- Ribbon or twine
How I Make Valentine Heart Crayons
1. Peel and Prep
First, I gather all the broken crayons and peel off any remaining wrappers. This is the most time-consuming part, but soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes helps loosen the paper. I dry them off and then chop any large pieces into smaller chunks so they melt evenly.
If I want certain color combos—like red and pink, or rainbow swirls—I separate the crayons into groups.
2. Fill the Molds
I place my silicone heart mold on a baking sheet for stability, then fill each cavity with a mix of crayon chunks. I like to fill them all the way up—crayons shrink as they melt. Don’t worry too much about being neat—swirly, messy combos end up looking the coolest.
3. Melt in the Oven
I bake the crayons at 250°F (120°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until fully melted. Keep an eye on them—once they’re liquid all the way through, I carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely (about an hour on the counter or 15 minutes in the fridge).
4. Pop Out and Admire
Once they’re firm and cool, I gently pop the crayons out of the mold. They should come out easily and look smooth and shiny. Each one is a little different and totally unique—that’s part of the fun.
My Tips for the Best Heart Crayons
- Use a silicone mold: Makes removal super easy and creates a nice finish.
- Keep colors in mind: Too many dark colors can muddy the result—aim for bright combos.
- Test with a few first: Different crayon brands melt slightly differently, so do a test run.
- Watch for wax spills: Use a baking sheet under the mold to catch any drips.
- Don’t overbake: Just melt them until they’re liquid—overheating can cause wax separation.
How I Gift and Store Them
Once the heart crayons are done, I place a few in small clear bags and tie them off with ribbon or twine. Add a cute printable tag that says “You color my world” or “Have a colorful Valentine’s Day” and you’ve got the sweetest little gift that’s totally school-friendly.
They store well at room temperature, and the colors last just like regular crayons. Kids love using them at art stations or tossing them into their backpack pencil pouch.
FAQs From My Craft Table
Q: Can I use new crayons instead of broken ones?
A: Absolutely! Buy a cheap box or grab a pack of Valentine-themed colors. It’s a fun way to get consistent results.
Q: Are these safe for toddlers?
A: Yes, but make sure your mold is large enough so the final crayons aren’t a choking hazard. Always supervise little ones while coloring.
Q: Do all crayon brands melt the same?
A: Not exactly—some melt smoother than others. I’ve had the best results with Crayola and Rose Art, though the differences are minor for a fun craft like this.
Q: Can I make these in other shapes?
A: Definitely! Stars, dinosaurs, flowers—you name it. Just use a silicone mold that can withstand the oven.
Why These Crayons Are My Favorite Valentine DIY
These Valentine’s Day Heart Crayons are the perfect mix of thoughtful, fun, and practical. They’re colorful, creative, and make kids light up when they get them. Plus, they let you reuse something you might otherwise throw away—and that feels like a win in every way.
Whether you’re prepping classroom valentines, looking for a rainy day craft, or just want something cute to hand out to friends, these DIY crayons are a simple project with a big payoff.
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