Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Crayons
We know crayons say “nontoxic,” but what is really in those dyes, and where did the wax come
from? These are the same crayons your toddler munches on and your preschooler obsessively picks
the paper off of. For that matter, what is the point of all that paper if it's just getting peeled away?
If you are harvesting beeswax, you might not be able to answer these questions, but you can ignore
them. Beeswax melted with (your homemade) goat's milk soap or glycerin soap makes a perfect
crayon. No need to pay for a few rounded, toddler-friendly crayons when you can just make some.
Or you can roll them up to familiar shapes and sizes for the big kids.
Grate the soap and melt it while separately melting the beeswax. Carefully mix them together in a
1:1 ratio. Less soap makes a softer crayon; more soap makes a sticky one.
Over the Garden Fence
Don't like the color? Melt it down and redye! Miniature slow cookers, as used for fondue, are good for
small-scale projects like this. Check your local resale shop for a fondue pot or mini slow cooker on the
cheap that you can dedicate to crafting.
When combined, stir in some dye (see “Plant-Based Dyes” later in this chapter if you'd like to try
making your own), then pour into tins to set, or let cool and harden a bit so you can roll it into
shapes to set. Don't forget to grease anything you pour the crayon mixture into, or pour it onto
wax paper.
Homemade crayons are not only safer for your children, but can be made into shapes that fit their age and
coordination level.
(Photo courtesy of Steven Depolo)
 
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