Do you have warm rays of sunlight coming through windows that you could use to add artistic flare to a room? All you need is some wax paper, some old crayons (of various colors), a hand-held iron, some kraft paper, and a little imagination to brighten up the room with color and creativity! By following a few simple instructions, you will be able to create decals to accentuate natural sunlight by allowing it to shine through them, or unique art for any wall that needs a bit of personality. These decorations are a really fun and easy project to do alone, or even with children, that you are sure to enjoy.
First, make sure you have a clean clear table space to organize your items. Fold a 12x18 inch piece of waxed paper in half along its length and then unfold. The center crease will serve as a guide to keep the shavings on one side of the paper. Using a small, manual, pencil sharpener, shave small pieces of the crayons onto one side of the wax paper. Make sure you have a thin, uniform layer of crayon shavings to ensure even melting. Experiment with different colors and mixtures of greens, browns, reds, yellows, and oranges to make lovely leaves for fall. Try pinks, reds, purples, and whites for Valentine's Day hearts.
Once you have a nice layer of crayon shavings on one side of the waxed paper, fold the other half back onto itself along the original crease. To ensure that the crayons don't drip out while melting, make 1/2 inch folds on the three open sides of the waxed paper, creating a sort of envelope.
Next, be sure to protect your ironing surface with the kraft paper, placing it underneath and on top of the waxed paper. Using an iron on medium heat, carefully press the waxed paper, melting the crayons. It's important to check on the crayon wax every few strokes, to make certain it doesn't burn, and also that it is melting evenly.
When the crayon wax has melted, allow the project to cool completely before attempting to cut out any pieces. This may take about 15-20 minutes. Remove the kraft paper and use a pencil to draw outlines of your desired shapes in the waxed paper. You could also use a set of cookie cutters to make holiday themed cut-outs.
There are a few options on how to use your new decorations. By using a hole-punch, you can tie string or yarn through the top of them and hang them like a mobile in front of a well-lit window. The light from the sun will provide an array of colors to project on your walls.
Another fun way to utilize your new wax designs is by making a wreath. This is a great option if you've created leaves or flowers. By using thin floral wire, and a bare wreath bought from a craft store, you can arrange the pieces to make a beautiful indouse other means to secure them directly to a plain wall to add a focal point to any room! They would also work great in a child’s room as a border.
Keep in mind, however, that the wax inside the pieces will melt if they are allowed to get too hot. They would probably not do well exposed to the elements, so hanging outside in the wind and rain is also not recommended.
By abiding by these few simple suggestions, your will find yourself enjoying many varieties of your new project. Be creative, and explore new ways to use the translucent decorations in your own way.
by Mandi June Henderson your new project. Be creative, and explore new ways to use the translucent decorations in your own way.