A Homemade Valentine's Day

Sure, the cartoon covered Valentine's Day cards beckon to my kids just like any other child. But, rather than buying a box of full of 2"x4" flimsy paper cards, that will get tossed in the trash by the parent of some unsuspecting child, this year we're spreading a little love homemade-style!

My sons love to color. Unfortunately, my 2 year old breaks crayons like nobody's business and I have a cup full of broken crayons to prove it; A cup that drives my hubby crazy. After all, they are [broken] crayons. So, why am I hanging on to crayon shrapnel? To make new crayons, obviously! :)

This Valentine's Day my little cuties will be passing out a homemade heart shaped crayon wrapped up in a page from their favorite coloring book! And your kiddo can too! Here's how.

Mess-Free Heart Shaped Crayons

• Heart shaped muffin pan
• Broken crayons
  

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

2. Break large crayon pieces into pea size.

3. Fill muffin cups 1/2 way for thin crayons or all the way for "chunky" crayons.

4. Bake for 15 minutes or until crayon pieces are melted.

5. Remove from oven, gently tap pan to remove air bubbles.

6. Allow crayons to cool completely before removing. Tip: If you have trouble removing them, place them in the freezer for 1 hour.

EASY! EASY! EASY! Make them multicolored for added fun by combining the crayon pieces before baking or place them in separate muffin cups for solid color crayons!

Happy Valentine's day & happy crayon recycling!

photo credit: Martha Stewart Kids