Crayon Shavings Sun-Catcher
[25 Minutes]
The use of crayons dates as far back as the cave drawings of the Stone Age. Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first famous artists to use black and red crayon together. Modern day crayons were produced in Europe. They were made of charcoal and oil. It wasn't until 1903, when Edwin Smith and Joseph Binney created a non-toxic crayon that was safe for children to use. The first box of crayons consisted of eight colors and cost 5 cents. Today there are over 120 colors to choose from. Choose favorite crayon colors and create this unusual sun-catcher.
You'll need:
• grater • iron (ADULT ONLY) • waxed paper • broken crayons • hole punch • yarn • newspaper
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child, gather everything you'll need.
- Help your child peel paper from broken crayons and shave them on a grater, keeping the colors separate.
- Let her cut 2 sheets of waxed paper, 6 inches to 8 inches long.
- Encourage her to sprinkle the crayon shavings into a rainbow shape on the waxed paper and cover with another piece of waxed paper.
- Help her carefully place the project on folded newspapers. Cover with another sheet of newspaper.
- Press the pile of papers with a warm iron.
- When cool, trim the edges evenly.
- Let her use a hole punch to make a hole in the sun-catcher.
- Invite her to thread a piece of yarn through the hole to use as a hanger. Make a loop and knot it.
- Hang in a sunny window.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- What do you think the crayons will look like when we shave them?
- Why do you think we iron the crayons?
- Where should we hang the sun catcher to catch the rays of the sun?
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