Every parent knows the "crayon graveyard"—that bin at the bottom of the toy box filled with broken halves, paperless stubs, and tiny wax crumbs. Usually, these bits are seen as clutter, but when craft supplies are running low or you’re looking for a budget-friendly afternoon activity, those "stray" crayons are actually a goldmine of creative potential. Instead of tossing them out, it’s time to upcycle! Repurposing crayon bits encourages kids to think about sustainability and resourcefulness while experimenting with physics (melting points) and color theory. From stunning wall decor to handmade gifts, here are 15 incredible crayon arts and crafts that prove no crayon is too small to make something beautiful. Why Crafting with Old Crayons is a Must-Do Before we dive into the projects, let’s look at why this is such a rewarding activity for children: Eco-Friendly: It teaches kids that "broken" doesn't mean "garbage." Fine Motor Skills: Peeling the paper off tiny crayon bits is an excellent way for toddlers to practice pincer grasp and hand strength. Scientific Discovery: Watching wax change from a solid to a liquid and back to a solid is a fascinating, hands-on science lesson. Unique Textures: Crayon art offers a tactile, glossy finish that you just can't get with markers or watercolors. 15 Awesome Crayon Projects for Kids 1. Melted Crayon Butterfly Wall Art These butterflies look like high-end watercolor paintings, but they are surprisingly simple to make. Shave small bits of different colored crayons onto a piece of wax paper. Place another sheet of wax paper on top and have an adult briefly run an iron over it (on low heat). Once the wax is melted and blended, let it cool, then cut out butterfly shapes. These look stunning when mounted on a canvas or foam board. 2. Upcycled Christmas Ornaments It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays! Take clear glass or plastic ornaments and drop a few small crayon bits inside. Use a hair dryer to heat the outside of the ornament while rotating it. The wax will melt and swirl around the interior, creating a beautiful "marble" effect. These make personalized, heartfelt gifts for family members. 3. Rainbow Crayon Window Suncatchers Similar to the butterfly project, use crayon shavings between wax paper to create a large sheet of blended colors. Cut out shapes like hearts, stars, or even simple circles. Tape them to a sunny window, and watch as the light pours through the vibrant, translucent wax. 4. Homemade "Giant" Multi-Color Crayons Sort your broken bits by color (cool tones, warm tones, or a "rainbow" mix). Fill silicone baking molds—stars, LEGO bricks, or hearts work great—and bake them in the oven at a low temperature (around 100°C) until melted. Once they cool and harden, pop them out to reveal brand-new, chunky, multi-colored crayons that are easy for small hands to hold. 5. Crayon Pointillism Art Instead of melting the whole crayon, use a candle or a hair dryer to slightly soften the tip of a crayon. Have the kids "dot" the paper to create a textured, 3D painting. This is a wonderful way to recreate famous artworks like those of Georges Seurat! 6. Melted Crayon Rocks Find some smooth, flat stones in the garden. Clean them and warm them in the oven (low heat). Carefully take them out (adults only!) and let the kids press crayons onto the hot surface. The wax will melt instantly upon contact, coating the rock in a thick, glossy, jewel-like finish. These make perfect paperweights or garden decorations. 7. Wax-Resist Secret Messages Have kids draw a "secret" message or a design on white cardstock using a white or light-colored crayon. Then, have them paint over the entire page with watercolors. The wax will "resist" the paint, and the hidden image will magically appear! 8. Crayon Texture Rubbings A classic that never gets old. Take the paper off some broken crayon stubs and use the long side of the crayon to rub over leaves, coins, or textured walls. It’s a great way to explore patterns found in nature. 9. "Stained Glass" Lanterns Use melted crayon wax paper (from Project #1) to wrap around an empty glass jar. Place a battery-operated tealight inside. The soft glow will highlight the swirls of color, creating a cozy atmosphere in any bedroom. 10. Crayon Drip Canvas Art Glue a row of crayons (points down) to the top of a canvas. Use a hair dryer to blast the crayons with heat until they start to run. The wax will drip down the canvas, creating long, vertical "rain" lines in every color of the rainbow. 11. Scratch-Art Boards Have kids color a whole sheet of paper with bright, thick patches of crayon. Then, paint over the entire sheet with a layer of black acrylic paint mixed with a drop of dish soap. Once dry, use a wooden skewer to "scratch" away the black paint and reveal the vibrant colors underneath. 12. Personalized Crayon Letters Using silicone letter molds, melt down old crayons to create the letters of your child's name. These are great for learning spelling and double as a fun coloring tool once they are finished. 13. Crayon Shaving "Glitter" Cards When sharpening crayons, save the shavings! Glue them onto cardstock in specific patterns to create a textured, "shimmer" effect on birthday or greeting cards. It’s a mess-free alternative to traditional plastic glitter. 14. Abstract Crayon Canvas Instead of organized drips, let the kids place small bits of crayon randomly on a canvas and use a heat gun to blow them around in different directions. This creates a high-energy, abstract piece of art that looks like a professional "splatter" painting. 15. Fabric Crayon Transfers Did you know you can transfer crayon art onto fabric? Have kids draw a thick design on a piece of sandpaper. Place the sandpaper face down on a plain white T-shirt or tote bag and iron over the back. The heat transfers the wax into the fabric fibers for a permanent (and washable!) design. The "Crayon Station" Checklist To make these projects successful, you’ll need a few basics beyond just the crayons: Heat Sources: A hair dryer, an iron (for parents), or a low-heat oven. Surfaces: Wax paper, cardstock, old canvases, or smooth rocks. Cleaning Supplies: Newspaper or an old tablecloth to protect your surfaces—wax can be tricky to clean once it hardens! Molds: Silicone baking molds are the best for creating new shapes because they are heat-resistant and flexible. Conclusion: No Bit Left Behind The next time you look at a pile of broken crayons, don't see it as a mess—see it as an opportunity. These 15 projects not only keep kids busy during rainy days or lockdowns but also inspire a sense of artistic accomplishment. There is something truly magical about taking "trash" and turning it into a butterfly, a suncatcher, or a gift for a friend. So, gather up those stubs, peel off the paper, and let your imagination run wild. The world is a lot more colorful when you’re crafting with crayons!
education

20 DIY Pencil Toppers for Kids: Creative Ways to Brighten Up Schoolwork

by SHAHII

Let’s face it: whether it’s homework, homeschooling, or a long day in the classroom, writing can sometimes feel like a chore for kids. But what if every time they looked down at their page, a tiny, colorful friend was smiling back at them?

DIY pencil toppers are the ultimate stationery hack. They are fun, quirky, and an easy way to personalize a boring pencil case. Beyond just looking cute, crafting these toppers is a fantastic way for children to develop fine motor skills and express their unique personalities. They also make incredible handmade gifts for friends, festive party favors, or even a small “thank you” token for a favorite teacher.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 20 of the most creative and easy-to-make pencil toppers that will turn any writing task into a creative adventure!

Why Make Your Own Pencil Toppers?

In a world of mass-produced school supplies, there is something special about “made by me.”

  • Personalization: Kids can match their toppers to their favorite movie characters, animals, or hobbies.
  • Affordability: Most of these projects use scrap materials like felt, pipe cleaners, and leftover clay.
  • Focus & Motivation: A “special” pencil can actually motivate a child to sit down and finish those math problems!
  • Gift-Giving: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, end-of-term treats, or birthday party goody bags.

Top 20 DIY Pencil Topper Ideas for Kids

1. Felt Monster Toppers

Get ready for some spooky fun! Using small scraps of felt and a handful of googly eyes, kids can create “monster” toppers. Simply cut two layers of felt into a square or blob shape, glue the sides (leaving the bottom open for the pencil), and add as many eyes as possible. The crazier, the better!

2. Minion Paper Toppers

Who doesn’t love those yellow, gibberish-speaking henchmen? Using yellow cardstock or foam, create a cylinder. Add a blue “overalls” strip at the bottom and a silver-painted washer or paper circle for the goggles. They are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

3. Chic Pastel Sloths

For a touch of elegance and “slow-living” vibes, try making sloth toppers. Using soft felt in pastel pinks, greys, and mint greens, cut out a sleepy sloth face. These look beautiful on wooden pencils and add a bit of “chic” to a student’s desk.

4. Air-Dry Clay Pikachu

If you have a Pokémon fan at home, this is a must-try. Air-dry clay is perfect for molding a tiny Pikachu head. Once it dries, use permanent markers to add the iconic red cheeks and black-tipped ears. It’s like having a pocket monster right on your desk!

5. Customizable Canvas Flags

Looking for something more sophisticated? Use small scraps of canvas or stiff fabric to create “flag” toppers. Kids can paint their own logos, pirate symbols, or even their initials. These are great for older kids who want a “cool” rather than “cute” aesthetic.

6. Fluffy Pom-Pom Animals

Take a large craft pom-pom and glue it to the top of a pencil. Add tiny felt ears and a bead nose to create bears, bunnies, or cats. These are incredibly tactile and serve as a great “fidget” tool for kids who like soft textures.

7. Pipe Cleaner Flowers

This is a mess-free craft! Twist colorful pipe cleaners into petal shapes and wrap the “stem” tightly around the top of the pencil. You can create a whole bouquet in minutes.

8. Foam Heart Toppers (Valentine’s Special)

Cut two identical hearts out of craft foam. Glue the edges together, leaving a gap for the pencil. These are perfect for handing out to classmates on Valentine’s Day with a little note that says, “You’re just write!”

9. Tulle Tutu Toppers

For the aspiring ballerina, wrap small strips of tulle around an elastic band or the pencil eraser. It creates a puffy “tutu” effect that looks like a little cloud of color.

10. Perler Bead Shapes

If your kids love fuse beads, they can create flat designs like stars, lightning bolts, or donuts. Leave one bead out of the center design to slide the pencil through, or glue the finished design to a small plastic ring.

11. Outer Space Alien Toppers

Use green foam and silver pipe cleaners for “antennae.” Add three or four eyes to give it a truly extraterrestrial look.

12. Ribbon Tassel Toppers

Tie several lengths of colorful ribbon or ric-rac around the top of the pencil. As the child writes, the ribbons dance around, making the process much more dynamic.

13. Duct Tape Roses

Duct tape comes in amazing patterns now! Fold strips of tape into “petals” and layer them around the pencil top to create a durable, waterproof rose.

14. Origami Butterfly Toppers

Fold a small piece of square origami paper into a butterfly. Use a tiny bit of blue-tack or double-sided tape to perch it on top of the pencil. It looks like a butterfly has just landed to help with homework.

15. Eraser Clay Creations

Did you know you can buy clay that turns into an actual eraser when baked? Kids can sculpt their own shapes—like a slice of pizza or a watermelon—and then use their “topper” to fix mistakes!

16. Feathered Owl Toppers

Use a cork or a small foam ball as the base. Glue on some feathers and large paper eyes. This “wise” owl is the perfect study buddy.

17. Button Stack Toppers

Thread a few colorful buttons onto a piece of wire or a pipe cleaner, then wrap the end around the pencil. It’s a great way to use up that miscellaneous button jar.

18. Beaded Dragonfly

Slide colorful beads onto two pipe cleaners. Twist them together to form wings and a body. It’s a great project for practicing pattern-making.

19. Superhero Cape Toppers

Cut a small rectangle of fabric and “neck” holes. Slide the pencil through so it looks like it’s wearing a cape. Perfect for “super” students!

20. Seasonal Christmas Trees

In December, use green felt triangles and tiny “bauble” sequins to make festive tree toppers. It’s a great way to countdown to the holidays.

Materials Checklist for Your DIY Station

To get started with most of these projects, you’ll want to have these basics on hand:

  • Adhesives: White glue, glue dots, or a low-temp glue gun (with adult supervision).
  • Materials: Felt scraps, craft foam, pipe cleaners, and air-dry clay.
  • Decor: Googly eyes, sequins, ribbons, and permanent markers.
  • Tools: Safety scissors and, of course, a fresh pack of pencils!

Summary Table: DIY Pencil Toppers at a Glance

Topper TypePrimary MaterialDifficultyBest For…
MonsterFeltEasyBeginners
PikachuAir-dry clayModeratePokémon Fans
FlagCanvas/FabricEasyOlder Kids
FlowerPipe CleanersVery EasyLast-minute gifts
EraserSpecial ClayModeratePractical use

Conclusion: Writing Has Never Been This Fun!

DIY pencil toppers are more than just a craft; they are a way to bring a little bit of magic into the daily routine of learning. Whether your child wants a “brave” superhero pencil to tackle a big test or a “soft” pom-pom friend to keep them calm during writing, these 20 ideas offer something for everyone.

The best part? These crafts encourage kids to think outside the box and realize that they can create their own joy with just a few simple materials. So, clear off the table, grab those pencils, and let the “topping” begin!

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