Hello lovely friends! We’re back today with round two of Rockin’ the Holidays with some of our fave people, and today’s idea? Handmade gifts.
Today is the simple gift of handmade crayons from tree branches. I’m sure you can scoop some up at your nearest store, but we thought it would be fun to try and make some of our own. It was more about the process itself, and our kiddos (particularly our oldest) loved making these.
Here’s what you’ll need: a few small branches, with enough crayons to fill them up (length-wise). We made two separate kinds : A jumbo branch, and a smaller branch to work with. The wood we liked best were dogwoods (for easier whittling and a smoother outside) but we’re sure just about any old branch would work. Just make sure they’re pretty straight.
We used a drill for this: deciding on a width that would fit the crayons nicely, and drilled into one side of the branch.
Clamps on a table would be ideal for this, although we didn’t used them since Jamin has super man hands, (read he was too lazy to get them out) we definitely recommend wearing gloves when you’re doing this. We figured this out when the wood started to turn in Jamin’s hand… so do the gloves, you’ll be glad you did.
But you basically hollow out the branch, and then fill it in with crayons. This was fun for the kids.
After the second one, we realized that it was a more snug fit if we left the paper on the crayon. Simply break off what is left beyond the branch for an even starting point…
And taking a knife, whittle the end away. These jumbo pencils would make super fun stocking stuffers,
And the smaller ones make adorable little bundles.
Paired with a sketchbook, they make the cutest gift for your little artists. Or yourselves. I kind of wanted to keep these for myself. No judging.
It’s a fun, colorful little handmade gift!
Be sure to check out the rest of these fab creations in our Rockin the Holidays series! They’re some seriously easy peasy handmade gifts.
andrea cammarata says
I don’t know what to say…I am totally blown away…I adore these and what fun loving child wouldn’t want a bundle of these…I know I sure would! : ) To be honest with you…I would love a bundle for myself on my desk…just to LOOK AT!!!! not kidding…I just think this bundle is flipping fabulous!!!! : ) you rock! Children of ALL ages should have these in their stocking this year!!! Talk about Rockin’ the Holidays!!!! hugs…
lesli says
Love these! However, I wouldn’t necessarily consider this an easy or simple project if it involves gathering wood (the right kind and shapes), drilling holes, clamping, and whittling wood, it seems pretty intimidating even for a crafter like myself. If I truly want to simplify my holidays I would buy Crayolas! That being said I always see these in Anthropologie and think they are super cute. Cool to know how to make.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Lesli! Yes, as I said in the beginning, you could totally buy these. The emphasis was really more on something fun to do with the kids, that they could participate in, and in turn, give. They had a lot of fun making them.
Alexis says
I LOVE this idea! What a great stocking stuffer. And they always always ALWAYS over charge for these in the stores. It’s kind of ridiculous. Like you said, I’m sure you could buy them, but this is a fairly simple gift that makes for a lot of fun in actually telling people you (and your kids) made them. I bet your oldest loved this.
Jenna says
What FUN you guys always have. I LOVE this idea! A perfect idea for little artists.
Caprice says
I want to try these, I think my boys would love this!! I’m thinking maybe not drilling all the way through the branch to the end. Melt the crayons and poor them in…we have a ton of busted up crayons, good way to use them up and they wont be all over the place..lol…great idea!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes! We totally considered that avenue, too. Let me know how that goes-they will probably whittle down smoother – especially the jumbo one… If you try it let me know! đ
Thistle says
What an awesome idea! Totally making these for Christmas presents for the nieces and nephews (and maybe me)1
You are such a rock star!
karianne
Kelly says
Did you use regular sized crayons for both the jumbo stick and the smaller twigs? Have bought these before… and my son thought i made them:) Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Kelly! We used regular sized crayons for both, but you could use jumbo as well. I hope that helps! ;}
Robin says
These are great. I would like to make some.Can you tell me what size drill bit you used for the small ones, well and I guess the big ones for that matter.
Thanks Robin
jamin says
Robin, We used a 5/8 drill bit, but the easiest thing is to pick out your crayon, take it to the hardware store and match it to the drill bit. Hope that helps.
Tania says
So cute! Very chic coloring shall ensue! đ
Laura @ Finding Home says
It is official – you are the coolest parents ever. Just showed my daughter and she loved it! You guys rock!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Bwah! You are so funny. Thanks sweet friend! ;}
Libby says
I LOVE this idea. Fabulous. I wonder how well it would work if you took the paper off the crayons then once it was packed set the stick on it’s back end (obviously you would have to have something to hold it up, like clay) then put it in the oven long enough for the crayons to melt together some? I think I am going to try it. Out of all of the DIY gifts for children I have seen this one is one of the best, by far.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Well, that’s just brilliant! Let us know if it works – just be careful! ;}
Bricolente says
I love this idea !! Want to try for my little girl (and one for me). Thank you for the tutorial.
Brooke (siayla) says
These are amazing!!! Shared here http://siayla.blogspot.ca/2014/01/got-wood-try-these-wood-crafts.html
Magic and Mayhem says
Oh, this is the sweetest idea ever! Love these! đ
Susannah says
This is truly useful, thanks.