As the holiday season approaches, crafting personalized decorations and gifts can add a unique touch to your celebrations. One creative and festive idea is to transform old red crayons into charming peppermint swirl coasters. Not only does this DIY project upcycle materials you already have on hand, but it also brings a whimsical and cozy feel to your holiday decor. These coasters offer a fun way to get into the holiday spirit while being practical and eco-friendly.
These delightful peppermint swirl coasters can be styled alongside your holiday table settings or placed under mugs and glasses throughout your living space. Their vibrant red and white pattern complements traditional Christmas decor, making them perfect for both modern and rustic interiors. Consider arranging them on a wooden coffee table or a white tablecloth to enhance their striking appearance. Pair them with red or white candles, pinecones, or holly sprigs for a cohesive holiday look.
Peppermint Swirl Coasters
Materials
Old red crayons (at least 10)
White crayons (optional, for a more distinct swirl)
Jar lids (4-6, depending on the number of coasters you want)
Baking sheet
Oven mitts
Wooden stir stick or toothpick
Parchment paper
Craft glue (optional, for adding felt backing)
Felt sheets (optional, for backing)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Peel the paper wrappers off the crayons and break them into small pieces.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the jar lids upside down on the sheet.
Evenly distribute the crayon pieces inside each jar lid, mixing red and, if desired, white crayons for a peppermint swirl effect.
Place the baking sheet with jar lids in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the crayons are completely melted.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts.
While the wax is still molten, use a wooden stir stick or toothpick to gently swirl the colors to achieve a peppermint pattern.
Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before handling.
Once cooled, gently pop the wax coasters out of the jar lids.
Optionally, cut felt sheets to the size of the coasters and glue them to the bottom to prevent slipping.
Variations & Tips
For a more customized look, experiment with different color combinations using other old crayon colors you may have, such as green and white for a minty swirl. You can also add glitter to the melted wax for a sparkly effect. If you prefer a more rustic or vintage charm, try using jar lids of varying sizes to create a set of coasters with different diameters. For added durability and a non-slip finish, consider sealing the top of the coasters with a clear acrylic spray or adding a clear epoxy resin coating.
