If you want to create a safer and more natural option for coloring and creativity, We’re happy to help! Here are some of our favorite non-toxic crayon recipes that you can use and start making your own crayons using plant-based dyes. These are just some of the safer alternatives to store-bought crayons, and recipes we found that we love. These Non-toxic crayons are sure to be a fun learning experience too!

What are Plant Based Dyes?

Plant-based dyes are pigments that are extracted from plants and used to color a variety of products, including textiles, cosmetics, and crayons. Plant-based dyes are a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and can have negative impacts on the environment.

There are many different plants that can be used to make plant-based dyes, and each plant has its own unique set of pigments that can be extracted. Some common plants used for plant-based dyes include:

• Turmeric: This spice is commonly used to give a yellow or orange hue to dyes.
• Beetroot: The roots of this plant can be used to create a deep pink or red dye.
• Spinach: This leafy green can be used to create a pale green dye.
• Blueberries: These berries can be used to create a blue or purple dye.
• Onion skins: The skins of onions can be used to create a yellow or gold dye.
• Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds can be used to create a range of colors, including brown, black, and grey.

Are crayons toxic?

Crayons are a popular tool for coloring and creativity, but are they toxic? The short answer is that most crayons are not toxic when used as intended, but there are some concerns to be aware of.

First, it’s important to understand that crayons are made of wax and pigment. The wax is usually made from a mixture of natural and synthetic materials, and the pigment is typically a blend of dyes and pigments. While the ingredients in crayons are generally considered safe, there have been some concerns raised about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in some crayons.

One such chemical is phthalate, which is used to soften plastic and can be found in some crayons. Phthalates have been linked to a range of health issues, including reproductive problems and cancer, and there is an ongoing debate about their safety. While the levels of phthalates in crayons are generally low, some experts have raised concerns about the potential for children to be exposed to these chemicals through crayons, especially if the crayons are ingested or if the particles are inhaled.

Another concern is the presence of heavy metals in some crayons. A study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that some crayons contained trace amounts of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium. While the levels of these metals were generally low and not considered a significant health risk, the researchers recommended that manufacturers consider using alternative pigments to reduce the potential for exposure.

How to make plant-based dyes

Making your own plant-based dyes for crayons is a simple and eco-friendly way to add a natural touch to your coloring projects. Here’s a basic process for making your own plant-based dyes at home:

1. Choose your plants
2. Depending on the type of plant you are using, you may need to chop or blend the materials to extract the pigment. For example, you can blend fresh berries or pulverize dried spices to release the color.
3. Once you have your plants prepared, you can extract the pigment by boiling them in water. Place the chopped or ground plants in a pot with enough water to cover them and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the strength of color you want.
4. Once the dye has reached your desired color, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid pieces. You can also use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture and make the straining process easier.
5. The dye you have extracted will likely be quite concentrated, so you will need to dilute it before using it to color your crayons. Add water to the dye in small increments until you have reached your desired shade.
6. Once your dye is ready, you can use it to color your crayons by following one of the crayon-making recipes below.

Non-toxic Crayon Recipes

Beeswax crayon recipe

Ingredients

• Silicone mold
• 2/4 cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 6 tablespoons carnauba wax
• 1 teaspoon each of 5 different natural pigments

Directions

1. Fill a medium-sized pot with about 2 cups of water and place a heat-safe bowl on top, creating a double boiler. Place the wax in the bowl and heat over medium heat until it is melted. Using a double boiler is a great way to melt wax but it’s not the only method. Check out our other blog for the various methods to melt your waxes
2. Once the wax is melted, stir in your desired natural pigments or dyes to achieve the desired color. Start with a small amount around 1/4 tsp and add more as needed. You can also mix and match different dyes to create new shades.
3. Once you have your desired color and scent, pour the wax mixture into your molds or containers. Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles and smooth the tops.
4. Let the crayons cool and harden: Allow the crayons to cool and harden completely before removing them from the molds. This can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the size and shape of your crayons.
5. Remove the crayons from the molds: Once the crayons are fully hardened, gently twist or flex the molds to release them. If you are using cardboard tubes or other containers, you may need to carefully cut or peel away the outer layers to reveal the crayons.
6. Optional: Decorate and customize your crayons: You can add your own personal touches to your crayons by using stickers, markers, or other decorative elements to customize them with names or messages.

Soy wax crayons recipe

If you’re looking for a natural and non-toxic option for making crayons at home, soy wax is a great choice. Not only is it a sustainable and environmentally friendly material, but it also has a low melting point and good moldability, making it easy to work with for crayon making. Here’s a simple recipe for making soy wax crayons at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy wax flakes
• Natural pigments or dyes (such as turmeric, beetroot, spinach, or blueberries)
• Essential oils or other natural fragrances (optional)
• Silicone mold or other containers for casting

Directions

1. Fill a medium-sized pot with about 2 cups of water and place a heat-safe bowl on top, creating a double boiler. Place the wax in the bowl and heat over medium heat until it is melted. Using a double boiler is a great way to melt wax but it’s not the only method. Check out our other blog for the various methods to melt your waxes
2. Once the wax is melted, stir in your desired natural pigments or dyes to achieve the desired color. Start with a small amount around 1/4 tsp and add more as needed. You can also mix and match different dyes to create new shades.
3. Once you have your desired color and scent, pour the wax mixture into your molds or containers. Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles and smooth the tops.
4. Let the crayons cool and harden: Allow the crayons to cool and harden completely before removing them from the molds. This can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the size and shape of your crayons.
5. Remove the crayons from the molds: Once the crayons are fully hardened, gently twist or flex the molds to release them. If you are using cardboard tubes or other containers, you may need to carefully cut or peel away the outer layers to reveal the crayons.
6. Optional: Decorate and customize your crayons: You can add your own personal touches to your crayons by using stickers, markers, or other decorative elements to customize them with names or messages.

With this recipe, you can make your own non-toxic and environmentally friendly crayons using soy wax and natural pigments. These crayons are fun and safe

Using plant-based dyes to color your crayons is a simple and eco-friendly way to add a natural touch to your coloring projects. Not only are these crayons safer and more natural than many store-bought options, but they also offer a unique and customizable coloring experience. So gather your supplies and get creative with your very own DIY crayons!

What are your favorite plants to make dyes from?