Make your own crayons!

This is an old post, but I'm reposting because I'll be making these for the kids' Valentine treat bags this year.

This is super easy and gives new life to crayon bits! Just take all your crayon bits, remove the paper, and arrange in your tins. You could get really creative with your color mixtures, but I made it pretty simple considering it was the first try.

Pop in the oven at about 200 degrees.. just keep an eye on them! Once melted, set out until dried and molded. Mine popped out easily once cooled, so you shouldn't have any problems.

These are perfect for little one's hands. I sprang for the Tadoodles a while back and trust me, they were not worth the money!

I've made these a few times, and I really recommend not using "cheap-o" crayons. They bubble and don't really color once molded.

I found the heart muffin tins at the dollar store, but your possibilities endless!

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

I have been making this for so long, I just can't see buying an all purpose cleaner again. Maybe because I am in control of the scent...it's like a signature and I feel so proud whenever I use it because I "made" it. Also, it's cheaper, and I feel better knowing what's in it!

You'll Need:

2 Tablespoons Vinegar

1 teaspoon Borax

Hot Water

a few drops of dish soap

10 drops of essential oil

In a spray bottle, put vinegar, borax and hot water and swish around until borax is dissolved. Add drops of soap and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add drops of oil.

These are the essential oils I use. I mainly stick with Cassia Bark. It's a cinnamon-y scent that smells clean and sort of spicy.

I found mine at our country health food store. I live in a SMALL town and managed to find them so you should have no problem ;)

Oh, and I just keep a printed copy of the instructions taped on the inside of my cabinet under the kitchen sink so I never have to go looking for it when I'm running low.