Pinterest Fails can be Teachable Moments

I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest. I am, admittedly, a perfectionist. And Pinterest sets me up for failure. Perhaps it’s because I am the least crafty person you will ever meet, but nothing ever turns out the way it looks in the photos. Yet, I keep searching and trying new things.

Today’s Pinterest find was a neat little project I found here. I was immediately drawn in by the cute little hearts and the idea that no sweets are involved! Upon exploring this project further, I came to believe this had success written all over it: find crayons, chop up crayons, melt. Easy peasy. Turns out, things were a little more complicated than that, but I would still suggest this as a doable project for 4-H’ers of any age (with proper adult supervision, of course).

Crayon Hearts

1. Collect used crayons. Ask members to bring them to your meeting. You want a good mixture or bright and dark colors.
2. Peel paper off crayons. This was by far the most tedious task. If you will be doing this activity with younger 4-H’ers, I would bring the crayons already peeled.
3. Cut crayons into small pieces. Upon completing this, I realized I should have cut mine a little smaller to help with their melting.

4. Put crayons in silicone baking tray. 230 degrees for 15-20 mins.

5. Let heart crayons cool and remove (more like peal) from tray.

Now what?
There is so much more to this activity than breaking crayons and melting them into hearts.

• Teamwork is required to prepare all the materials. Don’t forget, crayons won’t peal themselves!
• Planning and organizing are required if youth want to have hearts turn out a certain color. Check out these crayons.
• Decision making is necessary to figure out what will be done with the crayon hearts.
  • Should the hearts be donated to a local children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House?
• Older youth can figure out the per item cost of each heart and compare it to the cost of store-bought gifts.

Whether you need something related to your specific project area or you are seeking an idea for a fun, themed activity, Pinterest will certainly not disappoint. Don’t forget, even if your activity turns into a Pinterest fail, celebrate the teachable moments and successes along the way!

 

References:

Crayon hearts: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/115334440431430268/

Nifty crayon hearts: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/409898003556943584/