If you’re looking for an easy and fun way to add some extra light to your next party, you’re going to love these paper bag luminaries with crayons! Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also incredibly cheap.
We made ours for a July 4th party, but you can use whatever colors you like to suit your occasion. So grab those extra crayons lying around, and get ready to have some fun!
When my kids were little, they desperately wanted to help out with decorating for our parties. But, of course, they weren’t able to do all that much.
This is the perfect way to have a little fun art session with your kids, while making some personalized decorations for your home.
What You’ll Need:
- White paper bags
- Crayons in your desired colors
- Disposable knife or pencil sharpener
- Wax paper or Parchment Paper
- Iron
- Flameless Tea Lights or votive candles
How to Make Paper Bag Luminaries with Crayons
The gist of this craft is that you (or your kids) color a white paper bag with crayons. Then, you iron the paper bags to melt the crayon into the bag, creating a design that glows when a votive candle is placed inside.
Tips:
Don’t skip these tips – read them before starting to avoid any potential mistakes:
- Press down hard on the paper bag as you color. This will make the colors more saturated.
- Use a hand held pencil sharpener to add more shavings on top of your design for a splatter effect.
- Melt your first side of the design before coloring the other side of the bag. You don’t want to lose any shavings or crayon dust.
- Make sure you have a large layer of wax or parchment paper beneath your paper bag as you iron. This will prevent any crayon from melting onto your ironing board.
- While you can make specific designs, the free-form coloring tends to look best.
Paper Bag Luminaries are great for these Occasions
- Any holiday, using seasonal colors
- Art parties
- Glow in the dark parties (use glow sticks instead of votives)
- Nighttime BBQs
- Nighttime Pool Parties
If you liked this fun kids craft, you’ll also love this printable list of 100 fun summer activities for kids. It’s got ideas for every day of the week, whether or not the sun is shining.
Or you can check out all my kids crafts and activities here.
Paper Bag Luminaries with Crayons
Paper bag luminaries with crayons are a simple, cheap, and fun way to make a gorgeous glowing luminary any holiday or party.
Materials
- White paper bags
- Crayons in your desired colors
- Wax paper or Parchment Paper
- Flameless Votive candles
Tools
- Iron and ironing board
- Optional: hand held crayon sharpener
Instructions
- Lay the paper bag on a flat surface.
- Use the crayons to color on the paper bag, pressing down as hard as you can.
- Heat your iron to its lowest setting.
- Sandwich the paper bag between two layers of wax or parchment paper, and place on your ironing board.
- Heat the colored paper bag with your prepared iron for Heat with an iron on low temperature for 10-30 seconds.
- Remove the top layer of wax paper and check your design. Iron again if necessary.
- Let the wax cool completely, then repeat on the other side.
- When you're ready to display the luminaries, open up the bags, place a flameless votive candle inside, and enjoy the colorful glow.
Notes
Remember, the Tips in the tutorial post are there to help you if you feel stuck at any point.
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This post was originally published on July 26, 2011. It has been updated with a full tutorial and new photos.
PEACHES says
Woohoo–They look great! I never thought of the American flag as a luminary–you clever thing you!
Morgan @ PepperDesignBlog.com says
Adorable! Love the different designs and getting the kids involved.
Amanda says
I love these, they look great!
I run Fun Family Crafts, a library of craft tutorials geared at kids of all ages. I would love it if you'd stop by and submit this to be featured! (I link to you, I don't post your tutorial on the site) Feel free to submit as many kid friendly craft tutorials as you like! https://funfamilycrafts.com/
SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says
Hi, friend! You've got tons of creativity in your blog and I'm admiring them all. Can you please share your creative posts at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party 🙂