Magnetic Crayon Tiles Photo Frame

I have had fond memories as a kid with crayons. People would come to my home and know my name without even asking me because every wall of my home had my name written on them with crayons! My father's old office briefcases still have my name written with crayons on them, plus some weird and distorted drawings of flowers and butterflies.

As a grownup, I realize that crayons are not just meant to draw something on paper, and there is no bound to their versatile uses. So, I decided to make something with them that has multiple functionalities i.e., Crayon Tiles. Due to lack of time and my busy work schedule, my project highlights only one use of the crayon tiles. I chose to make a photo frame out of the crayon tiles because I could reuse my childhood photos and childhood play things i.e., crayons and put them together to make a forever memory. But, when you put the pieces together, you can make anything out of them as per your imagination.

The Multipurpose Crayon Tile Pieces can be transformed into a coaster, a box, a pen stand, a large piece of abstract art, a notebook cover, greeting cards, thank you cards, and so much more.

Here is how I made these magnetic tiles and particularly Magnetic Crayon Tiles Photo Frame.

SUPPLIES FOR MAGNETIC CRAYON TILES PHOTO FRAME

• 1 box of plastic crayons or wax crayons (While making the project I felt plastic crayons are more easy to work with. They melt and set faster than wax crayons. Plus they give a lustrous texture after drying).
• A silicone square mold (refer to the picture)
• Small disk magnets - 12-13 pieces
• Sharp Cutter - 1
• Super Glue - 1
• A baking tray and an oven

Take the crayons and feel off their paper wrapping.

Take the Silicon square mold and cut the crayons to fit into small pieces and insert them into the mold.

Put the silicon mold onto a baking tray and melt the crayons for 10 minutes at 150 degree Celsius in the Oven. I never preheated the oven and it still worked. In my opinion don't increase the temperature much or keep the crayons in for too long as they may burn. Make sure everything is melted properly and there are no solid pieces.

Take the mold from the oven and lay it out on a table to cool. After it has cooled down a bit, put the mold in refrigerator to solidify and set for 30 minutes.

Remove the mold from the refrigerator and demold it carefully without breaking the crayon tiles.

Take the crayon tiles and shape them to form a photo frame as shown in the picture. Then keep a photo on top of the frame to measure the dimensions of the crayon tiles and modify and match it with the photo.

Once you're happy with the reference placing of the tiles, stick them together with a super glue to make the frame. I placed a plastic sheet while working so that the super glue doesn't stick and ruin my table.

Also, don't move the tiles after you've applied the glue. Let it dry for 1 hour atleast.

• Once the frame is sturdy and stuck forever, turn it back and paste the small disc magnets on the four corners of the photo frame with hot glue as shown. Let this dry completely. 
• Take new separate four crayon tiles and stick four small disc magnets behind them as shown. Let this dry completely.

Place the photo on behind the frame and close the place the magnetic tiles in the corners to lock it. If you want you can use a clear plastic sheet, cut it in the shape of your photo and place it in front of your photo so that it doesn't accumulate dust and look dirty.

Paste 4 more small disc magnets behind the closing tiles as shown. You can stick your frame on the fridge or cupboard with these magnets.

Your photo frame is ready. I've specially made this frame to be stuck on fridges and cupboards because they are made of steel and will stick to the magnets. If you want, you can stick a little hook on the top and hang it on the walls. Or you can make a little hinge with the leftover tiles to place it on your desk.

It's a great gifting option. Do try this crayon DIY in the Holidays Season! :)