Colorful Crayons

Uses of Crayons for Being a Prepper

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When it comes to preparing for emergencies and being self-sufficient, preppers are known for their resourcefulness. While most people associate crayons with art and creativity, they can also serve practical purposes in emergency situations. Today, I really want to talk about the uses of crayons for being a prepper.

Uses of Crayons for Being a Prepper

Uses of Crayons for Being a Prepper

Emergency Candles

One of the most well-known uses of crayons for preppers is as emergency candles. Since crayons are made of wax, they can be used as a makeshift candle when other light sources are unavailable. Each crayon can burn for up to 30 minutes, providing a decent amount of light during a power outage or outdoor adventure.10 Clever Uses for Candle Wax They aren’t as bright as a lamp, but can prove useful.

If you add some cotton string as a wick they could last even longer. The melted wax will last longer than you may think.

Emergency Flashlight/Night Light 

Fire Starters

Crayons can also be used as effective fire starters. Their waxy composition makes them highly flammable, allowing them to ignite easily. Simply light the tip of a crayon to start a fire, whether you’re camping, hiking, or in a survival situation where having a flame of some sort opens other options for emergency preparedness. Remember to exercise caution and follow proper safety protocols when using fire. 15 Different Ways to Make Fire Starters

If you have access to some dryer lint, a cotton ball, some toilet paper, a piece of cloth, cardboard, or other flammable materials, you can make the crayon starter even more efficient. If out camping, using bacon fat or bacon grease can also help as you work to start a new fire.

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Signal Markers

In emergency situations, it’s crucial to have a way to communicate and signal for help. Crayons can be used as markers to create visible signals and markings. You can draw symbols, and arrows, or write messages on various surfaces to indicate your presence or mark important locations. This can be especially useful in wilderness scenarios or during natural disasters.

Waterproofing

Keeping your gear dry is essential for survival. Crayons can be used as a waterproofing agent to protect items such as matches, documents, or maps. By rubbing the tip of the crayon over the surface of these items, you create a thin layer of wax that helps repel moisture. This simple technique can prevent crucial items from getting wet and becoming unusable. Be Prepared for a Hurricane + Free Printable Emergency Binder Contents

Fishing Lures

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to catch food for sustenance, crayons can be transformed into improvised fishing lures. By melting and molding the crayon around a hook or attaching it to a line, you create a colorful bait that may attract various varieties of fish. This method is particularly effective for freshwater fishing. Beginners Guide to Fishing: 6 Amazing Tips and Tricks

Cordage Stiffener

When it comes to survival, having strong and reliable cordage is essential. Crayons can be used as cordage stiffeners to enhance natural fibers such as paracord or twine strength and durability. Rub the crayon along the length of the cordage to coat it with wax, making it more resistant to friction, moisture, and wear. 13 Survival Uses for Paracord

Arts and Crafts

While not directly related to survival, arts and crafts can provide a sense of normalcy and stress relief during challenging times, particularly for young children. Crayons can create artwork, journal entries, or even homemade maps. These creative outlets can help preppers and their family members maintain a positive mindset and find moments of joy amidst difficult circumstances. How Your Kids’ Toys Can Help You in an Emergency

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Can any type of crayon be used for emergency candles?

While most crayons can be used as emergency candles, it’s best to choose non-toxic crayons made of natural waxes like beeswax or soy wax. These types of crayons burn cleaner and are safer to use indoors. Avoid using crayons with added chemicals or synthetic materials.

How long does it take for crayons to harden after being melted?

Crayons typically harden within a few minutes after being melted. However, the exact time may vary depending on factors such as the temperature of the surrounding environment and the thickness of the melted crayon.

What other uses for crayons are there?

  • Create colorful and personalized artwork on paper or canvas.
  • Use melted crayons to make unique and vibrant candles.
  • Decorate plain white candles by melting crayon wax onto them as DIY projects.
  • Make your own custom-colored lip balm using crayons and beeswax.
  • Use crayons as a fun and inexpensive way to label jars or containers.
  • Create colorful and decorative patterns on fabric by ironing crayon shavings between wax paper.
  • Use crayons to color and personalize picture frames.
  • Make custom-colored crayon lipstick by melting crayons with coconut oil.
  • Create colorful and decorative designs on plain white ceramic mugs using crayons and an oven.
  • Use crayon shavings to make your own DIY confetti for parties or celebrations.
  • Rub the tip of the crayon on the zipper of your coat or pants and they’ll work more efficiently.

Final Word

As with any survival technique, it’s important to practice and test these methods before relying on them in real emergencies. Remember to include crayons in your prepper kit to harness their potential in various scenarios. The uses of crayons for preppers are plentiful. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Colorful Crayons Depositphotos_54854923_S by Gouraudstudio, Colorful Crayons Straight Across Depositphotos_54854877_S by Gouraudstudio

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8 Comments

  1. I love the idea of crayons for trail marking if lost camping or hiking. Not sure I would want the color coming off from putting them on cordage, though. Also, paracord is not a natural fiber, people have been putting wax or beeswax on it for wrapping handles and such but they seem to say it is not as good for taking apart to use the cord as it is stuck together. God bless and thanks for all you do and share.

    1. Hi Jan, thank you for your kind words, my friend. I try to help my readers think about items they have in their homes right now that can be used in other ways. Linda

  2. I love crayons! I like to color, so I have quite a few packs. I buy them around the times school starts. As well as notebook paper, pencils and pens. I’m of the opinion you can never have enough.

  3. Grands and I unwrap and break old crayons into silicone candy molds (hearts) and bake till melted. Given to classmates at Valentine’s Day. Granddaughter actually begged her teacher, who had kids help wrap, for them last yr when class was replacing old ones.

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