Add a pop of fun to your day with this cute crayon box craft. It’s a fun budget-friendly project that kids will love.
Using jumbo craft sticks, colorful paper, and a free printable template, you’ll create a cheerful crayon box filled with DIY “crayons” that are awesome for learning, play, and display. Whether you’re looking for a cool preschool craft, a creative way to practice color recognition, or just need a screen-free rainy day activity, this project is perfect.
It’s a smart addition to your back-to-school plans, homeschool fun activities, library program, or classroom center. I’m sharing step-by-step instructions with photos, helpful tips, and creative ideas for making and using this craft.
A Colorful Craft for Learning Fun and More
Before I became a mom (and long before I became a homeschooler), I worked as a mental health therapist with kids, adults, and families. One of my favorite parts of that job was finding creative and meaningful ways to connect with kids and help them understand big concepts in simple and relatable ways.
The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane Derolf quickly became one of my go-to resources. The message about respecting differences and working together in harmony is so powerful. Plus, it’s told in a way that kids just get. I was beyond thrilled when I got to revisit this story with my own boys!
We’d read the book, chat about what it means, and then keep the fun going with hands-on activities. I created a free printable The Crayon Box That Talked activity pack to extend the learning fun. And this budget-friendly Crayon Box Craft was the perfect addition. My boys and I had a blast putting it together!
It’s such a sweet and simple way to reinforce kindness, cooperation, and appreciation for what makes each of us unique.
What You’ll Need to Make This Frugal Craft for Kids
You don’t need any special supplies for this crayon box craft. The materials used in this project are budget-friendly basics, most of which you can grab at the dollar store or might already have at home.
I’ve also included a free printable template to make this project even easier to pull together.
- Craft Sticks (Jumbo are recommended)
- Colored Paper – Gold, Dark Green, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple
- Black Marker
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Acrylic Craft Paint – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- PATTERNS (free printable templates)
How to Make This Cute Crayon Box Craft for Kids
Prepare the wood craft sticks.
Gather all supplies. Cut the rounded edges off of six jumbo craft sticks with scissors. Basecoat the craft sticks with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple acrylic craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. Use washable markers, crayon, or even colored pencil to color the jumbo craft sticks.
Make the crayon craft sticks.
Download, print, and cut out the crayon box patterns. Trace crayon top and bottom patterns onto red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple colored paper with a marker or pencil. Cut out all of the crayon patterns with scissors. Attach the crayon tops and bottoms to the craft sticks with a glue gun and glue sticks.
Finish the crayons and cut out the crayon box.
Using a black marker, add a squiggly line to the top and bottom of the crayon, then print the name of the color across the center. Measure two lines on the dark green colored paper that are 11” long by ½” wide. Trace the front and back of the crayon box onto gold colored paper with a pencil.
Make the crayon box and attach stripes.
Use glue stick to attach the front of the crayon box to the back. Cut the two dark green strips in half to create four stripes and glue them in a diagonal pattern to the bottom right and left of the crayon box.
Add the crayon box label.
Trace the oval crayon box label onto dark green colored paper, then cut out with scissors. Use glue stick attach the label to the front of the crayon box. Write the word COLOR or CRAYON on the label with a black marker.
Creative Ideas for Making and Using Your Crayon Box Project
This crayon-themed project can be used in so many ways. Your kids will have such fun making it. Plus, you can use the completed craft for a variety of awesome activities.
When Making Your Crayon Craft:
- Add names or words to each crayon instead of colors. This step is great if you want to personalize the project for a class group or your family.
- Use different materials for cool textures like felt, foil paper, or glitter cardstock. Easy ways to add sensory fun!
- Let kids mix up the colors or favorite combinations (like teal + sparkle!)
- Turn it into a group activity for a homeschool co-op, classroom, or library storytime. Each participant can make one crayon and then the group builds the box together.
After Your Crayon Box Craft is Made:
- Pair it with a read-aloud of The Crayon Box That Talked. Discuss the message of kindness and teamwork.
- Add magnets or velcro to the back of the box to use on a refrigerator, whiteboard, or felt board.
- Use as part of your celebration for National Crayon Day (March 31).
Frequently Asked Questions About This Crayon Craft
It’s perfect for preschool and early elementary ages, but older kids can absolutely join in, too. Younger students will need help. You can adjust the steps a bit depending on your child’s abilities (like pre-cutting or pre-painting, if needed).
Yes! If you’re short on time or want a mess-free option, markers, crayons, or tempera paint sticks (like our favorite Kwik Stix) work just fine on the craft sticks. Let the kids decide how they want to decorate their DIY crayons!
No worries! You can use white paper and let your kids color in the crayon tops and bottoms.
About 30 minutes total. It may take a bit longer if you’re painting and letting things dry.
Make Your Own Colorful Crayon Box!
This simple craft stick crayon box is such a sweet way to kick off your back-to-school season, celebrate diversity, and spark meaningful conversations about kindness and working together. Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching, or just having fun with the kids in your life, this activity brings smiles and valuable life lessons.
✨ Don’t forget to grab your FREE printable template to make this project extra easy and stress-free!
👉 Get the free crayon box template HERE!
And if you’re reading The Crayon Box That Talked with your kids (I highly recommend!), be sure to get my free printable activity pack to go along with the book: Explore the book companion activities here!
Let’s celebrate what makes us unique and how we’re even better together. Happy crafting!
