If you have a box of old crayons sitting in a drawer, don’t throw them away just yet. With a few red crayons, some jar lids, and a little holiday creativity, you can turn leftover supplies into adorable peppermint-inspired Christmas coasters.
This simple DIY is especially fun because the finished pieces look festive without requiring expensive craft materials. The red-and-white swirl resembles a peppermint candy and instantly brings a cheerful Christmas feel to a coffee table, kitchen counter, or holiday gift basket.
It’s also a clever way to give unused crayons a second life.
Why This Christmas Crayon DIY Is So Cute
There is something especially charming about handmade Christmas decorations.
Instead of buying another set of mass-produced coasters, you can create something colorful and completely customized. The wax naturally hardens into a smooth surface, while the jar lids provide a convenient mold for creating round pieces.
The peppermint-inspired colors make them perfect for December gatherings, holiday parties, or handmade gifts.
You can even make several sets using different color combinations to match your Christmas decorating style.
What You’ll Need
To make a small set of peppermint swirl coasters, gather:
- About 10 or more old red crayons
- White crayons for the swirl effect
- 4–6 clean metal jar lids
- Parchment paper
- A baking sheet
- Oven mitts
- Wooden craft sticks or toothpicks
- Felt sheets, optional
- Craft adhesive, optional
Use clean, dry jar lids that are suitable for the intended craft. Avoid using lids with plastic components that could soften or release unwanted materials when heated.
Step 1: Prepare the Crayons
Start by removing the paper wrappers from the crayons.
If the wrappers are difficult to remove, soak the crayons briefly in water to loosen the paper, then dry them completely.
Break the crayons into smaller pieces.
Smaller pieces melt more evenly and make it easier to distribute the colors across the molds.
For a classic peppermint appearance, use mostly red with a smaller amount of white.
Step 2: Prepare the Jar Lids
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the clean metal jar lids on the sheet.
Make sure the lids are stable and positioned so they won’t tip over while you’re handling the baking sheet.
The inside of each lid will act as the mold for your coaster.
If you’re making several coasters, try to use lids that are approximately the same size so the finished set looks consistent.
Step 3: Add the Crayon Pieces
Place pieces of red and white crayon inside each lid.
You can arrange the colors randomly if you want a natural swirl, or place them in sections for a more defined pattern.
Don’t fill the molds completely to the top.
Leave a little room because melted wax can move around as it liquefies.
Step 4: Melt the Crayons Carefully
This is the step where extra caution matters.
Crayons are wax-based, and melting them requires heat. Because household crayons can contain different waxes, pigments, and additives, follow the manufacturer’s guidance whenever possible rather than assuming every crayon behaves the same way.
Use a well-ventilated area and never leave heated wax unattended.
Keep children and pets away from the oven and hot baking sheet.
The goal is to melt the crayons completely without overheating them.
Step 5: Create the Peppermint Swirl
Once the wax is fully melted, carefully remove the baking sheet using oven mitts.
The jar lids and melted wax will be extremely hot, so don’t touch them directly.
Using a wooden craft stick or disposable tool, gently swirl the red and white colors together.
A few controlled movements are usually enough.
Avoid excessive stirring because mixing the colors too much can turn the beautiful red-and-white contrast into a single muddy shade.
Step 6: Let the Coasters Cool
Place the baking sheet somewhere safe and allow the wax to cool completely.
Don’t try to speed up the process by touching or moving the melted wax.
As the wax cools, it will become firm and solid.
Wait until the pieces are completely hardened before attempting to remove them from the lids.
Step 7: Remove the Finished Coasters
Once the wax has fully hardened, carefully remove each coaster from its metal lid.
If a coaster doesn’t release easily, don’t force it.
Gently flex the metal lid if possible and work around the edge until the wax separates.
The finished pieces should have a smooth, rounded appearance with a festive red-and-white pattern.
Step 8: Add a Non-Slip Backing
For a more finished look, cut small circles of felt slightly smaller than the coasters.
Attach the felt to the underside using an adhesive suitable for the materials.
This can help protect furniture surfaces and reduce sliding.
Allow the adhesive to cure completely before using the coasters.
How to Get a Better Peppermint Swirl
The swirl is what makes these coasters especially eye-catching.
For a stronger candy-inspired pattern, place red and white crayon pieces next to each other rather than mixing everything together.
Once the wax is melted, make a few curved motions through the colors.
Don’t overwork the wax.
The less you stir, the more visible the individual colors will remain.
Try Different Christmas Color Combinations
Red and white create the classic peppermint look, but you don’t have to stop there.
Try:
- Green and white for a mint-inspired design
- Red and green for traditional Christmas colors
- Blue and white for a winter theme
- Gold and cream for an elegant holiday palette
- Pink and white for a playful Christmas look
You can also make different sets for different rooms or gift recipients.
Make Them Glittery
If you’re looking for a little extra sparkle, consider adding craft glitter designed for use with the chosen wax material.
Use only a small amount and make sure the finished coaster remains smooth.
Remember that these are decorative wax coasters, so they shouldn’t be treated like heatproof trivets.
Use Different-Sized Lids
Another fun variation is to use metal lids in different sizes.
Larger lids can create statement pieces, while smaller ones can make cute coasters for espresso cups or small glasses.
A mixed-size collection can look particularly charming when displayed together in a holiday basket.
Important Safety Tips
Because this project involves melted wax and hot equipment, safety should come first.
Never leave melting crayons unattended.
Keep the workspace away from open flames and other heat sources.
Use oven mitts when handling the baking sheet and hot molds.
Do not allow children to handle the melted wax or hot jar lids.
Also, don’t use the finished crayon pieces as trivets or underneath extremely hot cookware. Wax can soften when exposed to high temperatures.
These are best treated as decorative drink coasters for cool or moderately warm cups and glasses.
How to Style Your Christmas Coasters
Once your coasters are finished, they can become part of your holiday decorating.
Place them on a wooden coffee table beside a mug of hot chocolate, arrange them on a festive tray, or use them as part of a Christmas beverage station.
For a traditional look, pair them with:
- Red candles
- Pinecones
- Evergreen branches
- Holly-inspired decorations
- White mugs
- Plaid napkins
- Wooden serving trays
The bold red-and-white pattern naturally complements classic Christmas décor.
Turn Them Into Handmade Gifts
These coasters can also make inexpensive handmade gifts.
Create four or six matching pieces, stack them together, and wrap them with festive ribbon.
You could place the set inside a small holiday basket alongside mugs, cocoa packets, or other non-perishable treats.
Because you can customize the colors, the gift can be designed around the recipient’s favorite Christmas palette.
Can You Make These Coasters With Children?
The decorating concept can be a fun family craft, but the melting portion requires adult handling.
Children can help choose colors, unwrap crayons, and plan the designs.
An adult should handle the oven, melted wax, hot baking sheet, and hot molds.
Once the pieces have completely cooled, kids can help with decorating and gift wrapping.
The Best Part of This Christmas DIY
What makes this project so appealing is how ordinary the starting materials are.
Old crayons that might otherwise end up unused can become colorful holiday decorations. A handful of metal jar lids becomes a set of simple molds, and a few minutes of creative arranging produces something that feels completely different.
The finished peppermint-inspired coasters are playful, inexpensive, and easy to customize.
They’re also a great reminder that holiday crafting doesn’t have to involve complicated techniques or expensive supplies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas craft that makes a big visual impact, these melted-crayon peppermint coasters are worth trying.
The red-and-white swirls give them an unmistakable holiday appearance, while the simple materials make the project accessible for a weekend afternoon of crafting.
Just remember that melted wax and hot equipment require careful adult handling.
Once everything has cooled and the coasters are finished, you’ll have a cheerful handmade decoration that can brighten your holiday table or become a thoughtful DIY gift for someone special.