Upcycled Montessori-Style Crayon Holder {Tutorial}

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colorful crayon organization in tin cans

One of my favorite things in the Montessori classroom is the way they set out their art materials as though they are something to be treasured and displayed. The colored pencils are organized into matching colored holders (like these), and I’ve always wanted a set of my own (but not for $75!). Truth be told, my boys will use colored pencils and markers any day of the week, but crayons seem to always get passed over in favor of practically any other medium. Those poor, poor crayons needed some love and respect around here. I thought that maybe if I set out the crayons in a pretty display that the boys would be more apt to use them on a regular basis – and I was right!

del monte cans holding crayons
While packing school lunches one evening, I realized that these fruit cups would be the perfect size for crayon holders. So, instead of being patient and waiting for a bunch of empty cups at the end of the week, I started opening and dumping seven containers of fruit into a big Tupperware for storage – hey, they can always be reportioned into little Tupperware containers for lunches – I’ve got to get moving on this inspiration!

del monte cans painted in rainbow colors
If you’re lucky enough to have a rainbow of spray paint, it would really come in handy right about now. I only had about half the rainbow, so after removing the labels, I used acrylic paint to give each can three coats of paint followed by two coats of glossy varnish to seal it. Mitch rummaged up a piece of scrap 1×3 for me, and I made use of my white spray paint to give it a quick coat.

insides of cans screwed to board
Mitch screwed each can to the piece of wood for me (thank you!), because I’m not quite as handy with the drill as he is.

colorful crayon holder made from tin cans
Now it’s time to add the crayons!

 

crayons assorted and organized by colors

 

crayons and matching tin cans for assorting

The boys are loving crayons these days – yippee! I’ve been able to leave them sitting out on their art table for over two weeks now without a single spill or crayon mess mishap…though you might find yourself getting into serious in-depth discussions with your three-year-old over whether aquamarine belongs in the green or the blue container 🙂

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51 Comments

  1. This is a very creative idea! My hubby used to get (a little) upset with me for saving “stuff” in the basement to repurpose. Having a home daycare requires (for me) creating ideas and activities that are at little or not cost. Now he gets it and adds things to the “stockpile.”

    Thanks for sharing your idea!

  2. How did you get rid of the sharp edges?? I am thinking of making this for Children’s Chapel in our church but I’m worried about edges…!

  3. Awesome idea. Do you need to sand the sharp edges of the cans ? How did you manage to do the painting without it ? Can you please advise ?

    Thanks

      1. The edges of my particular cans are not sharp, but I would recommend lining the interior rim with Duck Tape or Gorilla Tape just to ensure additional safety. 🙂

  4. I love your creative ideas–recycling the fruit cans. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas here. Blessings.

  5. I know this is an old post of yours but I just found it and it’s AWESOME! I’m featuring you on Flexible Dreams tomorrow, January 8, 2011. Stop by and grab a button if you’d like.

  6. This is adorable and totally amazing. I think my hubby and I better get to work making one of these! It would be perfect for my classroom too!

  7. Whoa, that is awesome!! I’m definitely going to start saving my fruit cans & make one for my girl. She would love it. Thanks for sharing!!
    Happy New Year!
    ~Mary