We tried to make a special something for Valentines Day. Shaved crayons, warm iron, eager children. If only someone had told me that waxed paper and greaseproof paper are NOT the same thing. We don't get waxed paper in the UK (correct me if I'm wrong brit-bloggers) and greaseproof paper does not work.
Pretty patterns, yes, but the paper peels apart scattering crayon fragments like confetti all over the house. Believe me, more mess is not what we need round here.
But Happy Valentines to you all anyway - didn't you know, it's the thought that counts.
yoy can buy waxed disc for making jam tops, dunno if you can sheets of it, also, what about baking parchment, would that work?
Posted by: raspberry | 14 February 2007 at 13:13
If it makes you feel any better, I tried this and made a mess too, and I had wax paper.
I think I was too heavy with the crayon shavings and they leaked out of the wax paper onto the iron... it was a stinky, yucky mess.
Posted by: autum | 14 February 2007 at 13:56
Well chalk it up to "it's the thought that counts".
Could it be the same as the famous freezer paper - I think it might well be, having had a look at it. Which is reputed to be the same as the paper which comes around a ream of A4 photocopy paper.
Posted by: Flibbertygibbet | 14 February 2007 at 13:56
oh! we tried this too - i'm sure everyone had fun, even if it didn't turn out the way you'd hoped!
happy V day!
Posted by: kirsten | 14 February 2007 at 14:08
Someone mentioned freezer paper, which I just bought a big roll of from http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/ - though I haven't opened it yet so can't really describe it. I just wanted to try the famous "freezer paper stencilling" and was excited to find a UK supplier!
Posted by: Sarah | 14 February 2007 at 15:05
As "autum" said, it's possible to make a mess even when you have the right materials. Luckly for me, I was prepared for the possibility (inevitability?) and had my waxed paper and crayons sandwiched between several sheets of newspaper. Fewer crayon shavings definitely yeild better results.
Also, as someone who tried to use freezer paper (I was feeling lazy and not wanting to go to the store to pick up some waxed paper), I can tell you for certain that it's not what you need. If you're still interested in doing this craft even after your calamity, let me know and I'll send you a roll of the waxed stuff.
Posted by: Sarah | 14 February 2007 at 15:06
Sometimes you think you need a lovely craft project when the universe decides you REALLY need a big messy confetti party!
Let me know if I might send you some waxed paper.
Posted by: nuttnbunny | 14 February 2007 at 15:48
gorgeous colours though and anyway mess is good !! why not draw a big heart cover it in glue and use the 'mess' as giant glitter ??? by the way I am glad you liked the ribbon I bought and the link to the shop it came from!! happy shopping :-)
Posted by: paper-and-string | 14 February 2007 at 17:18
At least you got trying thats what counts! I had all the intentions and then was sick yesterday and didn't get the chance. Maybe I'll do a belated valentine thing next week! :)
Posted by: Max | 14 February 2007 at 17:31
Too bad, it sounded like a great project...it did make for some pretty pictures though!
Posted by: Dee | 14 February 2007 at 17:35
Hi Ali, we did this with the wax paper and the first try was a huge mess. The second try with less shavings was better. Let me know if you can't find wax paper - I can send you a roll. Happy V Day!
Posted by: jennpal | 14 February 2007 at 18:47
I'm trying to think of something conciliatory to say, but in truth it's just very funny. I can imagine the whole thing. In my case, though, all that crayon would flake off and stain and something precious indelibly. I'm trying to commiserate, honest I am.
Posted by: Megan | 14 February 2007 at 18:49
well, you pictures are Really Pretty.
Posted by: capello | 14 February 2007 at 19:33
I'm laughing WITH you, with you.
WhAT? You're not laughing? Oh. sorry then...about the mess and all. :)
Happy Valentine's day!
Posted by: Angela | 14 February 2007 at 21:26
oh no! thanks for sharing. laughing is ok when it isn't your mess right?
all this talk about papers. i'm too confused.
Posted by: tiel S-K | 15 February 2007 at 02:00
Funny how nothing I make from Martha's directions ever turn out looking as good as in her pictures--whether or not I have the right materials. I'm sure your kids had fun though, right?
Posted by: jojo* | 15 February 2007 at 06:25
Baking parchment would work better but I think you need something for the crayon to stick to - I have done it with the crayon between layers of clingfilm or tissue paper which worked well - don't forget to put the whole thing between the layers of baking parchment though...
Posted by: Helen | 16 February 2007 at 09:50
It really is pretty, but I can imagine the mess makes you not want to do it anymore. I'm collecting those little bits of crayon for some kind of fun project one day. Maybe melting them in a cupcake tin that you did several months ago.
Posted by: lindiepindie | 16 February 2007 at 16:04