This super easy-to-make tool makes it quick and fun to peel the paper off of crayons. Crayons without their paper are more useful for drawing and shading than many people know. It’s also necessary if you want to melt them as people do for various projects.

Supplies

a wine cork, scrap of balsa wood, or insulation foam

x-acto knife blade

drill and 11/32” bit

small hammer

Step 1: Drill Hole

Mark and drill 11/32” hole through the round side of the cork as shown.

Step 2: Add the Blade

Tap the x-acto blade into the top of the cork until its tip is just visible through the hole. The blade needs to run parallel to the hole.

Step 3: Test

Push a crayon through to test. If it doesn’t cut, tap the blade a little deeper. If it’s cutting too deep, pull it back a little with a pair of pliers. It’s best not to cut too deep because it makes crumbs and can weaken the crayon.