Abstract: A mess-free sand play device is disclosed herein. The mess-free sand play device in accordance with aspects herein has a tray having a planar base and an upstanding wall rising from a perimeter of the planar base. A quantity of loose, granular sand and a moveable device or internal stylus are enclosed within the tray and a cover, the cover having a clear or transparent window through which the loose, granular sand and the moveable device or internal stylus are visible. The moveable device or internal stylus has a foam tip and a magnetic top, which allows for it to be manipulated with an external stylus having a magnetic tip. The foam tip of the moveable device or internal stylus, when pulled through the layer of loose, granular sand, forms a path in the layer of loose, granular sand, the path forming a desired pattern in the layer of loose, granular sand.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an automated crayon-molding device comprising a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber that is heated to a melting temperature by the automated heating element, and at least one mold. The crayon-receiving member receives the crayon at one end and has a closure mechanism at another held, preventing the crayon from entering in the crayon-melting chamber until it reaches a melting temperature. Once the inside of the crayon-melting chamber, the crayon melts and drips into a mold configured to receive melted wax. Embodiments of the invention also include a method for assembling an automated crayon-molding device and a system for molding crayons that includes a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber, a drawer positioned underneath the crayon-melting chamber, and at least one mold.