The Proper Use of Art Supplies
This is not the highest and best use of art supplies. I bought these crayons long ago, mail-order, after seeing them in a catalog of wondrous things to inspire children’s creativity. My son was about 4 years old at the time, and, as you can see, took an immediate liking to the school-bus yellow crayon.
School-bus yellow was his favorite color at the time (he also loved toy school buses), and, given the size and shape of these crayons, I don’t blame him for taking a bite out of one of them. What is sad though, is that I apparently took them away from him right away and never really gave him the opportunity to draw and color with them. I guess I didn’t trust him not to consume the entire set.
I started drawing with them the other day, and they make nice marks. They are beeswax crayons, Stockmar Wachsfarben, still readily available online, though considerably more expensive than Crayolas.
I’ve been weeding through my art supplies, giving crayolas, construction paper, feathers, and other children’s art supplies to friends with young children and grandchildren and to area art centers that offer classes for children. I used to buy craft supplies for various children’s craft events, always far more than needed, so I’d have lots of leftovers. I used the leftovers for the next event, but always bought new stuff, too, “just in case,” or to replenish a set of paints, for instance, that was missing a color–or buy another set of 36 paints to replace the set of 8 colors.
About the only bit of children’s craft materials that I haven’t given away by now, is this set of beeswax crayons. I am quite fond of the teeth marks, a vivid remembrance of my son’s enthusiasm for art. I’d hate to file down the crayon to make it suitable for another family. I will keep this set for now. Maybe I will draw with them myself. They have such a nice feel.
But I will resist the urge to buy another set to replace the missing black crayon.
Some Mistakes Were Made 
Seems like the crayons have a sentimental value for you. 🙂
Interesting how items from our past have such deep meaning because of what they remind us of. Enjoy your crayons.
Very cool, my dear friend! I’m so very glad you resurrected this blog! 🙂
Thanks, Linda! You played a role in that decision!
Yes, I guess I do. I love art supplies, and the smell of crayons always reminds me of my own early school years–I can see the classrooms, the hallways clearly. These crayons, though, have a gentler smell and seem to imply the promise of better artwork. 🙂
i love the texture that crayons can give as well 🙂 It adds a bit of whimsy to everything it touch. Yay for school bus yellow!