Crayons are Fun!

There is a special pleasure to be had from coloring with crayons. The waxy smell, the sound of the paper peeling off, the slightly textured imprint left behind; it all brings back fond memories of childhood. However, I am afraid that crayons do not hold the same appeal for today's young artists. Crayons have been overshadowed by their messier, smellier cousins: markers.

Part of the problem is that somehow crayons have acquired the label of being "babyish." Most children start coloring with crayons. Then, at some point in time they learn that there is another bolder, messier writing utensil that is being kept from them. Children have a fierce desire to grow up, to be big and do the things big kids do. When they graduate from one level to the next there is no turning back. Just try convincing a 7 year old to put his training wheels back on his bike or go back to using a sippy cup! Crayons have been relegated into the same category as training wheels and sippy cups - big kids just don't use them.

Unfortunately, markers simply can not replace crayons, no matter what the big kids say. Part of the problem and probably the appeal of markers is the potential for a monstrous mess. It's true that sneaky toddlers can and will make messes with crayons, however with markers messes happen faster and even by accident. Markers soak through paper staining tables and floors, hands that rest too long on a colored spot become that color, and a dropped marker can create polka-dots with every bounce. Have you ever opened a coloring book to find that every other picture has been colored with marker, and all the rest are ruined? The thin paper of coloring books is no match for the soaking power of markers. In all fairness, markers do have their purposes, but when it comes to the typical everyday artwork of children they just don't measure up.

There are also reasons to love crayons regardless of their competition. Crayons have a unique texture and appearance. Pressing harder or lighter creates different shades with one single crayon. They can be blended and layered to create shadows, highlights and brand new colors. Not that there is a lack of colors! In a giant box of crayola crayons you can find such delightful hues as "macaroni and cheese," "tumbleweed," and "robin's egg blue." Not to mention "tickle-me-pink," "timber wolf," and "purple mountain's majesty."

I think you get the idea. I really like crayons, for practical reasons and in a nostalgic kind of way too. The smell, the sound, and the feel make me think of happy times drawing at the kitchen table. I do a lot of drawing these days, but no medium has quite the therapeutic, relaxing effect of crayons. It's time to give crayons a little more credit. Big kids, and yes even adults, can use crayons too.