Crayons have been a beloved tool for artistic expression and creativity for over a century. Their unique characteristics and vibrant colors have captivated generations, sparking the imaginations of both young and old. From the various pronunciations of the word “crayon” to the rare and discontinued colors, there is much to discover about these colorful sticks of paraffin wax. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of crayons, exploring everything from their pronunciation to their history, manufacturing process, and even some interesting facts and quotes. So, grab your favorite crayon and join us on this colorful journey!
How to Pronounce Crayon
Depending on where you live, the word “crayon” is pronounced differently! People may say cray-on (with two syllables), cran (like cranberry) or crown. The confusion with the pronunciation of the word crayon is in the amount of syllables.
Discounted/Rare Crayola Crayons
The first Crayola crayons to be discontinued are: maize, lemon yellow, blue gray, raw umber, green blue, orange red, orange yellow, and violet blue. The retired crayon colors were replaced with eight exciting new colors in 1990. The new crayola colors released in 1990 were: vivid tangerine, jungle green, cerulean, fuschia, dandelion, teal blue, royal purple and wild strawberry.
The next batch of crayons to be retired happened in 2003. Crayola asked customers to vote on which color should be saved from retirement. Burnt sienna, an warm brown, was saved. The retired colors were: blizzard blue, magic mint, mulberry and teal blue. Again in 2003, new colors were introduced to replace the old ones: inchworm, mango tango, wild blue yonder, and jazzberry jam.
The most recently retired crayon is the shade Dandelion, a bright yellow. Personified as “Dan D,” Dandelion is “a renaissance crayon with a thirst for adventure.” Crayola is selling 64-count boxes of just the dandelion crayon, and a huge 2 pound dandelion mega crayon.
Despite the Crayola website claiming that those are the only retired crayon colors, a collector named Jenny hosts a website called jennyscrayoncollection.com with a complete list of discontinued colors. Many retired colors are the same color but with different names. Crayola crayons may also be the same color, but with glitter, or even scented.
When were crayons invented?
The first Crayola crayons began being sold in 1902. The idea of crayons specifically for school came from a teacher. The name Crayola comes from the french word “craie” which means chalk stick, and “ola” meaning “oleaginous” which means oily.
What are crayons made of, and why do they melt so easily?
Crayons are made of paraffin wax and color pigment. They are produced in mass crayon factory.
Crayons melt at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which means crayons can melt in unexpected places like cars, in the mail or if left out in the sun, provided the weather is warm enough. While many people believe Crayola created crayons, they did not. Crayola caught on due to innovative ideas like a built-in crayon sharpener, a large variety of colors, non-toxic advertising and school-safe design.
What did people use before crayons?
Before the crayons we know today were around, as early as the 1600s, ancient civilizations were using beeswax and color pigment to make color stick to cave paintings. In 1813, Jane Austen mentioned crayons in “Pride and Prejudice.”
Are Crayons Toxic?
Crayola’s website says that crayons do not contain any ingredients known to be harmful or toxic to humans. When eaten or ingested, crayons can cause an upset stomach. Babies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouth, so thankfully, crayons are safe to ingest (although not recommended).
Bath Crayons
Have you ever heard of bath crayons? They are similar to what they sound like– a bath crayon is a crayon designed to draw on the walls of a shower or bathtub.
Bathtub crayons are easy to make at home, or can be bought from Crayola themselves. Bath crayons do not permanently stain the tub, but they do require a bit of scrubbing to remove.
Quotes About Crayons
Crayons have had a colorful impact on many people. Here are some quotes about crayons:
“Broken crayons still color.”
“Life is about using the whole box of crayons.”
Are Crayon sharpeners worth it?
Crayons are made out of wax. Wax can easily change its shape. A crayon sharpener is not a necessity for school, but can be helpful. Many boxes of crayons include a crayon sharpener on the side. Crayons are already fragile, and are prone to snapping in two. By sharpening the crayon, some of the wax is being wasted. That is, if you don’t snap your crayon first!
Conclusion
Crayons have been a beloved tool for artistic expression and creativity for over a century. From the various pronunciations of the word “crayon” to the rare and discontinued colors, these colorful sticks of paraffin wax have captivated generations. Whether it’s the thrill of discovering a vintage crayon or the joy of creating masterpieces with a full box of colors, crayons continue to fascinate and inspire. So, the next time you pick up a crayon, remember the rich history, the power of imagination, and the endless possibilities that these humble art supplies offer. Embrace the world of crayons and let your creativity shine!
