Here is Why I Love Wax Crayons

Honestly, I truly think that Wax Crayons are one of those art mediums that is over looked most of the time. I think we take them for granted and miss opportunities for their perfect nature. So here I am, shouting to the sky about why Wax Crayons are simply AMAZING! Here are 9 reasons why I love wax crayons as an art medium for kids.

9 Reasons Why I Love Wax Crayons as an Art Medium for Kids:

1. Wax Crayons can be layered like other mediums. You can easily layer different wax crayons to create new colors. This is perfect for creating dynamic artworks full of color and depth and for exploring color mixing.

2. Wax Crayons can be used for mixed media processes! One fabulous reason I love wax crayons are that they can easily add another element to any artwork to add a mixed media artwork. Add line to paper elements to create line, pattern and texture. Add wax crayon first before painting over the paper with tempera paint or watercolor paints to create a wax resist painting. Use them in collage! Options are endless.

3. Wax Crayons can be used for Color Mixing. I find that wax crayons easily blend together for mixing colors. If you're wanting to explore making secondary or tertiary colors with kids but don't want to sharpen a ton of pencil crayons or use paint, then consider using wax crayons instead.

4. Wax Crayons can create VALUE. Are you trying to teach shading or the Element of Art Value? No worries! Have kids practice creating VALUE with wax crayons and practice pressing firmly or softly and adding white to make a tint or black to make a shade!

5. Wax Crayons don't need sharpening. This is one of the best ways to save time. Honestly I am not a fan of standing and sharpening endlessly. As well, I get frustrated when the core of pencil crayons fall out. It really deters me from them. However, wax crayons do not need sharpening! Just enjoy using them endlessly and peel the paper as needed.

6. Wax Crayons last a long time. I mean, to be honest, the ones made today break a lot easier than the classic versions from the early 90s and early. My original set from when I was a kid never break but any new ones I buy always snap in half. But that is ok! It makes them easier to hold, easier to share (now you have 2!) and they're still good till you can no longer hold them.

7. Wax Crayons are affordable. I love the price of crayons. During back to school times, they are available for an amazing price. This makes them ideal for at home and in class.

8. Wax Crayons make Minimal Mess. I love this! It is really hard to draw on skin and clothes with wax crayon. As well, new wax crayons are very washable and I am so happy about that. This makes them absolutely amazing.

9. Wax Crayons make AMAZING texture rubbings. Peel off the paper, give kids paper and let them explore the natural world by placing the paper on a hard surface and rubbing the crayon on the surface. You can create a collage of textures around the paper or even later use the textures as pieces for cut paper collage in other artworks. 

Well, these are my 9 reasons for why I LOVE Wax Crayons. Don't look at them like they're a coloring book medium or the thing that comes in a cup at a restaurant because honestly, they can be so much more.