Crayon

art supplies · wax · colors · drawing

Made of pigmented wax. A crayon is basically a stick of wax mixed with colored pigment (that's the stuff that makes the color). When you press it on paper, the wax rubs off and leaves a colored mark.

Different from pastels. Crayons aren't the same as pastels, even though they both come in bright colors. Pastels use dry powder held together with gum arabic, while crayons use actual wax as the binder.

Perfect for kids. Crayons are one of the easiest art tools to use because you just grab one and start coloring. They don't need sharpening like pencils, and they're hard to mess up with.

Come in every color. Crayon makers mix different pigments to create the rainbow of colors you see in a box. Some pigments come from minerals, plants, or even special chemicals scientists invented.

Waxy and durable. The wax in crayons makes them tough and long-lasting, so they don't break as easily as chalk or pastels. The wax also helps the color stick to the paper smoothly.