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Crayon Rocks: Better than crayons

By Jennifer | November 12, 2008 | 10 comments / Join the conversation!

Our entire family is in love with Crayon Rocks. Z has always been a marker girl, snubbing crayons for markers or paint since she was given a choice between the two. It'd gotten to the point that I was actually considering getting rid of all of our crayons since they were so neglected.

Then the Crayon Rocks arrived in the mail. Z hesitantly used them the first time and as she used them she got more and more excited. Crayon Rocks, made of soy wax rather than (petroleum-based) paraffin, glide smoothly over the paper and leave behind brilliant, bright colors that can be blended and smudged in much the same manner as pastels. They are rock shaped not typical crayon shape and the rock shape encourages the use of the tripod grip which helps early scribblers train the muscles they need for fine motor skills. The rock shape also encourages an exploration of different techniques of marking the paper - using a flat side to make a wide swath of color or using a tip to make a thin line more than a standard paper wrapped crayon.

Fall colors.

Crayon Rocks are priced at $7.50 for 16 rocks or $5 for 8 rocks, and sold on their creators' website. The company is currently sold out but they are taking pre-orders and they have assured me that they will be shipping in time for the holidays.

Categories: art supplies, drawing, reviews

10 Comments

1. Heather G [11/12/08]

We love crayon rocks! The are easier for my 2 year old to use. My 4 year old picks them over regular crayons all the time. I like how holding them encourages him to use a pencil grip, something he needs to work on. The way you can blend them has led to some wonderful discussions and products!

2. Maria [11/12/08]

We love crayon rocks too! I ordered them on a whim, and we love love love them!

3. sunny [11/12/08]

These look like fun! My only question is whether they are messy like pastels. I can see my 2 yo getting them everywhere.... Any thoughts?

4. Maria [11/12/08]

I never had any problem with a mess. I grab them and color with my son and the color stays on the paper quite well. You can smudge the colors, but I don’t remember him every having particularly dirty hands from using the crayon rocks.

5. Jennifer McNichols [11/12/08]

Z seemed to love working with the red crayon the most and that did leave her with some messy hands… which she then would wipe on her shirt or pants. I was a little worried that it would stain her clothes but I’ve washed many items so far covered in red and it’s come out everytime. Now to remember to put her in her art smock!

6. maya [11/12/08]

we love them too! i keep them in a little cup on the coffee table along with a small pad of paper and they get lots of use. have never had a problem with staining.

7. kelli [11/13/08]

I carry a small bag of them in my purse—it’s a treat for the kids when they come out. The red does get on the fingers.

8. jen [11/13/08]

THese look awesome. Hello Christmas present for the soon to be 3 year old :)

9. elana [11/29/08]

i was considering these for my almost 3 year old twins, but my son is allergic to soy. guess that’s a problem, huh?!

10. Alice [12/10/08]

I saw Soy Learning Crayons on Etsy here http://naturallyhandmadece.etsy.com Looks like they come in a lot of different shapes. Do you know anything about these soy learning crayons? Thanks.

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