They finally arrived! Eden is now the proud owner of new crayons. When I was little nothing made my day like a new waxy smelling box of Crayola crayons. I still have a big thing for art supplies. You would think that loving supplies the way I do Eden would already be awash in them. Well I have been thinking about it for a while now, and decided to go slowly. Eden has been scribbling away for months and months now. When she was about a year old, Eden plopped herself down on her stomach, feet up in the air, to scribble on some paper. I got a huge kick out of that; she reminded me of a teenager.
For months now, Eden has used her siblings' pens, pencils, markers, and a few crayons off and on. I have watched her carefully since art supplies can easily end up in a toddler's mouth. I have also tried to simply follow her lead while attempting to match her supplies to her skill level and age. Enter the crayon blocks. I finally made the leap and bought them. Even though I believe that children should have quality art supplies, I am not so used to buying pricier art supplies for children, especially in the crayon department. I am used to two dollars here and maybe five dollars there when it comes to crayons and paint. However, I have learned that they experience much more success and less frustration if they have supplies that work well. I used to blame myself when my creative attempts would repeatedly 'crash and burn'. It turns out that I was using supplies that were less than helpful. After trying a few of their supplies myself, I found out why they were geting frustrated. When children, or adults for that matter, are first discovering their creative selves, it's very important to avoid this source of frustration. People are apt to blame themselves for a vision that didn't work out instead of the poor quality of paper, paint, crayons, and so on. The children don't need a heaping amount of supplies (I found that could be overwhelming for me and them), just a few good ones.
I am so happy with these crayon blocks. Eden is intrigued and has a much easier time handling the blocks than traditional crayons. They draw with an incredible smoothness; nothing makes me crazier than scratchy, chalky crayons (lately it seems that even my beloved Crayolas are guilty of this sin; what's up Crayola people?!). The colors are vibrant and rich. I have also repeatedly heard some claims that they last for many years and are impossible to break. This is a great big plus in our family. Also they come in a cool tin box, and you know how I love myself some tin boxes!
First Eden drew with her crayons.
Then she stacked them.
Then she drew some more.

Is that the door? It looks like the sibs are back.
And here they are. I had to remind Elijah and Helena that the crayons did in fact belong to Eden and that she was sharing with them. Eden was patient with them for a while, but then they were on the receiving end of the "non, non, non," speech. I think Doran will like using these from time to time. With the difficulties he has with motor control and low muscle tone, I think the block shape will give him some more success in making art. He loves art, but it can be a big struggle for him.
Does the cow work like the crayons?
Then Eden decided she wanted to count the lines she had made with her new crayons.
Mama's so happy you love your crayons Eden Deeden!
Do you have a favorite art supply for yourself or a special little one in your life?