CRAYON CARE & USE

Crayons are very durable and lasting.  They are also a cost effective way of providing creativity, pleasure, enjoyment and motivation for adults and children.

When using a crayon, you are using a very easy-to-use marking and creative medium.

When caring for, and using crayons, these valuable hints will assist you to enjoy them and appreciate them more fully:

1. Crayon life – crayons last for a long period of time, and you can continue to get the maximum benefit from them, especially if you want a fine point, by sharpening them with a commercial Stanley knife.
   
   
2. Cleaning – crayons are very easy to clean with a rag.  Simply twist the rag to keep other colours away from the coloured crayon you are using.  If there is serious discolouration, you can clean the actual crayon with a small amount of Shellite on a rag. Test on a surface before use.
   
   
3. Storage – crayons are easy to store.  Ensure you have a cool area away from direct sunlight, and try to keep the temperature below 28°C.
   
   
4. Crayon Graffiti – if crayons are used inappropriately on walls etc., then once you have tested the surface with a small amount of Shellite, you should find that, in most cases, the Shellite will be satisfactory for removing the crayon from walls or other surfaces. Shellite is flammable, so use with caution.
   
   
5. Crayon on Paper – crayons are very durable, and will last almost forever on paper.  If you do want to keep the crayon on the surface, it is important that it doesn’t rub on other surfaces, or is not located in a high traffic area.
   
   
6. Special Artwork – if you want to keep your children’s artwork, or any crayon artwork, a glass frame would prevent it from deteriorating.  Most deterioration comes from the crayon rubbing off, not from crayon deterioration itself.
   
   
7. Breaking and Sharing – crayons are very “communal sensitive”.  They love to be shared between children and between adults, especially in the creative process.  Make certain you divide them into appropriate lengths.  They can then be distributed and used amongst a number of individuals.