National Crayola Crayon Day

A group of diverse children using Crayola crayons to create colorful artworks, surrounded by vibrant nature and smiling with joy.. — National crayola crayon day illustration

Are you ready to color outside the lines? Because it's National Crayola Crayon Day! Get your creative juices flowing and let's celebrate the joy of coloring with the world's greatest invention - Crayola crayons!

When is Crayola Crayon Day?

It's national crayola crayon day on the 31st March.

The Birth of Crayola Crayons

Let's dive into the colorful history of Crayola crayons, shall we? The story begins in 1903, when cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith decided to take a leap of faith and start their own company. They created a company called Binney & Smith, and it initially produced carbon black and red oxide pigments.

However, the real magic happened in 1903 when Binney's wife, Alice, suggested creating safe and affordable wax crayons for children. And that's how the world was introduced to Crayola crayons!

The Evolution of Colors

Over the years, Crayola crayons have evolved to offer an incredible array of colors. From the classic box of 8 colors to the massive box with 152 colors, there's a Crayola crayon set for every aspiring artist.

Not only did Crayola expand their color range, but they also introduced various product lines, such as Crayola Twistables, Crayola Silly Scents, and even Crayola Glitter Crayons! Oh, the sparkle!

Coloring Goes Digital

In recent years, Crayola embraced the digital world with Crayola Color Alive and Crayola Color Wonder. Now kids can bring their coloring creations to life using augmented reality or enjoy mess-free coloring with special ink that only appears on Color Wonder paper. Technology and crayons? Who would've thought?

Crayons and Pop Culture

Crayola crayons have become an iconic part of pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music videos. They've inspired countless works of art, brought joy to classrooms, and helped adults find their inner child. So many happy memories tied to these colorful wax sticks!

Whether you prefer coloring inside the lines or boldly breaking boundaries, National Crayola Crayon Day is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity. Grab a box of crayons, lose yourself in the vibrant hues, and let your imagination roam free!

History behind the term 'Crayola Crayon'

1903

The Birth of Crayola Crayons

In 1903, the Binney & Smith Company introduced the world to Crayola crayons. Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith, the founders of the company, developed a non-toxic, affordable, and colorful drawing material suitable for children. Originally called 'Crayola,' the name was a combination of the French word 'craie,' meaning chalk, and 'ola,' from the word 'oleaginous,' referring to the oily consistency of the crayons.

1904

Named Crayola Crayons

In 1904, the Crayola brand name officially became 'Crayola Crayons.' This new name helped distinguish the product from other items on the market and solidified the company's commitment to producing high-quality crayons. Each Crayola crayon featured a hue name on the label, ensuring children could identify and express the exact colors they wanted to use in their artwork.

1958

Introducing the Plastic Crayon Box

In 1958, Crayola introduced the iconic yellow and green plastic crayon box that many people remember from their childhood. This box not only made it convenient for children to carry their Crayola crayons wherever they went but also added a sense of excitement and organization to the crayon experience. The plastic box became an instant hit, becoming an essential part of Crayola's brand image.

1990

Expanding the Crayon Lineup

By 1990, Crayola had expanded its crayon lineup from the original eight colors to a stunning array of 120 different shades. The expansion allowed children and artists alike to have a vast selection of colors to bring their imagination to life. Some notable additions over the years include the introduction of metallic crayons, neon colors, and even scented crayons, providing even more creative possibilities.

2003

Celebrating 100 Years of Crayola Crayons

In 2003, Crayola celebrated its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of bringing color and joy to millions of children worldwide. As a tribute to this milestone, Crayola introduced a limited edition box with a selection of colors spanning the company's history. This special box not only commemorated the past but also highlighted the ever-evolving nature of Crayola's product offerings.

Did you know?

Did you know that Crayola produces about 3 billion crayons each year? That's enough crayons to circle the Earth six times! Talk about coloring the world!