We’re tickled pink to share that one of our favorite “holidays” is coming up next week – National Crayon Day! It’s only once in a blue moon that we pursue a dedicated celebration of gorgeous colors, and we can’t wait.

But, it’s 2021, and we’ve spent the past year coloring outside the lines. So, we couldn’t help but take a moment to wonder what might happen in a world without crayons. This isn’t a new idea.

Author Drew Daywalt wrote a book, The Day the Crayons Quit, that explores a box of crayons’ struggles based on colors — including why each crayon might think about quitting coloring for good. For example, the red crayon complains about “working” on major holidays like Valentine’s Day (so many hearts!) and Christmas (drawings of Santa Claus).

Let’s look at some of the alternative ways we might express ourselves with color. In case all of the crayons do happen to quit one day. Here are some crayon alternatives that will help take your artwork up a notch.

3D Pens: Bringing Colorful Designs to Life

Compact and easy-to-use, 3D pens allow you to draw and create with colorful plastic. With a 3D pen you can draw a raised graphic on a piece of paper or any flat surface. But what makes a 3D pen truly unique is its ability to “draw” in mid-air, allowing you to instantly form 3D structures right in front of you, which you can pick up and hold in your hand. Learn more about 3D pens here.

Clay: Molding the World Around You

Clay is a colorful tool that can be molded into different shapes, including sculptures, pottery, and decorative patterns and designs. It is a great starting point for young children looking to develop coordination, build strength, and express their creativity.

Construction Paper: Creating Abstract Design

Tearing paper is a productive fine motor activity for children, and a fun, beautiful way to create colorful mosaic-like images that resemble watercolor paintings. In Japan, this technique is called chigiri e. Artists have been known to trace a design onto paper, then rip colorful paper gently to color in the desired shape.

What’s your favorite color, and how do you create art with that color when you don’t have any crayons on hand? Share your thoughts with us on social media: @3Doodler #3Doodler #WhatWillYouCreate