In this episode of Mello, we explore the magic of crayons—how they are made and how they remind us that mistakes can lead to unexpected beauty. Join us as we step into the colorful world of a master crayon creator, where imagination and happy accidents blend to form something new. Through guided meditation, we’ll embrace creativity, curiosity, and the joy of making something uniquely our own.

How Crayons Are Made 

Endless possibilities of your imagination through mistakes

Hello! Here at mello, we love exploring quirky questions, going on imaginative journeys, and giving our minds the time and space to meditate.

Meditating can help when we become full of ideas, thoughts, and emotions, and want to create something beautiful. Sometimes when we create, we might worry when our lines go all wiggly or the colors mix in ways we don’t expect. Meditating can clear our minds and allow us to appreciate our creations with fresh eyes.

In this episode, our question comes from Zelda:

Zelda:  “How are crayons made?”

EKKKKK! I am so excited to learn about the magical world of crayons! Thank you for this question! What is your favorite color? Mine is a rich yellow, like a marigold! 

Sit back, relax…and mello. 

Let’s start by getting our wiggles out. Go ahead and wiggle. 

That’s right–your toes and arms, your fingers and legs. Wiggle them up and down and all around. Now settle those wiggles into a comfortable spot. You are safe as you straighten your back and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, feeling your body fill with calm. As you exhale, whisper to yourself, “I am safe”. With your next inhale, feel your body fill with love. As you exhale, whisper to yourself,  “I am loved.”

With your last deep breath, your imagination is now ready for our adventure. 

When was the last time you drew with a crayon? Was it just a few minutes ago, a few days ago, a few years ago?  Whenever it was, take a moment to imagine what it was like. The endless creativity. Crafting your own world…that waxy texture imprinted on the page. 

I can see a question in your eyes. Are you wondering how those crayons; that you used all day are actually made?

Close your eyes, and step into the remarkable workshop of a crayonoloigist; where the art of color mixing begins.

(Door opening) 

Before you is a kaleidoscope of color. Tall windows let the bright sunlight filter in; spilling its light onto long tables ready for creation. 

You are in awe as you take in the walls lined with endless shelves holding every color imaginable.  Breathe in the distinct smell of crayons. The air is swirling with the waxy aroma and a hint of sweetness. 

This smell evokes an instant memory of your favorite coloring spot. It’s cozy and filled with all the supplies you need: crisp stacks of paper and so many crayons. Some are fresh yet to be used, while others are mere stubs.

You feel safe as you imagine your space of creativity. Take a deep breath in, feeling the peace and safety this space gives you. Allow that feeling to fully relax your body.

With another deep breath in and out, let's go back to the color workshop.

Before you, a master crayon creator beckons you to join him at the heart of his workshop. His long beard and once-white apron are spattered with every color imaginable. Before him sits a massive mixing pot, filled to the brim with melted wax, waiting just for you. Ready to bring all the colors of the world to your fingertips. 

With the crayon master, you experiment with different powdery pigments, mixing them with a large wooden spoon. Your eyes glitter with excitement as you watch the colors swirl together. 

Unexpectedly as you add the next color, it tips further than you intended. You look to the color master. Worry begins to fill your mind. Did you ruin the entire color? He gives you a knowing smile and nods ever so slightly to the pot. Can it be? As the colors whirl,  you’re struck by a sense of wonder. Did you just discover a new shade that’s never been seen before? Maybe mistakes can be beautiful if we hold the right perspective. 

As you continue to stir this magnificent color, you can't help but be swept away by its magic. Your mind wanders to a thought. Could the mistakes, the accidents, and the unexpected moments in our lives be like this new color? 

You take a deep breath, filling your belly. As you exhale, you know that every mistake made with a happy heart doesn’t need to be a mistake at all. Every wandering stroke of your crayon could turn your creation into something you never thought it could be, something new and possibly brilliant. 

Now that you’re unburdened by this idea of “mistakes,” you are free to simply create. 

As a last ingredient you sprinkle in a little clay filler that will help make the crayon stronger and more durable.  Now you carefully tip the pot, pouring the newly colored wax into a mold that will perfectly create hundreds of crayons. 

As the crayons begin to harden in the mold you know that the time is near for your favorite part- naming your color. Envision the color before you and conjure up a name that captures the essence of the hue. 

Perhaps you'll name a brilliant red "Phoenix Feather," or "Starless Sky" for a deep blue. Think for a moment about what you want to name your wonderful color…now say it out loud. 

(pause, music)

Now solidified and named, the crayons are complete. 

You pick one up in your hand. Let it roll back and forth in your palm, feeling the soft paper gliding smoothly. The sensation calms you. 

Before you is a blank piece of paper. You and your imagination are ready. I know your mind is filled with incredible ideas, bright colors, and stories ready to be told as your illustrations unfold. 

As you press the crayon down on the paper, making your first stroke, you marvel at the trail of colorful wax in its wake. You are delighted. Allow that delight to fill your body. You witnessed every moment of this crayon's creation and now it’s giving you the gift of making your imagination come alive. 

As you look up at the shelves of endless crayons, you wonder if all the creators who came before you also made the same little mistakes. You pick up your new color and begin to draw, knowing that even if your crayon takes a wonky turn everything will turn out just fine.