Stockmar: Natural Art Supplies

When it comes to choosing safe and quality art materials for your family, the products from Stockmar are in a league of their own. We were delighted to include many of their art supplies to our selection, chiefly because they are made from safe, non-toxic materials using natural plant extracts and food-grade pigments for vibrant colors. Stockmar uses beeswax instead of paraffin wax, the wax used in most conventional crayons, which also contain lead pigments and non-organic products such as petroleum.

Since children can be adversely affected by paraffin (a petroleum by-product), along with heavy metals, it makes sense to give their developing organs a break while mastering their sense of line and form in the art studio. Children will also find beeswax crayons easier to work with as they glide smoothly, without the characteristic flakes. Beeswax also has outstanding drawing properties (no crumbling, sticking, smudging) as well as a lovely aroma.

Beeswax Block Crayons: The blocks are a versatile choice in that both the corners and wide sides can be used--turn crayons on their side and create wide swaths of color, without the crayon snapping, because the blocks don't break! The blocks are also fun to use for rubbings: place paper over an interesting texture and rub the block over surface to reveal a transfer.  At MightyNest, we have three choices for the wax blocks: a set of 16 in a wooden storage box, a set of 12 in a cardboard box and a set of 8 in a tin box.

Beeswax Stick Crayons: The stick crayons are exceptional for drawing, whether representationally or abstractly. Another bonus of beeswax is the natural "resist" the wax makes. Try watercoloring after drawing with the wax crayons--the watercolors stay neatly within the lines. When the point needs sharpening, try using this sharpener, handy for thicker pencils as well.   Also available in a set of 16 in a wooden box, a set of 12 in a cardboard box and a set of 8 in a tin box.

And for seriously handy (and beautiful) storage for home or to take along for dinner out, the Cotton Wrapper is ideal for storing crayons and blocks. Great for the whole family to share, especially when the table is covered in paper! Conveniently holds 12 beeswax blocks and 12 stick crayons. See photo above.

Natural Colored Pencils: Using natural plant extracts, the colors from these smooth wooden pencils are gorgeous and feel great to use. They are break resistant and are free from a laquered finish, making the grip much more comfortable. The box of 10 pencils comes in a handsome wooden storage box, helping to keep pencils in good working condition. Also available are the 12 color Waldorf assortment.

Modeling Beeswax: Using plant colors and beeswax, this modeling beeswax is perfect for kids to explore the world of 3-D building. The beeswax naturally warms up in your hand so it allows you to make an object and then begin again without the material hardening. Perfect for adding sculpted objects to dollhouses or imagined play worlds.

What are your favorite art projects to do with your kids?