Origins (1885)

The history of Crayola began in 1885 when cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith established the company Binney & Smith. Initially, the firm did not manufacture crayons; instead, it produced red oxide pigment for barn paint, carbon black for printing ink and pigments for automobile tyres. This expertise in pigments eventually led the company to develop safe colouring products for children.1

Birth of the Crayola Brand (1903)

In 1903, Binney & Smith introduced the first box of Crayola Crayons. The original assortment contained eight non-toxic wax crayons and retailed for 5 cents. The inaugural colours were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown and black.

The name Crayola was coined by Alice Binney, wife of Edwin Binney. She combined the French word craie (chalk) with oleaginous (oily) to form the brand name.1

Growth

Throughout the 20th century, Crayola expanded its portfolio beyond crayons to include washable markers, coloured pencils, watercolour paints, poster paints, modelling compounds, sidewalk chalk, craft kits, creativity toys and school supplies. The company became a trusted classroom brand and a household name across North America and internationally.1

Hallmark Acquisition

In 1984, Hallmark Cards acquired Binney & Smith as a wholly owned subsidiary. This acquisition enabled Crayola to grow internationally whilst maintaining its focus on creativity and education.1

Becoming Crayola LLC

Although the brand had long been known as Crayola, the corporate name remained Binney & Smith until 2007, when it officially changed to Crayola LLC to better align with its flagship brand.1

Crayola’s mission centres on inspiring creativity and helping people of all ages express themselves through art. The company emphasises creative learning, imagination and self-expression in homes, schools and communities.1

Crayola offers a broad range of products across several categories:1

Crayons

The signature product line, available in numerous box sizes and specialty collections.

Markers

Includes washable, broad-line, fine-line, glitter, scented and dry-erase varieties.

Coloured Pencils

Used by students, artists and hobbyists.

Paints

Comprises watercolour, tempera, acrylic, finger paints and washable paints.

Modelling Materials

Includes air-dry clay, modelling compounds and sculpting products.

Craft Supplies

Paper, scissors, glue, stickers and activity kits.

Educational Products

Resources and supplies designed specifically for classrooms and creative learning environments.

Some of Crayola’s best-known product lines include:1

• Crayola Crayons
• Ultra-Clean Washable Markers
• Colored Pencils
• Silly Putty
• Air-Dry Clay
• Model Magic
• Colors of the World
• Glitter Crayons
• Metallic Crayons
• Twistables

Crayola manufactures billions of crayons annually. Traditional crayons are primarily made from paraffin wax and colour pigments. The company reports producing over 3 billion crayons each year.1

A defining feature of Crayola is its extensive colour library. Over the years, the brand has introduced hundreds of new shades, retired certain colours, held public naming contests, released limited-edition hues and expanded inclusive collections such as Colors of the World. Iconic Crayola colours include Cerulean, Burnt Sienna, Periwinkle, Macaroni and Cheese, Robin’s Egg Blue, Wild Strawberry, Razzmatazz and Dandelion (which was later retired and reintroduced in a limited edition).12

Crayola has expanded beyond physical products with Crayola Experience attractions, where visitors can explore interactive exhibits, creative activities and demonstrations centred around art and colour.1

Crayola states that it manufactures many of its products using 100% renewable energy at its major facilities and continues to invest in environmentally responsible production practices.1

Today, Crayola products are available across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and many other regions, serving homes, schools and educational institutions in more than 80 countries.1

• The first box of Crayola crayons sold for 5 cents.
• Crayola did not invent the crayon; rather, it popularised affordable, child-safe wax crayons.1
• The company has inspired creativity for more than 120 years.
• Crayola has become one of the most recognisable educational brands globally.
• Many retired Crayola colours have become collectibles among enthusiasts.2

Crayola has played a significant role in art education and childhood creativity for generations. From its iconic yellow-and-green crayon boxes to its expanding portfolio of art materials, educational resources and creative experiences, the brand remains synonymous with imagination, learning and colourful self-expression.

1. About Us
2. For the First Time in History, Crayola is Bringing Back These 8 Retired Colors. Here’s How to Get Your Hands on Them