The Unusual Uses of Crayons: From Flood Prevention to Artistic Innovation

Crayons, those simple coloring tools that many of us view as mere leisure items, have been employed in some truly extraordinary ways throughout history and cultural anecdotes. This article delves into unique uses of crayons, from saving an entire nation from flooding to surprising artistic creations. Let's explore these fascinating stories in more detail.

Flood Prevention: A Swift Act Saves a Country

Imagine a scenario where a major dike in Holland is on the verge of failure, threatening to flood the entire country. In such a high-stakes situation, one remarkable ordinary citizen stepped in with an unusual solution. The story goes that a concerned individual grabbed a crayon, stuffed it into the tiny leak hole, and miraculously, the country was saved. This unprecedented act by a single person highlights the profound impact one can have in a critical moment. This incident is still recounted today as a testament to the power of individual action.

Negative Acts: Revenge and Annoyance

While crayons can be used for good, they have also been utilized in less savory ways. One example is revenge. A woman in a parking dispute with her neighbor took matters into her own hands. On a hot day of over 110 degrees, she used a dry erase marker to write derogatory messages on her neighbor's car window. The heat caused the small pieces of crayon she had placed under the car's wipers to melt, resulting in smearing that wouldn't come off. Though she did not witness the outcome, the impact on her neighbor was considerable, showcasing the practical and ingenuous ways people can use everyday items for mischief.

Creative Artistic Uses

Unlike the previous examples, crayons have also been employed in many creative and artistic endeavors. For instance, they have been used as a medium to make candle holders. By fusing crayons together to form a mat, it can then be attached to a real candle, creating a unique and artistic fusion of art and light. Another creative project involves using melted crayons as a medium for creating placemats. During a school project for Mother's Day, wax paper was used to collect shavings from shaved crayons of different colors. Another sheet of wax paper was then placed on top of the shavings. The layers were melted to create colorful, custom placemats. This project not only celebrates creativity but also helps in making thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

Lowering Social Standards: A Navigating Game

In the past, and particularly in more conservative times, playing with crayons to simulate a medical procedure was a stark reality that many children had to face. To avoid the need for a toy thermometer, kids would sometimes use real crayons to create a makeshift thermometer. A game involved one child pretending to be the doctor, and the other being the patient, where the patient would need to move their bowels to push the crayon out. This unconventional method was a common game in many households, though it was always played in complete secrecy due to the high moral and modesty standards of the time.

In conclusion, crayons, despite their seemingly simple nature, have been repurposed for a multitude of uses beyond their intended purpose. From flood prevention to artistry, these versatile tools demonstrate the innovative spirit of humanity.