Some time last year, most likely after a stint of hibernation during the winter, we said goodbye to our hardened play-doh. It was all spent and it would not be replaced as it had in times past. I did not want to think about another crumb of the stuff, there was little that was relaxing when playing with it, there always seemed to be a mess, one that could not be contained.

I've had plans to move on to mud once the children age a bit more, but for now I needed something to replace the play-doh immediately. Beeswax has been the perfect addition to our table time. It creates no messes, it fits in nicely with the art supplies and toys that I typically leave out for exploration as a child sees fit.

Wax adds to strengthened dexterity for children and adults alike. Money saving, because it's reusable and it doesn't mix together and turn into a blob of black, brown or gray. The wax doesn't stiffen to the point of uselessness. Buy it once is my favorite mantra for so many reasons. Bonus that the children have not mentioned that they miss play-doh, they've been busy gushing over the wax instead.

Friday morning we all sat around after breakfast, dishes scattered among us, playing with wax, chatting. We created animals, fruits and such for guessing games. Family time well spent.

Once the wax warms up in your hands something clicks, everyone who has played with it remarks on how soothing the medium is to mould, whether you have a vision of what you may be creating or nothing in particular. You can find Stockmar modeling wax here and at various other retailers.