IBM and Crayola Use the Power of Computing to Add New Twist to Traditional Arts & Crafts

Crayola Creation Corner Software Offers Print and Craft Activities That Inspire Imagination, Creativity and Hours of Fun

San Francisco, CA -- September 28, 1999 -- IBM today announced the shipment of Crayola Creation Corner, a new software title that allows children to use the power of the computer, along with an extensive collection of Crayola-inspired art tools, to create imaginative and fun print and craft activities as well as puzzles and games. With easy-to-follow instructions, kids can transform ordinary household items into toys, animals, jewelry and other inventions, and learn to create personalized greeting cards, party decorations, calendars, games and more.

Crayola Creation Corner, for ages five to 10, offers more than 100 entertaining print and craft activities and ideas that can be customized using 96 Crayola colors and a wide variety of patterns and stamps. By using ordinary household objects, children can make crafts such as an alligator from a cardboard tube, a paddleboat out of a milk carton, a raft or puppets from popsicle sticks, and even animals out of clothespins. Each activity encourages children to use their imagination, emphasizes using technology in constructive ways, and creatively inspires kids to extend play beyond the computer.

"The computer is a powerful starting point for creativity projects," said Diana James-Cairns, vice president of marketing for IBM's Consumer Software Division and general manager for IBM's Multimedia Studio. "Families are looking for constructive and educational ways their children can take advantage of computing, but they also want to extend the experience off-screen. In Crayola Creation Station children use the computer to create a game from a milk carton, for instance, but then assemble it and play with it off-screen."

Step-by-step instructions and pre-design templates help children be successful with each project so they can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their workmanship. In addition, with "Idea Starters," children are given design or game play suggestions that help spark creativity and interest as well as extend the fun for hours. They are limited only by their imagination!

IBM Crayola "Mini" Editions

IBM is also expanding its line of affordably priced Crayola software with the introduction of two new software titles based on Creation Corner: Party Time and Craft Time. Priced under $10, these "mini-editions" allow families to build their own software library regardless of budget.

Pricing and Availability

Crayola Creation Corner software is planned to be available in October at an estimated retail price of $19.95*. IBM's mini-edition titles -- Party Time and CraftTime -- are also planned to be available in October with an estimated street price of $9.95*. The products will be available for Windows and Macintosh computers. IBM Crayola software can be found at most major retailers who sell computer software and online at http://www.ibm.com/pc/athome/.

IBM

IBM is a leading manufacturer and developer of hardware and software solutions for the home. IBM's consumer products have been widely recognized for technology innovation and product design. These products include the Aptiva and ThinkPad i Series family of personal computers, Consumer Options and Solutions, the upcoming BRAIN QUEST brand of entertainment and educational software products, the Crayola family of software, the Edmark brand of educational software and IBM reference software products including the World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia. For information on current product offerings visit http://www.ibm.com/pc/athome/ or call (800) 320-8377.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Creation Corner is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Crayola, the serpentine and chevron designs, and crayon characters are registered trademarks, and the rainbow/swash design is a trademark of Binney & Smith. Used under license. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

*Estimated street price. Retail prices may vary.