OK, call me cheap.
I like to use all the bits of pastel that fall off or break. I also collect the dust that falls off by placing a little trough of tin-foil underneath my painting when it’s on the easel. I keep all the little bits in spice jars (according to color family, temperature and value.) With these I do the ultimate recycle- I make new pastels or use the dust to create a toned paper.
Want to make your own?
Here are the step by step directions.
To begin the making process place a paper towel on a sheet of wax paper. Pour some distilled water onto the paper towel.
Next, place the pastel bits on the paper towel. Leave them there for 5 minutes or so, while they absorb the distilled water.
Once the water’s been soaked up, use a palette knife, paint scraper or even an old kitchen spatula to break up any lumps of dry pastel and make sure the consistency is smooth.
Now take a dry paper towel, place it over the paste, and press, twist, and squeeze the paste between the two paper towels to remove excess dampness, eliminate bubbles, and form the stick. You can also use a palette knife with a little water on it for lubrication to press down on the paste to get the bubbles out and to cut the damp stick into sections.
Once that’s done, roll the sticks onto a plastic surface – leave them overnight to dry. A cool stick is a wet stick-let it dry more.
I enjoy making surprise sticks...mixed with different colors.
