Tuesday Tutorial
I was researching pastel boxes to keep my pastels all in one place to create a better working system. To say I was a bit shocked at the prices in the art stores would be an understatement!
Being a frugal person I decided I could make my own. It wasn't difficult and took very little time. Just a few supplies and I was on my way to an inexpensive pastel box.
- Foamcore board
- Clear packing tape
- Exacto or craft knife
- Straight edge/ ruler
- pencil
First I decided that my box had to have 6 compartments to be able to sort my pastels into 6 different values. Then I measured the length of a full pastel stick and added 1/2 inch to that for wiggle room. This would be the the width of each compartment. Then to find the width of my box to accommodate six compartments I multiplied 6x (width of pastel stick +1/2 in) (for me this was approximately 19 inches). The length was completely arbitrary and I settled on 15 inches. You can make more or less compartments but this works best for me. The size of your box and each compartment is completely up to you.Mine came out to be 16 x 19 inches.
I then took my measurements and cut 1 bottom and 4 sides from the foam core with a straight edge and an Exacto knife. Since I wanted 6 compartments I also cut 5 dividers the same length as my box.
Then use clear packing tape and tape each side to the bottom. Do opposite ends first and then attach the remaining two sides. I reinforced the tape at the corners and where each side piece met the bottom.
Once the box was complete then I just added the dividers and secured them with tape.
I wanted to line each compartment with corrugated cardboard but I didn't have any so I substituted bubble wrap. This acts as a cushion and allows pastel dust to settle to the bottom. Now I have an inexpensive sturdy box to keep my pastels organized. It will last until I can afford a "real" one.
If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section. I will answer them asap.
Recent Comments