Pastels are known for their soft, muted tones that lend a gentle aesthetic to any space. While traditional pastels consist of more vibrant hues like pink, blue, green, yellow, etc., light purple pastels offer a more delicate take on the color palette. Ranging from pale lilac to lavender, these dreamy purples can create a peaceful yet stylish look in your home or art projects. If you want to learn how to mix and make your own custom light purple pastels, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Choosing Your Pigments
The first step in making any pastel is selecting the right dry pigments. You’ll want to gather pigments in various shades of purple, blue, red, white, and black. Here are some pigment options to look for:
| Pigment | Shade |
| Ultramarine blue | Deep blue |
| Cobalt blue | Vivid blue |
| Phthalo blue | Bright blue |
| Manganese violet | Reddish purple |
| Dioxazine purple | Cool purple |
| Naphthol red | Blue-shade red |
| Titanium white | Pure white |
| Ivory black | Pure black |
These pigments will give you a wide range of tones to create custom purples. For a more reddish or pinkish purple, use more red and blue pigments. For a cooler, blue-based purple, use more blue and violet pigments. The white will lighten and soften the pastels, while the black will deepen and mute them.
Selecting Your Fillers
In addition to dry pigments, pastels contain fillers that bind the pigment together. The filler determines the hardness or softness of the pastel. Here are some common fillers used in pastel making:
| Filler | Texture |
| Kaolin clay | Soft, creamier |
| Calcium carbonate | Medium hardness |
| Silica | Harder, more brittle |
| Diatomaceous earth | Very soft, crumbly |
For softer pastels with richer color payout, go for fillers like kaolin clay or diatomaceous earth. For firmer pastels that are easier to blend, try fillers like calcium carbonate or silica. The filler ratios will depend on your personal preferences.
Measuring Out Your Ingredients
Now comes the fun part – measuring out your pigments and fillers! Here are some tips for ratios:
– Pigment amount: Start with 2 parts pigment for softer pastels, or up to 4 parts for firmer ones
– Filler amount: Use 1 part filler to every 1-2 parts pigment
– Pastel quantity: Aim for 100g batches while starting out
An example 100g batch using medium 2:1 pigment-to-filler ratio:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Dioxazine purple | 20g |
| Ultramarine blue | 20g |
| Titanium white | 10g |
| Kaolin clay | 25g |
| Calcium carbonate | 25g |
This will make a nice mid-tone purple. Feel free to tweak the ratios as needed to get your perfect shade.
Blending the Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun, messy part – blending up your custom color! Here are the steps:
1. In a plastic bag or glass jar, combine the measured-out pigments and fillers.
2. Seal the container and shake vigorously to mix the dry ingredients together. Keep blending for 2-3 minutes until uniformly incorporated.
3. Open it up and check for even color distribution. Blend for longer if needed.
4. Once blended, you can store the dry mixture in an airtight container until ready to bind with oil.
Blending longer yields a smoother, more consistent color. But be careful not to over-blend, as that can damage the pigment particles.
Binding with Oil
To turn your dry pigment-filler mix into usable pastels, you need to add an oil binder. Here are some common options:
| Binder | Properties |
| Linseed oil | Most traditional, long open time |
| Safflower oil | Little color distortion |
| Walnut oil | Fast drying |
| Sunflower oil | Smooth application |
For purple pastels, linseed and walnut oils work very well. Use just enough oil to wet the dry mixture into a moldable clay-like texture. A few tablespoons is usually sufficient per 100g batch.
Molding the Pastel Sticks
Here comes the fun, creative step – molding your pastels! You can shape them into sticks, squares, cubes, or any shape you like. Here’s a simple technique:
1. Lightly grease a baking pan or mold with oil. This will help the pastels release.
2. Take chunks of the oily paste and press firmly into the mold. Smooth and flatten the surfaces.
3. Allow to dry uncovered for 1-2 days until hardened. Drying time varies with climate.
4. Once fully dry and hardened, remove the pastels from the mold. They’re ready to use!
You can swirl colors together for marbled effects or layer contrasting shades to make gradients. Get creative with different shapes and combinations.
Storing Your Pastels
To keep your homemade pastels usable for as long as possible:
– Store them uncovered in a dry box or drawer. Avoid sealing them in plastic.
– Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.
– Dust periodically with a soft brush to remove any loose pigment.
– Fix broken pastels by blending with a drop of oil and re-molding.
Stored properly, your handmade pastels can last for many years! Just remake batches whenever you need more colors.
Using Your Light Purple Pastels
You can use your custom pastels just like store-bought ones. Here are some ways to use them:
– Sketching and drawing – Blend colors right on the paper. Layer hues for new shades.
– Coloring books – The soft texture is perfect for filling in detailed designs.
– Chalkboard art – These will glide beautifully on chalkboard surfaces.
– Crafts – Tint polymer clay, icing, candle wax, and more.
– Mixed media – Combine with gouache, watercolor, acrylics, etc. for new effects.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with your handmade pastels. Discover just how versatile they can be!
Tips for Making Different Purple Tones
While this guide focused on light purple pastels, you can use the same process to make different hues. Here are some tips:
For a pinker purple:
– Use more crimson red pigment
– Add a touch of titanium white
– Increase the kaolin clay ratio for softness
For a bluer purple:
– Use more ultramarine or phthalo blue
– Mix in some cobalt violet hue
– Add white sparingly to prevent getting too pale
For a bolder purple:
– Use more dioxazine purple pigment
– Add a small amount of black
– Reduce the filler slightly for denser color
For a pastel lavender:
– Lighten with more white pigment
– Soften with extra calcium carbonate
– Make your own lavender pigment by blending violet and white
Don’t be limited to just one shade – this process allows for unlimited customization!
Troubleshooting Pastel Making
While pastel making takes some trial and error, here are some common issues and solutions:
Pastels too soft and crumbly?
– Increase filler ratio to bind better
– Add a touch more oil to help adhesion
– Use firming fillers like calcium carbonate
Pastels too hard and brittle?
– Decrease filler ratio slightly
– Use more softening fillers like kaolin or diatomaceous earth
– Add a little more linseed oil while blending
Colors getting muddy or uneven?
– Blend the dry ingredients in a jar longer before adding oil
– Use higher pigment ratios for purer color payout
– Make sure not to over-blend pigments while binding
Can’t get the right color?
– Adjust the pigment ratios as needed
– Add a drop more of the color you need
– Keep notes for duplicating mixes later
With trial batches, you’ll learn how to tweak for the perfect texture and color every time.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a pale lilac or a vivid violet, mixing your own light purple pastels is an enjoyable DIY project for artists of all levels. By following this guide and experimenting with pigments, fillers, and oils, you can create an endless array of custom colors. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination! No matter what shades you dream up, bring them to life with your own two hands.