The Making of Mount Vision Pastels

     The first step is to find the right formula for a color. Like a conductor, I combine pigments and bring out the inherent beauty of each, enriching undertones, making each color sing individually and together. Then I sample test combinations of pigments with different strength binders and chalks to achieve the buttery feel of the pastels. Because these processes require a lot of trial and error, it can take up to six months to create a new color line. .

After a formula has been decided on the pigments and chalks are weighed and placed in a bowl to be mixed with the binder until it has the consistency of cookie dough.
The moist pastel "dough" is then placed in a sausage stuffer and extruded in long lengths on a board.
These lengths are then trimmed to size.The pastels are given a hand roll to smooth and size them before they are allowed to air dry. They are then ready to label and package.