9 Best Pastel Holders To Keep Your Work Less Messy In 2023
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Some artists shy away from pastels because they're very messy to use. Here's a secret some very enterprising artists use to work with this medium without the mess. However, finding the best pastel holders is hard, so we're offering some suggestions. If you think this article might be helpful, read on!
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall - AVLE Multi Magnetic Oil Pastels Holder• 5 clip-on holders in one pack |
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Best Multi-Purpose Holder - Pranovo Aluminum Chalk Holder • Aluminum alloy construction |
Best Lightweight Holder - Hagoromo Chalk Holder with Magnet• Sturdy plastic construction |
1. KOH-I-NOOR 5343 Chalk Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
Aside from oil pastels, soft pastels, and chalks, these holders work with graphite pencil sticks, which artists love. Art professors also recommend them to their students. The only drawback here is the round body, making it easier to roll off the table. Some artists added a spot of hot glue on either side to stave off the rolling.
Why We Think It's Great
This KOH-I-NOOR chalk holder is a must for your pastel artist collection. One push is all you need to get your oil pastel or soft pastel into the holder. The one-touch button at the top of the holder lets you remove and push more pastels out to get the right length to use. No need to worry about the mess when you have this holder.
You also get the most out of your oil and soft pastel sticks, even if they get too small to hold with your bare fingers. It helps economize your supplies, especially if you're into more expensive brands like Sennelier oil pastels. The slightly weighted metal body feels great in your hand, and its sleek silver hue complements any studio space.
Who Should Buy It
If you enjoy using chalks and pastels, you'll also enjoy using this pastel holder.
2. Dixon Industrial Lumber Crayon Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
This holder is multi-purpose. As observed by many users, it holds crayons for marking on wood (its primary purpose), Ferro sticks, graphite, charcoal vine sticks, and chalk. They're very versatile, so crafters and artists love them.
Why We Think It's Great
The Dixon Industrial Lumber Crayon Holder bears a mark of excellence in its make and finish. This tool, made from the finest grade certified sustainable hardwood, is necessary for artists and crafters who work with various mediums and crafting tools.
It contains non-toxic adhesives or finishes and is safe enough for children. They are larger than most holders because they mark crayons for wood, but they work well with soft pastels. Some artists add several layers of paper strips to make the soft pastels and oil pastels fit.
Who Should Buy It
This chalk holder is best for artists/crafters who also dabble with woodworking.
3. AVLE Multi Magnetic Oil Pastels Holder - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
According to some artists, these holders help oil pastels that are otherwise too small to hold. One mom is very grateful for this tool as it is less messy and needs less time to clean up.
Why We Think It's Great
AVLE multi-magnetic oil pastels holder is a clip-on holder for flexible and stable hold, so you don't have to worry about the size and shape of your oil and soft pastels. No more issues about clogging as the one-push clip opens wide enough to clear out any residues.
Each pack comes with 5 holders, so you can add your colors without switching holders every time. Since it's magnetic, you can set up a magnetic strip near your workstation to avoid dropping your pastels, resulting in crumbling and breakage.
These holders work best with individually-wrapped pastels like Rembrandt Soft Pastels or Sennelier Soft Pastels. Oil pastels also tend to slip off because of their creamy consistency. However, you can add a layer of paper around the oil pastels to better fit them. The set also comes with a hard case to keep your tools organized.
Who Should Buy It
Pastel artists who use both soft and oil pastels will appreciate the less messy application and more control they have over their pastel sticks.
4. Lyra Graphite Crayon Stick Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
This holder lets the artists work with unwrapped graphite crayons and pastels without having the mess. They're multi-purpose, making them a great addition to any artist's studio space.
Why We Think It's Great
Lyra is the ultimate holder for your crayons and pencils with its single-handed "one-push" design. It has a sturdy spring inside that pushes at your too-short oil pastels so you can still color with them.
Lyra has a sturdy metal and plastic body, so you don't have to worry about it breaking under pressure or when you accidentally drop it from your desk. It's thin enough to slip into pockets easily, making it great for students who get tired of carrying bulky objects around.
Who Should Buy It
This holder will ruin you from handling your pastels with bare hands for artists who have yet to try a pastel holder.
5. Caran D'ache Chalk Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
Though some artists don't like the exorbitant price of this chalk holder, other artists love the durable and sturdy construction of this pastel holder. They also work well for other mediums, which is a good plus for most artists.
Why We Think It's Great
From working with different art mediums to lengthening your oil and soft pastels, the Caran D'ache chalk holder extends your artistic possibilities. It has an ergonomic design with a slightly weighted feel, making it comfortable for just about any hand size.
One-touch operation means you won't have to break a sweat for the perfect application of color on oil pastel paper or canvas. Finally, this quality chalk crayon holder is made sturdy and durable, so it's sure to last through many creations!
Who Should Buy It
Any artist who doesn't want messy fingers when drawing with oil pastels will cherish having this pencil holder in their art studio.
6. Pranovo Aluminum Chalk Holder - Best Multi-Purpose Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
It's an excellent product, according to many users. Another went as far as to ask himself why he waited for so long before purchasing it, knowing it did well for his crafts.
Why We Think It's Great
The Pranovo Aluminum Chalk Holder is perfect for the artist who only wants the most essential of oil pastel holders. They're small, measuring 3.5 long and 0.5 inches in diameter, making them easy to carry around.
This aluminum alloy holder comes in packs of 2, which is great for any small studio space and fits regular-sized blocks of soft pastels. If your block crumbles, just push it back up into place with a quick squeeze of its spring-loaded clip! The exact mechanism allows you to change or replace your oil pastels.
Aluminum never rusts, so this will stay looking attractive long after many other holders have gone rusty. Unlike other brands, it also has an aluminum clip-on chuck that prevents the holder from rolling off the table.
Who Should Buy It
This pastel holder is the best choice for artists looking for an efficient yet affordable tool.
7. Zonon Chalk Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
Many users were delighted with this set, especially that it can fit both round and rectangular pastels. They also keep your work area less messy and easier to clean up.
Why We Think It's Great
Zonon is a space-saving and versatile pack of five holders made of durable aluminum alloy and perfect for most standard-size chalks and pastels. It is ideal for on-the-go artists with its low price point, strong spring, and clip-on.
The body is lightweight but sturdy, making it a must-have tool for all pastel and chalk artists. You may even use this for parlor games where the players must use chalk. It comes with 2 blackboard erasers, so it also works for chalk. The 3.5x0.5-inch dimension makes it easy to lug around.
Who Should Buy It
No more messy hands and switching your pastels when you have this 5-piece pack of pastel holders.
Who Should Buy It
No more messy hands and switching off your pastels when you have this 5-piece pack of pastel holders.
8. Hagoromo Chalk Holder with Magnet - Best Lightweight Holder
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What Customers Have to Say
Many have tried this pastels holder because the magnet works well, though you have to place it upside down since some caps are not that snug on the body. The holder works perfectly, though, as most users attest.
Why We Think It's Great
The Hagoromo Chalk Holder with Magnet is a convenient and helpful tool to use. It helps maximize the use of your oil and soft pastels, expensive art supplies that you can't afford to go to waste.
The spring-loaded operation allows you to work on the holder with one hand, though you have to be careful since the chalk or pastel, or pastel may launch itself if you push on the top too hard. Not a fun thought, but it only proves the strength of the spring.
It fits most standard-sized oil and soft pastels. One very enterprising artist shaved off the corners of a square pastel stick so that it fits into the holder, then used the shavings to add a wash on her paper.
Who Should Buy It
If you have short oil and soft pastels lying around your studio but don't want them to go unused, this holder is a great buy for you.
9. Crazer Chalk Holder with Storage Case
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What Customers Have to Say
Though some users find it hard to replace the chalk or pastels in the holder, it works well in keeping out the mess on their projects.
Why We Think It's Great
The Crazer Chalk Holder is a must-have item for artists who want to store all their favorite pastel holders in one place. The case is sturdy and clear, while the clasp keeps the case locked so you don't spill its contents, especially when traveling. It measures 4.6x3.9x1 inches.
This set includes five holders in 5 vibrant colors with 5 prongs that you push out to insert or change your pastels. Each holder measures 3.7x0.6 inches and can fit up to 0.5-inch pastels.
Who Should Buy It
Kids and young artists will favor the colorful design of these holders, not to mention the storage case, which makes them easy to store when not in use.
Conclusion
Every artist wants the best supplies to make their still-life, landscapes, and portraits, no matter what oil pastel technique they prefer. The bottom line is always efficiency and convenience, and these pastel holders give you that.
We vote for the AVLE Multi Magnetic Oil Pastels Holder for our top pick because it can fit most round and square pastels with its duckbill, clip-on type, stable hold, and 5 holders in one affordable pack.
Our best multi-purpose holder vote goes to Pranovo Aluminum Chalk Holder for its sturdy aluminum construction, one-push operation. Some artists want something very light on their hands to prevent unnecessary fatigue. For that, we have the Hagoromo Chalk Holder with Magnet. It has a sturdy plastic construction, with a magnetic cap and spring-loaded operation.