While Winchester greeted us with grey skies and a steady drizzle, inside The Arc the atmosphere was bright, creative and full of energy. Yesterday Specialist Crafts joined 12 art teachers and technicians for an uplifting workshop led by Berkshire Printmakers’ brilliant duo, Sarah Martinez and Cipriano Martínez. What could have been an ...

Cold Enamelling - IntroductionCold enamel is a great product for many reasons. The finish is as attractive and resilient as traditional enamelling, however there is no need for a kiln. This make it affordable and the process extremely simple. Once mastered, you will be able to produce items for yourself and beautiful gifts for friends.ContentsWhat ...

    Why Screen Printing MattersThere’s something magical about that first pull of a squeegee, the hush before the reveal, when the image appears bold against the paper. Screen printing is one of those techniques that never fails to capture attention. It’s immediate, playful and deeply satisfying; it teaches students that art ...

  Specialist Crafts Paper Guide   Cartridge paper is one of the most commonly used papers in schools today. Its plain, smooth sufrace makes it ideal for designing and sketching with pencils, pens and inks. We strive to offer a range of sizes in a variety of weights. All are good qualty and excellent value. Use our chart below to see ...

  Stencil card has a waxy finish which resists the moisture from the ink and lasts longer than paper. By placing the stencil card under the mesh prevents the squeegee from catching on the cut edges.  Step by step - Let's CreateChoose a bold graphic design, which will hold it’s rigid form when cut. You can either print out a design ...

  Posca pens are perfect for creating bold, bright and illustrative designs. They can be used on various surfaces and are available in multiple nib sizes and assorted sets. Posca pens can be diluted with water to produce a gradient effect, mixed together when wet, or used straight from the pen and layered!  Step by step - Let's ...

  Papermaking is a rewarding and sustainable process that allows you to transform recycled materials into beautiful, handcrafted sheets. This guide will take you through each stage from preparing and pulping the furnish, to forming, pressing and drying your paper. You can experiment with adding fibres, petals, or pigments to create unique ...

  Hand-building is one of the oldest ceramic techniques, dating back thousands of years, when early potters shaped clay without the use of a wheel. Today, these methods remain popular for creating unique, handcrafted pottery. This guide explores three fundamental techniques: pinching, coiling and slabbing. You’ll learn how to shape ...

From Block to Print: Finding Your Ideal Ink   When it comes to printmaking, the ink you choose can completely transform your results. Whether you’re carving a lino block, etching a metal plate, or pulling vibrant screen prints, each process demands its own specialist ink. From the rich consistency of etching inks to the tacky texture ...

  If you’re looking for materials suitable for CO₂ laser cutting or engraving, we’ve put together a helpful list to get you started.   See the products in the tables below that are generally suitable for use with a CO₂ laser or engraving machine. Please note that laser machines can vary, so always check your ...