How-To Guides

Weaving - IntroductionThe use of card and board looms forms an interesting introduction to the early stages of hand weaving. With this simple apparatus it is possible to study the fundamentals of design, use of colour in textiles and to produce an extensive range of articles which will be of great value to both the home craftworker and needlework ...

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 ...

  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 ...

Mod Roc, short for modelling rock, is a versatile sculptural material widely used in art, design, and education. Made from gauze coated with plaster of Paris, it becomes pliable when dipped in water, then hardens as it dries. This unique quality allows artists to quickly build form, texture, and structure, making it ideal for creating masks, ...

  Discover the vibrant world of X2 Free Flow Acrylic Paint Pouring, a fun, expressive technique perfect for studios and classrooms alike.    This guide shows you how to balance colour, movement, and texture to create captivating, fluid artworks, using Specialist Crafts X2 Free Flow Acrylics, pouring mediums and silicone oils, ...

Make Your Own Paper - IntroductionYou handle paper in all sorts of different forms every day. You probably know that it has been made on huge and complicated machinery, yet you can make it yourself by hand in your own kitchen, back yard or classroom, using waste paper as raw material. What’s more, you can do it successfully from the outset ...

Batik is a traditional art form that transforms plain fabric into a vivid tapestry of patterns and color using wax-resist dyeing techniques. Originating from Indonesia and practiced across various cultures in Asia and Africa, batik is both a practical craft and a form of creative expression. Whether you're inspired by intricate heritage motifs or ...

Air-dry clay is a versatile, easy-to-use material that allows you to create beautiful handmade objects, no kiln or oven required. Whether you're new to clay or looking for a low-mess, accessible way to explore sculpting, air dry clay is perfect for artists, crafters, and DIYers of all levels.This guide is perfect for anyone looking for air dry clay ...

Wire art is a unique and expressive form of drawing that brings line work into three dimensions. By bending and shaping wire, creating lightweight, sculptural interpretations of objects, forms, and figures. It’s a technique that combines creativity with craftsmanship.In this how-to guide, we’ll guide you through step by step creating a ...

Inspired by The Great Pottery Throw Down, where artists pour their emotions into clay to create meaningful, personal pieces. This project aligns with the UK Art & Design curriculum by encouraging students to develop their ideas, master sculpting techniques, and explore storytelling through sculpture. It allows them to create meaningful, ...