How-To Guides

Candle Making - IntroductionCandle making is a timeless craft that combines creativity, science, and hands-on skill. From the traditional use of beeswax tapers to today’s wide variety of scented, coloured, and decorative candles, it offers a practical way to explore both artistic expression and material processes.   At its core, candle ...

  Master the fundamentals of three-dimensional design by exploring the anatomy and grace of a deer in clay!   This guide focuses on the transition from raw material to natural form, prioritising structural integrity, realistic proportions and surface detail. By observing the balance and skeletal framework of the animal, you will learn ...

  Lino printing is a versatile and rewarding printmaking technique that has been popular since the early 20th century. Originally embraced by artists as an affordable and accessible alternative to woodcuts, it allows you to create bold, textured designs with just a few simple tools.   Whether you’re a beginner or looking to ...

  Discover the timeless art of pottery with this beginner’s guide which will introduce you to essential techniques, tools and tips to help you start your pottery journey with confidence. Whether you’re shaping your first bowl or experimenting with decorative designs, this guide will inspire your creativity and set you on a ...

Lino printing is a traditional printmaking technique that’s both accessible and rewarding. It involves carving a design into a soft block of linoleum, applying ink to the raised surface and pressing it onto paper to create bold, textured prints. The process allows for a lot of creative freedom, from simple shapes to intricate patterns and ...

Fauvism celebrates strong colour and confident brushwork, turning simple subjects into striking compositions.     Whether you’re developing classroom projects or expanding your own creative practice, this guide offers a practical way to experiment with Fauvist ideas in a vibrant, accessible format. By the end, you’ll ...

  Andy Warhol didn't just paint, he industrialised art, turning everyday objects into cultural commentary through mechanical repetition.   If you want to capture bold, graphic energy with the unique texture of a handmade print, this is your next project. We're breaking down the process of carving and printing a Warhol inspired cupcake ...

  Photorealism is all about capturing the world with incredible detail, making your painting look almost like a photograph. It’s a style that challenges you to observe colours, textures and light with precision and the results can be strikingly realistic.   In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a photorealistic ...

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, ...