How-To Guides

By Greg Thomas IntroductionThis lesson is a good introduction to using clay. Students produce a small condiment bottle / jar of their choice using the coiling technique. Students get to experience rolling a slab, coiling, slip, scratching into the clay and painting their pieces. For a clay project it is relatively quick and students have autonomy ...

Screen Printing - IntroductionAs a way of transferring designs onto fabric, screen printing originated in China (around AD 221). The Japanese soon followed this and began using simple stencilling techniques to create imagery. Stencils were cut out of paper at this time and human hair was woven to create the mesh. They used stiff brushes to ...

Simple Enamelling - IntroductionPrecise records of where and when enamelling first began are unavailable, however, it is thought that the craft originated in one of the western European civilizations. Egypt and China, too, have contributed greatly to the enamelling knowledge over the centuries. Most of the enamelling executed before the middle of ...

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 ...

  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 ...

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, ...