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 ...

Screen printing is such a versatile and rewarding process, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your artistic journey. From bold, graphic designs to delicate, layered textures, the possibilities are endless, but a few simple tips can make a huge difference in the quality of your prints.One of the first things is that consistency is ...

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 ...

  A practical, confidence-boosting guide for art teachersIf your art department has a printing press, you’re already sitting on one of the most powerful creative tools a school can own. The problem is that presses are often inherited, underused, or quietly intimidating. They can feel technical, time-consuming, or “too ...

Following an incredible response to our 2025 Specialist Crafts Catalogue Competition, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the 30 talented runners-up whose artwork moved, inspired and delighted our judging panel.This year’s entries reminded us of something powerful: when young people are given the space, materials and encouragement to ...

  We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our 2025 Specialist Crafts Catalogue Competition, a celebration of creativity, imagination and the incredible talent found in classrooms across the globe.This year’s competition invited art students to design artwork that captures the joy and power of creativity in education. The ...

  The Importance of White in Art   White may seem simple at first glance, but it has played a vital role in art for centuries. From subtle highlights that give paintings depth to brilliant strokes that make a canvas shine, white is far more than a neutral tone, it is the foundation of painting:   - Creating highlights that give ...

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 ...

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 ...