Blog Posts

Our newest concertina sketchbooks have landed and they’re inspired by a format with a long and fascinating creative history. Far from being a modern novelty, the concertina (or leporello) structure has been used for centuries to tell stories, preserve knowledge and support artistic expression in a uniquely fluid way.Designed to expand, ...

Blue has long captured the human imagination. From the vastness of the sky to the depth of the sea, artists have sought ways to bring this elusive colour into their work. Yet for much of history, blue was not only rare but extraordinarily expensive, reserved for the most sacred and significant subjects. The search for stable, brilliant blue ...

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 ...

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 ...

    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 ...

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 ...