Here is a selection of step-by-step craft techniques for you to try. You can also search for specific topics using the search box above.

Craft techniques

An easy method of gilding

If you haven’t tried to gild anything before, imitation metal leaf is easy to use and is a lot less expensive than using real gold leaf. I wanted to gild a clay replica of a precious metal medieval European bookcover that I saw at the British Museum. Read more about metal leaf gilding…

Using self-hardening modeling clay

Ever needed to model something in clay, but don’t have a kiln or a potter’s wheel? Don’t want to end up with just a cracked, blobby mess as the finished product? Well, self-hardening modeling clay may be the answer. There are many self-hardening materials available which can be dried at room temperature and are very easy to use. For this project, I decided to make a miniature door for a relief painting.Read more about using modeling clay…

Using modeling clay to make an art card

For this project, I decided to make art cards from modeling clay, essentially miniature paintings measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches, that can be exchanged with other artists. They can be made of any material as long as they meet the dimensions and are not too thick.Read more about using modeling clay to make an art card…

How to make a latex mold (mould)

You can make a latex mould/ mold of any reasonably sized object. I chose to make a mould / mold of an art card (a miniature measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches that can be exchanged with other artists) of three sheep that I’d made from modelling material. Read more about making a latex mould/ mold…

How to cast plaster of Paris in a latex mold (mould)

Plaster of Paris can be used in many ways, one of which is to cast it in a mold. Find out how to cast plaster of Paris in a latex mold with step-by-step photographs. Read more about plaster of Paris…

Discarded metal turned into sculpture

Ever wondered what happens to some of our junk and unwanted items? They are made into sculptures of course. Many artists work with recycled material from metal and plastic to found objects and waste paper. Read more about discarded metal…

Egyptian-style ACEOs and art cards

Looking back over the sketches and photos I’d created after an inspiring visit to the British Museum (see my British Museum page), I decided to use some for a couple of experimental projects. Read more about Egyptian style ACEOs/art cards…