Mould making is more accessible than most people realise — once you understand what alginate, plaster of Paris, and liquid latex each do, the whole subject opens up. Alginate is a seaweed-derived gel that sets in minutes and captures precise surface detail — ideal for life casting but single-use. Plaster of Paris is the classic casting material, mixed to a creamy consistency and poured into the mould to set hard. Liquid latex builds up in painted layers to create flexible, reusable rubber moulds for repeat casting. This complete beginner's guide covers all three, explains when to use each, and walks through a simple first project. All stocked at Craft and Canvas.

Both lino and foam are relief printing techniques, but they are quite different in practice. Lino requires carving tools, takes more time, and produces results with a quality and precision foam cannot replicate. Foam can be marked with a pencil, needs no cutting tools, and is immediately accessible for children and beginners. In this guide we compare the two directly — detail, durability, cost, safety, and the quality of the printed mark — and give clear guidance on which to choose for different makers and projects. Full range stocked at Craft and Canvas.

Polymer clay looks simple and reveals extraordinary depth the more you work with it. Fimo — made by Staedtler in Germany since the 1950s — is the starting point most makers reach for, and with good reason. In this complete beginner's guide we cover the Fimo Soft, Easy Metal, and Form and Play ranges we stock at Craft and Canvas, how to condition and work the clay, colour blending, joining pieces, the baking process at 110°C for 30 minutes, and finishing with sanding, painting, and varnishing. Fimo Soft individual blocks at £3.75, Fimo Modelling Tools at £5.99.