Studio Materials
Gesso Prepares a Painting Surface; White Paint Supplies Colour
Choose a suitable painting ground, test it on a spare surface and understand why a white colour layer does not automatically replace gesso.
Fresh from the craft table
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Stitching Practice
Adjust the Embroidery Hoop Before Blaming Your Stitches
Set embroidery-hoop tension on a scrap first, then check the fabric again as you work so pulling stitches do not distort the design.
Drawing Practice
Draw the Gaps Around a Still Life to See Its Shape Again
Try a small drawing exercise that uses the empty spaces around everyday objects to check proportion and arrangement.
Paper Studio
Turn the Paper Before Forcing a Craft Knife Around a Corner
Improve paper-cutting control by planning corners, repositioning the sheet and keeping your hands clear of the blade path.
At the Craft Table
Leave a Border Around Watercolour Before You Choose the Mount
Test the visible border and window mount around a watercolour before trimming the paper or committing to a frame.
Paper and Craft
Fold a Paper Sample Before Committing to the Final Card
Test paper direction, scoring pressure and fold quality on a spare piece before making a card, booklet or paper decoration.