Clay modelling is riding a new wave of popularity around New Zealand. Whether it’s being done for therapeutic purposes, thanks to the mental health benefits of arts and crafts, or for the creation of one-off pieces for the home, we are noticing more demand for our clay modelling products. As a beginner perusing our extensive product range for the first time you might feel a little overwhelmed at all the options. For example, what sort of clay should you buy?  When it comes to clay, there are two major types: polymer and air-dry. Here’s what makes them different, and the advantages each o ..read more

Fine art paper is more temperamental than you’d think. As a biodegradable material, it must be handled and stored with care. Firstly, it is absorbent, so humid and moist environments can cause warping and lead to mould growth. Quality paper should be stored in a cool, dry place. Secondly, it should be kept out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can make it brittle. Paper is also fragile. Excessive touch can potentially stain the sheet and increase the risk of damage. The edges are particularly susceptible to scuffing and folding. We suggest keeping your paper in its packaging right up u ..read more

A small section of artists paint in oil or acrylic on unprimed paper, canvas or wood but for the most part, artists prepare their surfaces for painting. If you don’t prepare canvasses: Acrylic paint: Canvas will be bumpy and can repel water causing paint to bead rather than flow. Oil paint: Canvas will be bumpy and can soak up oil and produce outlines around painted areas or leave paint crumbly. Unprimed paper may absorb the oil or buckle from too much water and wood might absorb paint unevenly in the grain and swell due to absorbing water. Fortunately, there are surface treatments to ensure ..read more

Canvases are the go-to choice for most painters but knowing which one to choose can be tricky if you don’t already have a preference. Whether you're stretching your canvas or buying ready-made stretched canvas or canvas boards, there are many types to choose from. The characteristics you require from your surface will determine which one you choose. The weight of the fabric, the material it is made from, and the combination of surface preparation will give different painting experiences and affect the final look of your painting. You can get ready-made canvas boards of various sizes and surfa ..read more

Have you never tried painting with watercolours before? Or are you somewhat experienced with them? They’re a gentle and rewarding way to paint, but difficult to unlock the real magic of them unless you know the secrets. Hobby Land is here to let you into the secret garden of watercolours. Come on in…  Watercolours aren’t meant to be applied heavy, densely like acrylics, oils, tempera. They are happiest when they flow across the paper, mixing and overlapping to create colour and shade. Not too wet and not too dry, watercolours have to be just right - and that’s where some of the secrets li ..read more

Fabric paints and dyes allow you to turn your art and creativity into wearable textiles, clothing, upholstery or other home decorations. Moving away from traditional painting on paper and canvas not only broadens your range of skills but offers a whole host of new and exciting possibilities. The majority of fabric painting requires specifically formulated paint made specifically for textiles. There are also a few techniques to be learnt that differentiate painting on paper to painting on fabric. Here’s our 101 guide to fabric paint and dyes. Tip 1 Always pre-wash your fabrics. This will clear ..read more

One of our favourite small pleasures in life is choosing a brand new sketchbook and opening those crisp, clean pages for the first time. The smell, the look, the newness. Selecting the right one, however, can be a bit of a challenge. It’s not as though you’re limited with options so how do you make sure you choose wisely? We’ve plotted out a guide below to help make the right decision for your next few months of sketches. Size: It’s common for budding artists to start small, as big pages can feel a little daunting. A5 is a good starting point for a sketchbook. A4 is double the size of A5 and A ..read more

Want to learn how to make art prints for the walls of your home or to sell online? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you that you don't have to give up the original. Whether you are drawing, painting, printing or creating mixed media art, you can convert your works into printouts or adapt them into posters, postcards or other items. This is how to make copies at home. If you don't have a scanner or don't want to buy one, you can head down to the local library. A quick warning though, some cheaper scanners may not be able to detect certain colours and tints, such as fluorescent, so you might wan ..read more

Most people are familiar with the artist's colour wheel, but we’re here with a guide to help you understand how to correctly interpret it and use it to benefit your art. The colour wheel is essentially the visible spectrum of colours enclosed in a circle and is a useful tool to help explain what happens when we mix colours together. It is a visual cue for mixing and this guide will help you understand what it is and how to use it.  TRADITIONAL COLOUR WHEEL There are multiple variations of the colour wheel. The first is the traditional colour wheel, in which the primary colours - red, blue ..read more

Getting crafty with ink? If you’re starting out with ink and a little unsure about the main differences between each one, then this quick guide will be helpful. We’ll briefly go over the main inks in NZ and the characteristics that set them apart from each other. We’ll also focus on the world-leading brands that produce them including Liquitex, Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney.  Indian ink. Probably the most famous type of ink in the world. A true Indian Ink like this fast-drying and water-resistant product from Winsor & Newton is a permanent, opaque black that mixes well with ot ..read more