Do Etching Tools Need Different Pressure in Damp Studios(Post)
As we move through mid-autumn into winter in Central Victoria, the temperature drops and the air gets heavier with moisture. Things start to quieten in the studio a bit, especially in printmaking. Dam
Why Mouldmaking Timing Matters During Autumn Humidity(Post)
Autumn in Central Victoria always brings that subtle shift in the air. Mornings get cooler, afternoons flatten out, and there’s a visible softening in the light. What’s easy to miss, especially in the
Why Handmade Printmaking Papers Absorb Ink Differently(Post)
When you pull your first good print, it often catches you off guard how much the paper really matters. Even with a well-prepped plate and well-balanced ink, the result can shift depending on the sheet
Choosing Relief Printmaking Paper: Weight, Sizing, and Damping Tests(Post)
Get Sharper Relief Prints by Dialling in Your Paper Choice
Paper choice has a bigger impact on relief printing than many people expect. The same carved block can look flat and patchy on one sheet, the
How Kids Craft Supplies Change Spring Activities(Post)
When spring settles in, everything feels lighter. The air is warmer, the days stretch a little longer, and kids seem to have extra energy they need to get out. One of the best ways to channel that res
Steps to Set Up Your First Relief Printing Workspace(Post)
Starting relief printing at home feels exciting, but if your space isn’t right, it quickly gets messy. A bit of planning in the beginning makes a big difference. A steady setup can help you focus, avo
Rediscovering Signwriting Brushes in the Hand Lettering Revival(Post)
Why Hand Lettering Is Capturing Artists’ Imaginations
Hand lettering is turning up everywhere, from painted shopfronts and food trucks to wedding boards and large-scale murals. In creative regional to
Choosing Photo Emulsion or Cut Stencils for Screen Printing(Post)
Choosing Photo Emulsion or Cut Stencils for Screen Printing
Photo emulsion and cut stencils can both create strong screen prints, but they suit different kinds of artwork. Neither method is always “be
Does Online Art Supply Shipping Affect Paper Quality?(Post)
Buying art supplies online is convenient, especially when you are not right next to a specialist shop. But when your order includes delicate materials like printmaking or watercolour paper, it is fair
Where to Start When Picking Linocut Supplies for Beginners(Post)
Linocut printing is a hands-on and satisfying printmaking process that many beginners find welcoming. At first glance, the number of tools and materials might feel like a lot. But with the right linoc
Customer Service or Why We Might Suggest You Not Buy Something(Post)
Here at Art Supplies Castlemaine we believe in real customer
service. You might call it old school, I
prefer to call it being honest. So if
you are looking for something that we don’t think you n
Inside Printmaking Inks: Matching Viscosity to Your Press and Paper(Post)
Get Cleaner Prints by Understanding Ink Viscosity
Printmaking ink can feel tricky. Your plate looks great, you ink carefully, run it through the press, then the print comes out patchy, over-inked, or
Guide to Choosing Printmaking Equipment for Home Studios(Post)
Working with printmaking equipment at home can feel both exciting and manageable when you’ve got a setup that suits your space. Whether you’re experimenting with linocuts or trying drypoint for the fi
Relief Printing Paper Prep: How Dampening Affects Ink Transfer and Detail(Post)
Unlock Sharper Relief Prints with Better Paper Prep
Relief printing can feel very unforgiving. You carve carefully, roll out smooth ink, print with care, then lift the paper and see patchy blacks, fuz
Why Artists Choose Silicone Over Plaster in Cold Weather(Post)
When the weather starts to cool, we notice more artists swapping out plaster for silicone in their moulding work. It’s not just about preference. The cold air actually changes how some mouldmaking sup
What Paper pH Means for Long-Term Sketchbook Storage(Post)
When we sit down with an art journal book, we’re not just thinking about today’s drawing but how it might hold up years from now. One factor that’s easy to overlook is the pH level of the paper itself
Understanding Brush Shapes for Blended Acrylic Effects(Post)
Blending acrylic paint can be a bit of a puzzle until you get the right brush in your hand. Even with solid techniques, blending often feels awkward when the brush doesn't match the job. Whether you'r
Comparing Drypoint Marks on Different Etching Papers(Post)
When we sit down with an art journal book, we’re not just thinking about today’s drawing but how it might hold up years from now. One factor that’s easy to overlook is the pH level of the paper itself
Simple Ways to Start an Art Journal Book(Post)
Starting an art journal book is one of the simplest ways to stay close to your materials without pressure. It does not need a plan or polished ideas, only a spot to test what a colour does, how your b
A Simple Guide to Choosing Inks for Drawing Line vs Wash(Post)
Inks behave differently depending on how you use them. Some are made for sharp, clean lines that stay fixed in place. Others are better for soft washes that move with water and leave gentle shades beh