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Pencil Grades Explained: A Kiwi Student's Guide (HB to 9B)
HB, 2B, 6B, 9B — what do drawing pencil grades actually mean? Plain-English guide for NZ art students plus NCEA-friendly recommendations and Mont Marte set picks.
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How to Start Acrylic Painting: A Beginner's Guide (NZ)
Acrylics are the best place to start painting — forgiving, fast-drying and affordable. Here's exactly what you need and how to paint your first piece, step by step.Read now -
Clay Types NZ — Complete Comparison: Air-Dry, Polymer, Plasticine, Pottery & More
Every clay type for NZ artists, sculptors, kids and crafters compared — air-dry, polymer, plasticine, oil-based, ceramic, paper clay. Which to use for what, prices, hardening, kid safety. From Handy Mandy.Read now -
Oil Paint for Beginners NZ — The Mont Marte Guide to Starting Oil Painting
Start oil painting in New Zealand with confidence — what paints to buy, brushes that work with oils, solvents (and the safe alternatives), drying times in NZ climate, and a step-by-step first painting. From Handy Mandy.Read now -
Drawing Supplies NZ — Sketchbooks, Pencils, Drawing Pens & Markers Buyer's Guide
What to buy to start drawing in New Zealand — sketchbooks, pencils, charcoal, drawing pens, markers and the right paper for each. From Handy Mandy, your Auckland craft store.Read now -
Spray Paint NZ: The Beginner's Guide to Picking, Prepping & Spraying Like a Pro
How to pick the right spray paint, prep your surface, and spray with a finish you're proud of. NZ-stocked Max Brand All Surface range from $9.99 — 17 colours, no primer needed.Read now -
How to Choose the Right Canvas Size for NCEA Painting Major Work (NZ Artist Guide 2026)
A practical guide to choosing the right canvas size and format for your NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3 painting major work — covering folio composition, time-to-paint, transport, marking criteria, and what most NZ students get wrong.Read now -
Watercolour Paper FAQ: Hot Press, Cold Press & Rough Explained
Read nowWatercolour paper labels are confusing. 12 questions answered in plain English — hot vs cold press, GSM weights, cellulose vs cotton, and the NZ-best beginner pad.
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14 Air-Dry Clay Project Ideas for NZ Kids' School Holidays
Read nowDay three of the holidays the kids will say "I'm bored". Beat them to it: 14 air-dry clay projects ages 4 to 14, from pinch pots to full diorama scenes, mostly under $20.
