Three making materials that sit just outside mainstream craft but open up remarkable creative possibilities. Milliput (£6.25) is a two-part epoxy putty used by model makers, sculptors, and restorers — it sets rock hard, bonds to almost anything, and can be sanded, drilled, and painted. Modroc (£1.95 per roll) is plaster bandage that builds rigid sculptural forms over any armature in minutes. Resin — available as a 1 litre epoxy kit (£34.99) or UV resin kit (£22.99) — sets crystal clear for coasters, jewellery, and embedding. All stocked at Craft and Canvas.

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic processes — invented in 1842, used to make the first photographic book in 1843, and the origin of the word blueprint. It produces striking Prussian blue prints using sunlight and two iron-based chemicals, with no camera or darkroom required. In this complete beginner's guide we cover the history, how the chemistry works, what you need, a clear step-by-step process from coating paper to rinsing the finished print, and the range of things you can make — from botanical prints to fabric printing to photographic negatives. Cyanotype Set at £22.99 at Craft and Canvas.

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.