Looking for a medium that is colourful, fun and easy to use? Pastels may bring to mind a child drawing at school, but soft, hard and oil pastels are the tools of the trade for many professional artists, and can be used to create absolutely stunning...

For a hobby that is relaxing, hands-on and ends with the creation of useful homewares and decor, look no further than the age-old art of pottery making! You can make bowls, cups, plates, jewellery and more out of clay, and when fired correctly…

Practiced by the masters and still incredibly popular today, impasto painting involves creating a textured painting with paint that rises off the page in peaks and waves. It allows the artist to create an incredibly detailed painting that is also...

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. This week we were able to catch up with Chloe, the…

At Spotlight, we are proud to have partnered with talented artists from all across Australia and New Zealand to create a series of stunning fabrics you can use in all your home projects. Each of these creators brings their own unique vision and style…

Make this school year a creative one with Spotlight! Find your back to school essentials here, as well as DIY stationery ideas to make your supplies unique.

Are you in need of some classroom decoration ideas? Check out Spotlight’s guide on classroom decorating, including popular classroom themes & budget tips!

Cotton canvas and art paper are the two most popular materials for painting on, but have you ever considered painting on fabric? Mastering fabric painting gives you the ability to paint straight onto canvas bags, shoes and your clothing, allowing you...

Have you just returned from an amazing holiday? Many people like to post their snaps on social media, or maybe even create a special photo album filled with printed pictures from their holiday. If you love to craft, or are just looking for a more...

What’s not to love about pom poms? They’re soft, fluffy, light and can be made in any colour of the rainbow… plus they’re easy to create at home in a matter of minutes! Making pom poms is an activity crafters of all ages and experiences can enjoy…

Looking for a more interesting way to display your treasured photos, trinkets and memorabilia? The shadow box is just what you’re looking for! Essentially a photo frame with a larger depth, shadow boxes (also known as keepsake frames)...

Are you thinking of making your first cosplay costume, or are you an experienced cosplayer looking for some tips to make your next costume your best one yet? At Spotlight our range of fabrics, haberdashery, costume accessories and crafts contains…

Whether you’re a beginner wondering how to do tie dye or an experienced dyer looking for helpful tips, this article has got you covered. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to tie dye, including pattern inspiration, colour setting…

Face paint can be the cherry on top of an already horrifying Halloween costume - take your scary outfit to the next level with any of these face paint tutorials!

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. We were super keen to chat with stylish sewer Kali, who...

Kids' birthday parties are often loud, busy and exciting events for both the attendees and the supporting parents. At Spotlight we know how to throw a good party, but did you know that when it comes to kids' parties, you have more options for...

No matter if you are an experienced painter or just starting out, an art easel is an essential part of the painting experience that will help you take your creations to the next level. There are many benefits to using an artist easel, such as allowing…

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Hannah this week…

When creating a quilt there are many things you need to decide - colours and patterns you’ll use, how big it will be and what tools and fabrics you'll use to create it. But there's more to quilting than creating a lovely patchwork of coloured squares!

Get quilting with Spotlight! Check out our three favourite quilting projects right now for beginner, intermediate and experienced quilters. Find them here!

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. It was a pleasure to chat with Bridget this week, the…

Whether it's costumes, tableware or crafty ideas, Spotlight has everything you need to throw the ultimate Halloween party. We love everything handmade, so why not try making some of your own Halloween décor this year? We have everything you need to…

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. We had an absolute blast this week chatting with Bec Arnold…

Curious how Jess aka Fat Bobbin Girl create her inspiring plus-size sewing designs? Find out how she started her sewing journey and what inspires her here!

Want to learn how to sew? Spotlight’s guide to sewing for beginners will help you learn to use a sewing machine and basic sewing techniques - read how here!

The next innovation in yarn has arrived. Caron Colorama Ogo yarn features the gorgeous colours and hue transitions made famous by the Caron Cakes, but in a new format that avid knitters are going to love. Find Caron Ogo yarn online at Spotlight and…

With its anti-tangle design and beautiful transitory colours, Caron Ogo yarn is a dream to use for all your knitting and crochet projects. Got your hands on some of this yarn but are not sure how to proceed? We at Spotlight have collected our three…

Learn how to draw a koala with pencil, plus how to protect and frame your koala drawing with Spotlight. Video & images included. Read the full article here!

Celebrate the 12 Days of Sew with these sewing patterns! Our collection of advanced and beginner sewing projects has something for everyone. Read here!

Candle making is an art that has been around since the times of the ancient Greeks, and while the exact process and candle making materials have been greatly refined over time, it remains popular to this day. Candles provide light, warmth and scent…

Develop and nurture your child's love of reading this year during book week, which runs from August 20th to the 26th. This wonderful time of year brings children and books together with fun activities, competitions and stories, with the costume parade…

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. This week we chatted with Fallon, the talented creator of…

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. We are thrilled to have been able to chat with Mr Macramé…

Polymer clay is a versatile modelling medium that is suitable for use by crafters of all experiences. But what is polymer clay exactly? Unlike the natural clays you see being spun on a potter's wheel, polymer clay is a man-made substance based on…

Fluffy scarves, warm beanies and toasty gloves - knitting is the perfect hobby to take up, particularly in the colder months! You can make all sorts of clothing, accessories and toys with nothing more than knitting yarn and a pair of needles, but…

Celebrate the rich history of NAIDOC Week with us! Spotlight has partnered with the talented Warlukurlangu artists of the Yuendumu community to bring you four stunning Aboriginal art-inspired projects you can make at home. What is Warlukurlangu...

Resin art is taking the creative world by storm, and for good reason! Any art projects created with resin are hard, durable and glossy, with options for coating old paintings, creating artwork with coloured resin and even suspending objects in 3D resin…

If you are confident in painting on paper, then creating your next work of art on a canvas is a challenging but exciting step. Painting on canvas can be quite different to painting on paper, but don’t worry - this guide will help you learn all about…

Watercolour painting is very different from its acrylic and oil painting cousins. Whether you are a new artist looking to learn how to paint or an experienced acrylic painter wanting to switch mediums, this guide will help you learn watercolour…

Looking for a fun, easy and effective way to create beautiful pieces of art? Fluid art, also known as flow art or flow painting, involves pouring prepared colours onto canvas and then letting the paint do the rest of the work for you - resulting in a…

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. Today we spoke to Jemima Flendt, a passionate quilter who…

As part of this years' Quilting Expo, Spotlight has partnered with Jemima Flendt from Tied with a Ribbon to create this beautiful free quilt pattern. This Folk Floral quilt is the perfect quilt project for any quilters out there looking for a fun...

Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Katie…

When it comes down to it, the only thing your mum wants for Mother’s Day is your love. So, imagine how wonderful she’ll feel if you take the time to create a unique Mother’s Day gift especially for her?

When the mercury drops, our desire to wear warm, soft and snuggly clothing rises, so that’s also when fabrics such as flannelette and fleece really come into their own. The main difference between these two materials is that one is a largely natural…

Need a reason to spend time making art? Research shows that artistic hobbies have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Art therapy, in particular, has been shown to lower stress – for beginners as well as professional types.

Welcome to The Creative Files, this week we spoke with New Zealand designer Evie Kemp, who rebels against traditional interior design with her own unique take on eclectic and maximalist styles.

During Make It March at Spotlight, you'll learn how to create your very own arts and crafts projects from some of the biggest creative talent in Australia. As this week is all about parties, Tonia Todman has returned to show us how to make a DIY pinata.

For this instalment of the Creative Files, we spoke to Brooke Styles, one of Australia’s most renowned crafters and DIYers.

During Make It March at Spotlight, Tonia Todman has returned once again to show us how to make a clay vase and paint it with Liquitex paints.

Tonia Todman has returned once again to show us how to upcycle old lampshades and turn them into something new and unique.

Celebrating Easter is all about spending time with your favourite people – plus bunnies and chocolate galore! This year Easter Sunday is April 17, so there’s plenty of time to make it meaningful and delicious.

Welcome to The Creative Files. A new series where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers.

Throughout Make It March, we’ll be celebrating everything arts and crafts and sharing fun art projects to inspire your creative side! In this instalment, learn how to make these paper poppies with our special guests Tonia Todman and Jimmy Rees.

To sew or not to sew? It's not so much a question at Spotlight but a given - we just can't get enough of sewing! That's why we're constantly coming up with useful and remarkable sewing ideas to keep crafty hands and minds busy. Whether you're a…

Getting your kids school ready can be a stressful time for parents. Kids can be fussy when it comes to the look and style of their school stationery, which is all a part of their self-expression. However, off-the-shelf back to school supplies can have…

With two adorable children of her own, Stephanie Martinez understands just how stressful it can be when it comes to getting the kids school ready. Having demonstrated her creative prowess on Making It Australia on Network 10, Steph has teamed up with…

Add a personal touch to your festivities these holidays with these three quick and easy Christmas cookie ideas! Using only one recipe, you can quickly whip up these cute and delicious Christmas tree cookies so you can spend more quality time with your…

Katie Parrott has partnered with Spotlight to create her own stunning engagement party dress using our great range of quality fabrics. Discover her tips for 'pattern hacking' and how she was able to design and make this absolutely beautiful dress!

There's nothing more heart-warming than a personalised Christmas ornament that means something special to you! This year we are lucky enough to have Rachel Bourke from @imakestagram share with us her favourite Christmas tradition - handmade resin…

If you're already hanging out for Christmas, you're not alone. We all need some joy this year, so it makes sense to get in early on the holiday spirit. One way to do that is with DIY Christmas decorations. (It's easier than you think!) Channel your...

This is the third episode of Making a Quilt From Start to Finish with Monica Poole. In the last episode Monica showed how to join your blocks together using the quilt as you go method, how to join the blocks together to form rows and how to join the...

This is the second episode of Making a Quilt From Start to Finish with Monica Poole. In the last episode, Monica covered the basic tools for beginner quilters and how to cut out and make a basic stitch and flip block. If you haven't done so already...

Have you ever wondered how to make a quilt from scratch? Quilt designer and sewing tutor Monica Poole from Pattern Poole shows us everything you need to know about making a quilt from start to finish in this three-part series. About this quilt. This is…

We're all spending more time than usual at home right now. So if you need some new inspiration to come up with fun activities for the kids, you're not alone. Especially if you're looking for the kind of projects with minimal running and shrieking, and...

It’s nearly time for CBCA Book Week. If you’ve got kids in primary school, you'll know what that means: time for some literary-themed kids' Book Week costumes. (And plenty of reading, of course!) One book that never goes out of style is Snugglepot and...

If you want to learn how to sew, then you might be wondering where to start. We spoke with seasoned sewer and body positive fashion advocate Katie Parrott to give you her six tips and tricks to help you on your way. Kit & Storage - While there’s a huge...

It's our biannual 12 Days of Sew - a mini festival celebrating all things fabric, needles and thread. So we've pulled together six of our all-time favourite simple (and simple-ish) sew projects for everyone to get involved. Whether you’re at the...

Who says science experiments for kids can’t be fun? And messy? And cute? And a bit gross? Just in time for National Science Week, we’ve concocted three easy hands-on projects that little ones will love. Because sometimes the best science experiments...

Time to brush up on the national anthem and get into the green and gold! We’re cheering on Team Australia as they take on the world’s best in Tokyo, and we can’t wait to see how everything plays out. Watching our athletes swim, run and cycle their way…

How to make a number cake? Or should we say how '2' make a number cake? In this simple step-by-step video, you'll be taken through the basics for creating kids birthday cakes using their age as the theme. We start with a number '2' cake but you'll see...

Geneva Vanderzeil is a DIY and craft lover from Brisbane, Australia. She is also an author, stylist, maker and photographer. Spotlight has teamed up with Geneva to celebrate Make It Month and she has shared some of her thoughts on all things DIY and...

This activity is perfect for developing a number of early learning skills including number recognition, 1:1 correspondence, subitising and of course fine motor skills. These fine motor clotheslines are super easy to put together and are lots of fun to…

Parties are simply easier to organize when there’s a theme attached. It makes the table settings, decorations and even the food much more seamless to manage when there’s a theme or colour scheme to follow. One great way of communicating the theme to…

In Australian education, our school curricula can feel overcrowded, over-planned and overwhelming. The first things to be dropped off the end of the week of Reading, Writing and Mathematics activities are hands on craft and Art-based tasks that build…

We’ve all got a white t-shirt or two tucked away in the wardrobe or at the back of a drawer. If they’re not getting quite enough love as-is, it might be time to customise them into something more special. Here are three super-easy ideas for snazzing…

It might not be mid-winter yet - we know because we can still feel our toes – but there is definitely a chill in the air. This means you’re officially allowed to sit in front of the telly and craft. Whether you’re curled up in front of your favourite…

How can other teachers set up their workspace to make it feel like the classroom? For many of us teachers, our classroom is our second home and hold a lot of inspiration for what we do each and everyday. Transfer whatever draws inspiration for you in…

Former teacher and professional creative Kate Fisher is the artist behind KatFish Collection, a range of acrylic jewellery and bespoke pieces that's cute, colourful and sparkly - just like her craft room. Here, Kate shows off her wares, and her...

Flowers will never go out of fashion - and with fake flowers, you don’t even have to worry about them losing their bloom! This quirky and creative floral project will bring colour and cheer to a teen bedroom, lounge room or home office, or really...

We get it. Not everyone thinks of themselves as a crafty person. We could tell you that we believe everyone is capable of making cool stuff with their hands. But it's easy to forget that when the only things you have time to stitch are loose buttons...

You'd be hard pushed to find a kid who doesn't love mucking around with paints and coloured pencils. But for some reason, many of us lose touch with our inner artist, sometimes even before we reach double digits. Perhaps it's when the teacher tells us...