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Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
August 4, 2021
Q: Aura asks: "I have a brand new white pigment ink pad that will not stamp in white. It stamps in 'wet' so I know it is not dried out. Am I supposed to prime an ink pad or something? If so, how do I go about it?"
A: Sometimes in pigment ink pads the pigment solids will sink... I remember one particular brand where the manufacturer recommended massaging the pad with the back of a spoon before stamping to mix all the elements of the ink together again. It's similar to paint cans or markers that need to be shaken before use because of settling.
July 28, 2021
Q: surette asks: "I rarely see people using Distress Ink and Distress Oxide Ink to stamp words and images, it's mostly ink smearing. Are these inks fine for using with photopolymer and rubber stamps? How should I be using them?"
A: It's a good observation. The Distress and Oxide inks are formulated to dry slowly so that they can be embossed, used with water, and used for various blending techniques. Because of this property the regular Distress inks tend to bead up on stamps - for that reason they're not ideal for stamping focal images or clear details. The Oxide formula does produce a clearer stamped image, with its slightly chalky finish.
July 21, 2021
Q: Elvisaddict asks: "You have mentioned digital images several times. Are these computer generated images? If so, what type of paper do you print them on? Can you just use your regular computer ink? Do you have to pay for the images or where do you find them?"
A: In many cases, digital images are the same camera-ready artwork that is used to create rubber stamps. Having the artwork in a digital format allows it to be resized, flipped, layered, digitally colored, digitally cut, and altered. You can print them on any paper that your printer will accept - I usually use cardstock, Canva-Paper or watercolor paper depending on the coloring medium I want to use. Most printers will accept at least lightweight cardstock, and watercolor paper is available in 90# weight. I print and let the ink cure at least overnight before coloring with Copics or watercolors. There are many sources for digital stamps - we've got a forum dedicated to them HERE.
July 14, 2021
Q: Mardy asks: "What are some techniques for applying gold leafing?"
A: All you really need is something for the leafing to stick to - there are several different methods! I have used double-sided tape, pressing the flakes onto the adhesive and brushing away the excess. You can use strips of tape, or you can die cut wider pieces from double stick sheets. With sticky embossing powder you can foil a stamped image - stamp with embossing ink (or use an embossing pen to add details or highlights to an image), apply the powder, heat just until melted, apply the flakes and heat from the back again just enough to reactivate the glue, let cool and brush the excess away. Another option would be a tacky-when-dry medium - you can spread it through a stencil or use a palette knife or brush on your project for a more freeform application. Let the medium dry, then apply the flakes. (Tombow mono glue stays tacky when it dries - if you don't have the medium you can try it with that! )
July 7, 2021
Q: Louise wants to know: "I have clear stamps that are sticky and will pull the paper up from my MISTI. They are nice stamps but sure would love to use them."
A: That's usually a sign of a good quality new photopolymer stamp and it won't hurt anything, but I know it can be frustrating! Make sure your card is well positioned in the corner of your MISTI, and check the position each time you make a new impression. The magnets will hold the card into that position for stamping. Inking may take some of the stickiness away, but if the stamp does pull the card out of position it's easy to snug back into the corner. Check the forum HERE for more advice from our members.
