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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
June 30, 2021
Q: Robin asks: "The Calendar Easel Card is awesome! Do you have a download for 2022?"
A: Of course! Click over to the photo tutorial HERE. In the supply list you'll find a link to a great resource for printable calendars in various formats, and 2022 calendars are available there now, and the One Page Calendar is perfect for the easel card.
June 23, 2021
Q: LipskeyMom wants to know: "I have a customer who wants to make a birthday card with clouds in the background. I think that it can be done using a mask and sponging, but I'm not entirely sure. Can you help? Thanks!"
A: There are a variety of ways to make cloudy backgrounds. There are dies and stencils that simplify the process. We also have a couple of site tutorials using different techniques! For a simple masking/sponging technique using die cuts, check out the Sponged Clouds tutorial HERE. The Cloudy Backgrounds tutorial will show you how to stencil cards with a simple scalloped circle punch, and how to watercolor a cloudy sky.
June 16, 2021
Q: Joanne asks: "I just read about using hanging folders to separate colored card stock in filing cabinets. Every time I do that the card stock bends. What am I doing wrong?"
A: It sounds like the problem might be too much weight in the folder. I store my cardstock this way, and the most I have is about an inch of thickness in each folder - if you have more than that, just divide the paper into more folders. You can also stabilize the folders with a sheet of medium-weight chipboard if needed.
June 9, 2021
Q: Katie asks: "Do you repurpose the cellophane envelopes that hold stamps and other craft materials?"
A: I have reused packaging for shaker windows, and I've used the envelopes to keep pieces of a project together. Most often I use the plastic as a palette for paint or ink. I use another material for this, but you could also use the envelopes for test prints in your stamp positioner. Check THIS THREAD for more ideas!
June 2, 2021
Q: bzzzeee asks: "There's a hardware store supply that's used as faux metal when embossed with an embossing folder, not embossing powder. What is it called?"
A: Sounds like aluminum tape - you might also find it as foil tape or HVAC tape. It has a strong, permanent adhesive on one side and a brown paper backing which makes it really nice for any kind of die cutting or embossing. Here are a few tutorials that can be done using foil tape:
Faux Tin Tiles
Impressions of Tarnished Foil
Faux Metal Figures
Faux Tin Tiles
Impressions of Tarnished Foil
Faux Metal Figures
