Search
Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
February 10, 2021
Q: Linda wants to know: "I always thought vellum was that very thin paper you can see through. What is Bristol vellum?"
A: The term 'vellum' can refer to a kind of paper (usually translucent or semi-translucent), or it can refer to the surface finish of paper. Bristol is a type of paper that is created with multiple plies - it's very sturdy and a great multipurpose art paper for a variety of media. Bristol comes in a smooth finish (great for marker and ink blending and light applications of wet media) and a vellum finish which is slightly textured or toothy. The vellum finish works best for dry media like pencils, pastels or charcoal.
February 3, 2021
Q: Tiffani asks: "What are some ways to create a marbled background?"
A: There are lots of different ways to create marbled effects! Check out these tutorials for techniques using a variety of supplies you may already have. In addition, there are marbling paints that create stunning effects - they're floated on water, as in some of the techniques below.
Alcohol Marker Marbling
MISTI Marbling
Watercolor Marble
Marker Marbling
Mixative Marbling
Nail Polish Marbling
Alcohol Marker Marbling
MISTI Marbling
Watercolor Marble
Marker Marbling
Mixative Marbling
Nail Polish Marbling
January 27, 2021
Q: O'Nelda asks: "How do I apply glitter to a stamped image without the glitter coming off?"
A: I use a sticky embossing powder - the one I have is from Judikins but there are other brands available as well (Ranger, Wow! and Stampin' Up! come to mind). The powder turns into a sticky glue when heated. Heat just until the powder gets shiny, apply whatever flock, foil, glitter, etc. you are using right away, and then reheat the powder to reactivate the adhesive - it's that second heating that really locks down the embellishment.
January 20, 2021
Q: Leslie asks: "How do you line up die cut letters or alphabet stickers to adhere them to a card?"
A: I use a sticky note to help get them lined up correctly, with the sticky side up. The adhesive has a light enough tack that you can make adjustments easily, lining the letters up along the edge of the sticky side. It will hold the letters in place while you add your glue to the back. Once they're stuck to your card, just lift the sticky note away! You can line up the side edge of the note and the cardstock to be sure you're sticking everything down straight. This trick works great for individual letter dies as well.
January 13, 2021
Q: Sharon wants to know: "Can I mix all of my white embossing powders together? I would keep detail powders separate but I have about eight different embossing powders and I'd like to have them in one big container."
A: My concern about mixing them all together would be this: embossing powder loses its reactivity over time (some people would say it has an expiration date). That being so, you wouldn't want to mix older powder with new powder.
