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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
September 1, 2021
Q: Tracy asks: "Do you prefer layering stamps or layering stencils?"
A: Given the option, I'd probably choose layering stencils - it's easier visually to line up the stencil openings than to line up a stamp through an acrylic mount. Many layering sets have the design lined up on each stencil, so you can quickly position them to the corner of your stamp positioner and proceed with inking. You also have the option of blending color on a single layer, which is more tedious to do when inking up a stamp. I have some layering stencils that are repeating patterns rather than an image - those have many more options than stamps for application to different surfaces as well.
August 25, 2021
Q: Jan asked: "what are some groups I can donate cards to?"
A: We have a forum dedicated to card donations - you can find the Cards for a Cause forum HERE! Each month an organization is featured, with guidelines and special requests for donations. You can choose from a list of ongoing missions to support as you're able, and even suggest an organization in your area that might appreciate some cards to share!
August 18, 2021
Q: Judy wants to know: "I use 110# Cardstock for my cards. I purchased some new cardstock that says 110# but when I opened the package it was not the same. I bought another pack of 110# index cardstock, and it was the same flimsy-not-thick cardstock. Why can't I find what I'm looking for and why are they saying it is 110# when it isn't?"
A: It can be confusing! Paper comes in different grades based on weight and thickness. The pound measurement is based on the weight of 500 sheets of that paper in its "parent size", but the manufactured size varies for different types of paper. Cover stock is manufactured at 20"x26", while index weight paper is 25.5"x30.5". A package of 8.5"x11" 110# index weight paper is about 2/3 the weight of 110# cover weight paper of the same size, because these standards differ so much. When you buy cardstock, check the package for a GSM measurement instead (you might also see it noted as g/m2). It stands for "grams per square meter", and it refers to the weight value of paper based on a standardized measurement of area. The GSM scale is universal and consistent, so it's easier to compare papers. A package of 110# index is about 200gsm and 110# cover stock is 297gsm. For a chart showing a comparison of paper weights, click HERE.
August 11, 2021
Q: Heather writes: "I recently bought some "coasters" (a little thicker than cardstock) and I don't know how to craft with them! Any ideas?"
A: There are some great ideas for using chipboard coasters in our tutorial section! You can use them as covers for mini albums - check out the Squash Book, Coaster Mini Book and Jacob's Ladder. You can stitch or hinge the coasters together to make an open topped gift box or a Laced Luminaria. A few more ideas from Pinterest: Top with sticky notes held with a binder clip for a mini clipboard. Die cut embellishments using steel rule dies. Create a wall hanging, mounting decorated coasters on wide ribbon. The surfaces can be stamped and watercolored too.
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.
