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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
October 18, 2023
Q: Emma wants to know: " I'm getting an impression of the cut lines from my die cutting plates on my paper. How can I avoid this?"
A: Thanks for the reminder that I need new plates! When the cut lines start to leave marks on the cardstock, you can lay a sheet of text weight or parchment paper between the die and top plate. When you get new plates keep the top one free from cuts, and face the cutting side of the dies down into the lower plate. I cut into a metal plate, but a self-healing mat might be a good option for you as well.
October 11, 2023
Q: Kimberly asks: "I love the cards that have 2-3 layers that get smaller with each layer with borders that continue the card pattern or the stamped image, but I don't know what to call the technique. Help a girl out, please?"
A: That sounds like the Triple Stamping technique. You can also do the stamping and/or coloring first on a single panel, then die cut with nesting dies and layer the pieces back together with narrow mats - the finished effect would be the same.
October 4, 2023
Q: sedg asks: "What kind of cardstock and what stamp pad would I use for waterpainting?"
A: Hot press watercolor paper is best suited for stamping because it has a smooth finish (think of an iron as a literal hot press, smoothing wrinkles). Quality and results will vary depending on the brand of paper as well as the cotton content. Don't start off with cheap paper just because you are a beginner - you will only be frustrated with the results! I use Fabriano Studio hot press paper for my cardmaking, in the 140# weight. I buy the biggest pad of 11" x 14" paper which is 75 sheets - I can make 450 card fronts from that amount (from the long side, cut at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2", and cut those strips in half to make four A2 panels. The remaining strip is 5 1/2" wide, and you can cut it into two square panels, or cut two A2 panels and have a little extra piece for sentiments. Inks: for watercoloring I use Versafine Clair or a hybrid ink - anything that doesn't react with water will be fine.
September 27, 2023
Q: Marta writes: "I would like to use a stamp on a portion of a fabric wall hanging. What ink pad would I use so that the stamping would not wash off in a mild hand washing?"
A: I have used hybrid inks on fabric - they are waterproof and dry quickly (the ones I have are from Impression Obsession; many of the small company branded inks have the same formula). Versacraft ink by Tsukineko can also be heat set for permanence on fabric (it was originally called Fabrico ink). Stazon and archival inks should work too. You might also look into a product called Terial Magic Fabric Spray - it is sprayed onto fabric to stiffen it like paper, and it washes out after you've done your printing or stitching.
September 20, 2023
Q: Colley writes: "The videos I watch never show the sides, top or bottom of shaker cards where the foam tape attaches the card front to the base of a shaker shape. I see the foam tape. Is that normal on all shaker cards?"
A: It is a little hard to show that narrow edge clearly on a video, so maybe that's why...? but yes, the foam tape is visible from the sides. You can use an alcohol marker to color the side of the tape if you're using colors that contrast with the white foam on the edge. If I'm making a die cut shaker element, I'll use colored craft foam sheets to match my cardstock. I hope that helps!
