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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
December 12, 2018
Q: Ramona wants to know: "How do you store your dies?"
A: I have a standing file cabinet that I use for storage, and one drawer is for dies. My dies are stored by category, on magnet sheets backed with chipboard. Each sheet goes into a "quick load" sheet protector (open on two sides) and then into a hanging folder, labeled with the category. I use Evernote to keep track of my inventory.
December 5, 2018
Q: Terri asks: "Are watercolor pencils and Inktense pencils the same?"
A: Traditional watercolor pencils have a core that contains watercolor pigment, solidified by a water-soluble binder. The ones I use have brilliant creamy colors, and blend very well. The difference between traditional watercolor pencils and the Inktense pencils is that the core of Inktense pencils is actually ink-based. Once blended with water, the Inktense pigment transforms into incredibly bright and transparent color that will be permanent and unable to be blended after drying. Watercolor pigment, though you can definitely achieve brightness with it, tends to be a little more dull/flat. It can also be moved a bit with water after it has dried. Inktense pencils can also be used with wax or oil based colored pencils and can be blended with OMS. They're very versatile!
November 28, 2018
Q: Christine asks: "How do I get glue off the front of my cards?"
A: Sometimes you can remove a sticky smudge with a clean white eraser, depending on the glue. If the glue is sticky but not visible, a little baby powder or a tap with an Embossing Buddy will cover the adhesive. Another tool I use is a Tombow sand eraser - it is slightly abrasive and can remove glue or smudges from the surface of the card.
November 21, 2018
Q: onecraftykittensg asks: "I tried out a stencil and ink blending for the first time - is there a way to fix the fuzzy lines I got?"
A: The fuzzy lines are due to the stencil shifting slightly as you blend. If you're using a panel that is smaller than your stencil, try taping the panel in place on the back side of the stencil. I've also been using stencils in the magnetic base of my stamp positioner lately - in addition to the tape, the magnets provide a great hold!
November 14, 2018
Q: Laura asks: "I have several stamp sets where you use two or more stamps to create the image. Do you stamp from light to dark, dark to light or does it depend?"
A: I typically start with the lightest color on the base stamp (usually a solid image) so I know right where my full image will be placed. Then I work in order toward the darkest color and most detailed layer. (Be sure to check today's tutorial and gallery for a couple of layered stamp samples, and tips on stamping multiples!)
