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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
May 9, 2018
Q: Lynette wants to know: "When I do the Inlaid Die Cuts technique, I have trouble either losing the little inside pieces or getting color where I don't want it. Is there a trick to not losing the pieces, but also not having to take them all out and putting them back in?"
A: If you can keep the pieces in the die after cutting, you can lay a piece of removable contact paper over them and pull them all out together. Some people use Press 'n Seal cling wrap to do the same. Another thing that usually works is to add a cardstock or chipboard shim under your paper when you cut. That will usually hold the pieces in place... it's not foolproof, but it helps!
May 2, 2018
Q: Kirsten wants to know: " How do you store Gamsol [odorless mineral spirits] in your craft area to avoid spills?"
A: For those that don't know, odorless mineral spirits (OMS) can be used as a colored pencil blending solvent (you'll often see the brand name Gamsol used as a general term for this product). I have a large bottle of generic OMS that I have stored away in a filing cabinet. On my desk I keep a small canning jar (4 oz. size) with just about 1/4" of the product in it - it's not easily spilled, and that depth is perfect for getting just the right amount of solvent on my blending stump. (For a tutorial on solvent blending, click HERE.) The inner canning jar lid makes a quick and convenient cover for the jar when I'm between blending steps. (Vapors from OMS and other solvents can cause health issues; these products should be used with care in a well ventilated area).
April 25, 2018
Q: Lois asks: "I use precut blank cards for most of my 5 x 7 card projects. I used a watercolor technique on one and the cardstock has curled from the water. Do you know a way to re-flatten the cardstock or keep it from curling as it dries?"
A: If a card panel is curving upward from water on the surface, you can help it relax the other way by spritzing a little water onto the back side of the panel. If warping occurs as the panel dries, you can press it between the pages of a heavy book, or tuck it inside a folded paper towel and iron it with a low, dry iron. Instead of working directly on the folded card, you might consider doing your painting on watercolor paper, and adhering it to the folded card for more stability.
April 18, 2018
Q: Darlene asks: "I'm new to card making and I like big cards. I would like to make a 6" x 12" tent card - what would the measurements be for that size?"
A: For a card that size, you'll need a sheet of sturdy 12" x 12" cardstock for your base. Score it at 6", and fold it in half. You'll size your layers on the front of the card accordingly, and embellish as you like. In our site tutorial, there's also a window die cut into the front of the card, which shows off some patterned paper inside. When you're ready to assemble the tent, you'll need a strip of cardstock cut to 4" x 12". Score from the short side at 1", 2", 3", and 4", and fold along the lines to create a W shape. Attach that to the inside of the card to enable it to stand up.
April 11, 2018
Q: Donna wants to know: "Do you craft/stamp standing up or sitting down?"
A: I move around a lot. When I'm coloring or assembling a card, I usually sit. All of my coloring mediums are in reach of my chair, but cardstock, stencils, stamps and dies are stored on shelves and in a filing cabinet that I have to get up to access. My die cutting machine and guillotine trimmer are on a counter-height space so I stand for any cutting I need to do.
