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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
December 6, 2017
Q: Ginny asks: "There have been times when I want to stamp out most of a stamp, but I don't like how one part looks, and I can draw it in... so I ink the stamp, then take my finger or a q-tip and remove the ink from the area, then stamp it. Is there a better way?"
A: The way you're doing this is fine! Another alternative is to ink the stamp up with a water-based marker and just avoid the areas you want to replace. You can also put a little piece of washi tape over areas that you don't want to print, ink up the image, then remove the tape and stamp.
November 29, 2017
Q: Sandy asks: "Can you please tell me what to ask for when shopping for a gel plate?"
A: I think the main decision you'd need to make would be what size plate to purchase. If your focus is primarily cardmaking, the 6" square plate is a perfect size for quarter sheets of cardstock (that's the one I have). If you are an art journaler or prefer to make larger backgrounds, a larger size plate would be more fitting. The smaller shaped plates are great for larger work as well, as they can be used like a large stamp. For more instructions on gel printing, check out our videos for Gel Printing Basics and Monoprinting!
November 22, 2017
Q: RuthAnn wants to know: "Every time I try to dry emboss a piece of vellum with an embossing folder it cracks. What am I doing wrong?"
A: You might try opening up the folder to emboss the vellum like a texture plate instead of folding it inside - lay the embossing pad down, then the vellum, and the open folder on top. You may need some shims depending on your sandwich... I just tried using a Big Shot, and I had the multipurpose platform with both tabs open, a cutting plate, embossing pad, vellum, open folder, and a top cutting plate. The first time I did have a little cracking, but I flipped one cutting pad (they're very warped) and it didn't crack the second time. It's an issue of pressure, so if you can loosen it up just a little you shouldn't have a problem.
November 15, 2017
Q: Jessie wants to know: "What's a product you love but don't use?"
A: Two things come to mind... the first is washi tape. I have some cute rolls of tape that I use to hold dies in place, but I can't figure out how to make it look right on a card. I also purchased all the supplies to do foiling... and everything is still in the box.
November 8, 2017
Q: Alica asks: "How do you partially stamp background stamps so it looks like the edges are faded?"
A: One way is to ink up the stamp and then wipe away ink from the edges with a baby wipe, craft rag, or dry sponge. Another tip is to hold the unmounted stamp in your hand instead of putting it on a flat block - you can curve the stamp slightly so it doesn't press all the way down to the cardstock. Then just press down on the stamp where you want the image to show. You can also use smaller inkpads to just ink the areas that you want to print, or sponge ink directly onto the background stamp with a sponge dauber.
