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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.


Ask the Artist


Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions


  • Submit your question to Dina
  • September 10, 2025
    Q: Sara asks: "What's your favorite way to color die cut leaves for fall?"

    A: It's actually another variation of the ideas mentioned below - I like stamping or inking onto smooth watercolor paper with reactive dye ink in multiple fall colors (oranges, browns, olive, reddish purples). Once I have good coverage, I mist the panel with water to activate the inks and let them bleed and blend together. After die cutting leaf shapes, I'll add veining and other details, and brush or sponge the edges with darker brown ink.


    September 3, 2025
    Q: Kristy writes: "Thank you much for the Layered Autumn Trees tutorial. Why use watercolor paper?"

    A: That is a fun tutorial! Cardstock can be used as well, but you might prefer cold press watercolor paper if you want the texture of the paper to show up when you sponge on your inks. It does add a nice effect! You can see the texture in some of the closer-up tutorial photos. Hot press paper is smooth, which makes it a good surface for blending inks - you might do a practice run on both kinds of watercolor paper and on cardstock to see what you prefer! Be sure to share your results in the gallery so we can learn from your experience.


    August 27, 2025
    Q: Barb writes: "Love how the Quick Embossed Journals
    look. What if we don't have one of those binding staplers? Can this be done with a smaller book to start with?"

    A: I would say the tutorial can be adapted to any size! If you don't have a long-reach stapler, I would use a hole punch to punch in as far as possible at the top and bottom of the fold, then thread ribbon or twine in one hole and out the other and tie it securely on the outside.


    August 20, 2025
    Q: Brooke wants to know: "School starts soon - what are some cute back-to-school tutorials?"

    A: Hard to believe it's that time of year already! Here are some fun ideas for teachers:

    Teacher's Note Pad
    Altered Mini Chalkboard
    Standing Calendar
    Paper Clip Bookmark
    Backpack Box


    August 13, 2025
    Q: Kerry writes: "I love the 3D Circle Ornament tutorial! Can this be done with other shapes?"


    A: It can! Use any die cuts that are symmetrical, and score each one at the center line.


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