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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
December 21, 2016
Q: Taheerah wants to know: "Has anyone invented a decent ink for stamping on acetate that ISN'T Stazon?"
A: The advantage of Stazon is that it dries very quickly, without heat setting. After testing the inks I have, these are the ones that gave a clear impression (I did heat set my samples to speed the drying process, but I'm fairly certain that these will all air dry, if you have the time and want to avoid warping): ColorBox Fluid Chalk stamped with a crisp impression that was dark and transparent, Memento Luxe ink has a longer drying time but also gave a clear impression that did not smear after heat setting, Brilliance ink dried quickly with a dark impression - this ink is the most opaque of the ones I sampled. Memories Dye Ink also passed the test, with a quick drying impression. ColorBox Archival Dye ink also dried permanently on the acetate, but gave a lighter impression.
December 14, 2016
Q: Susan is curious: "I am using an embossing folder of birch trees and would like to know how to do the trees in white so they stand out."
A: That technique is done by inking the inside of the embossing folder before printing. Open up the folder, and ink up the side of the folder where the trees are debossed. Lay the cardstock over the inked part of the folder, close it, and then run it through your die cutting machine as usual. We have a wonderful photo tutorial HERE.
December 7, 2016
Q: Jessica wants to know: "I just tried the tutorial method for Ribbon Dyeing and the reinker is not dissolving in the water, leaving my project blotchy. Any suggestions?"
A: I would guess that the reinker you're using is not a dye ink - dye inks are water-based and should dissolve readily in water. Check the label to see if you might have been using a pigment, chalk, or solvent ink instead.
November 30, 2016
Q: Amanda asks: "How do I make a trendy watercolor background with the irregular wash look? I have tried over and over again with different colors, papers and techniques, but they always come out muddy or the paper warps."
A: I like using a larger brush for backgrounds - for this type of wash my favorite is a #18 round wash. Brush water to create the shape you want, and then drop color into one area at a time. The water on the paper will move the pigment and blend different color areas together. If your paper is warping, you might try taping the edges to your work surface or using a heavier weight paper (140 lb/ 300 gsm or more). if your colors are muddying, you might have too much water or be overworking the color. It's always best to experiment and practice until you find what works.
November 23, 2016
Q: Nancy wants to know: "Why is my paper cracking when I emboss? I am using standard cardstock and the correct sandwich for my Big Kick and embossing folder but the paper keeps cracking, almost like its being pressed down too hard. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!"
A: For a lighter impression you can actually run those folders through 'open faced' - for the Big Shot, turn the base plate to tab 2, then layer a cutting plate, the embossing pad, cardstock, the embossing folder (open, with the debossed side down), and the 2nd cutting plate. If you want a deeper impression you can use tab 1. If you're using a different machine or base, you may need to experiment to find the right pressure with the plates and layers that you have. Misting the cardstock with water or rubbing alcohol can also give it a little more flex to prevent cracking.
