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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
November 16, 2016
Q: Micheline wants to know: "I prefer to make 5" x 7" cards as I think they display an image far better. I love the Triple Stamping design and would like to get the measurements for the larger size.
A: I would cut the black layers at 4-3/4" x 6-3/4", 3-3/4" x 5-3/4", and 2-3/4" x 4-3/4". Cut the white panels at 4-1/2" x 6-1/2", 3-1/2" x 5-1/2", and 2-1/2" x 4-1/2". They should all layer onto a 5" x 7" base with a 1/8" border on all sides.
November 9, 2016
Q: maslex asks: "What's the difference between Stazon and Memento inks?"
A: The difference in the two inks is the carrier or base that holds the pigment. In general between inks and coloring mediums, like reacts with like. Memento inks are dye inks, and water-based. You'll see them most commonly used with alcohol markers like Copics, because the solvent-based markers don't react with the water-based ink. You wouldn't want to watercolor over an image stamped in a dye ink, though, because the water will react with the ink and cause it to run. Stazon, on the other hand, is solvent-based. It's a permanent ink, so it's a great fit for water-based coloring mediums since it won't react with the water and bleed. If you're coloring with alcohol markers, though, bleeding will occur. With dry mediums like pastels or pencils, either one is fine. They're both great inks, with some really great colors in each line.
November 2, 2016
Q: Kathy wants to know: "What brand of die is best for cutting felt?"
A: Any type of die you have should cut through felt. The type of felt you have will make a difference, though. Felt with some wool content will cut the best - choose 100% wool, or a wool/rayon blend. Acrylic felt will tend to pull, or not cut completely.
October 26, 2016
Q: Ruth asks: "How do I dry emboss to make a frame around a stamped image with my embossing folders?"
A: That technique is done by creating a window template using dies and chipboard - it's a beautiful way to set off a stamped image without adding layers. We have a wonderful tutorial in our archives HERE.
October 19, 2016
Q: bound4london wants to know: "Can I watercolor on regular cardstock?"
A: Sometimes. 
Most cardstocks readily absorb ink, so they don't allow time for blending color, and usually soak up water more quickly than watercolor paper does. If you're using reinkers as your color medium and only have cardstock to work with, try lifting and applying the ink with a blender pen. The pen allows you to work with the ink on the surface of the paper without a lot of liquid soaking into the card. Be careful to not overwork the color, as the cardstock can begin to pill. The best way to know what your cardstock can handle is to test it with the coloring medium and method you want to use.
Most cardstocks readily absorb ink, so they don't allow time for blending color, and usually soak up water more quickly than watercolor paper does. If you're using reinkers as your color medium and only have cardstock to work with, try lifting and applying the ink with a blender pen. The pen allows you to work with the ink on the surface of the paper without a lot of liquid soaking into the card. Be careful to not overwork the color, as the cardstock can begin to pill. The best way to know what your cardstock can handle is to test it with the coloring medium and method you want to use.
