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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
July 5, 2023
Q: Natalie asks: "What is the secret to keeping small pieces in place in a die when you want to emboss them? They keep falling out of the die and then they get out of place and get embossed wrong."
A: I would tape the die in place and do the embossing before cutting. For my machine, I lay down a silicon embossing pad first, then the cardstock with the die taped on top. I run that sandwich through at the correct pressure to emboss the details on the surface of the die, then replace the cutting plates to cut the outline with the die still taped in place.
June 28, 2023
Q: Barb writes: "I sometimes find straight cut edges plain and boring, and was wondering if there are ways I am missing of finishing them more decoratively."
A: I score the edges of my focal panels using a ball stylus and my scoring board. I usually score from the front of the panel, pressing a groove around the edges of the panel. (Click HERE for an example in my gallery.) You can also flip the panel and score from the back side of the panel to create a raised edge. It's a simple solution that adds a little 'something'.
June 21, 2023
Q: Kathy asks: "Would the Two Tone Interference technique work with white gesso on black cardstock?"
A: It should work, as long as you get good coverage with the gesso! The important thing is having contrast on the base layer.
June 14, 2023
Q: More Crafting, asks: "I know many artists stack several die cuts glued together to add dimension to a portion of the card and I do it too but I really struggle with getting them perfectly lined up. Especial word dies, they are always "off" a little. Any hints?"
A: My best tip is to use liquid glue to allow yourself a little longer time for wiggle room and getting the die cuts aligned well. With word dies, I use a fine tip bottle of glue, and just adhere small sections at a time.
June 7, 2023
Q: Aastha wants to know: "Wax Paper Resist is such a cool technique. Can we use parchment paper instead of wax paper, and a normal cardstock instead of glossy one?"
A: Wax paper is coated with wax, which is what transfers with the heat of the iron to the paper to create the resist effect. Parchment paper doesn't have this coating. I'm not sure how an uncoated cardstock would react - I'm afraid it would soak up the wax instead of it sitting on top.
