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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
August 12, 2015
Q: Kim wants to know: "What is so special about Distress Inks? I 'distress' with my dye inks. Am I missing something?"
A: The super powers of Distress Inks are their long dry time and the integrity of the colors when they come in contact with water. The raised pads are designed for direct-to-paper techniques and backgrounds. With the slower drying time, they are able to be embossed, and can blend together more easily with less blotching. Dye inks dry quickly, and will tend to separate into their component colors when blended with water. For stamping, you may prefer your dye ink pads; Distress ink is formulated to dry with an aged, almost mottled, look.
August 5, 2015
Q: Jamason and Arlene both asked: “Could you use a hair dryer or heat tool to speed up the drying time of masking fluid?”
A: Unfortunately it's not recommended. The heat will make the latex adhere to the paper and you'll end up tearing layers away when you remove it. I usually apply masking fluid to a project before I go to bed so that it's ready for me to work on in the morning.
July 29, 2015
Q: Fran wants to know: “Does it matter if masking fluid is colored or clear?”
A: The color in masking fluid is actually added so artists can see its distribution while they're painting over it (I had some once that was fluorescent orange!). It doesn't have any bearing on the final product. When the painting is finished and dry, the masking fluid is rubbed off.
July 22, 2015
Q: Krista wants to know: “What type of techniques are you using craft mats for?”
A: My favorite technique with a craft sheet is the Wrinkle Free Distress technique, or some variation of it with other inks, watercolor powders, or markers. I cut one craft sheet into smaller pieces about 5" x 7" that I use for small paint palettes.
July 15, 2015
Q: Joyce wants to know: "I notice that you use a stylus when you use your score board instead of the bone folder. Is there a reason for this or just personal choice?"
A: A bit of both! The tool that came with my board tends to wear down with time and the tip spreads out flat, not really fitting into the groove. I find that I get a nice even score with the rounded metal head of the stylus, and I don't have to worry about it changing shape. The barrel of the stylus seems easier to hold than the flat tool. Also, if I want a more pronounced score line as an accent on a card, I'll use a smaller stylus that can get further into the groove.
