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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
April 23, 2025
Q: Tammy asks: "Do you have any shaped card tutorials?"
A: We do! Here are a few fun ones to try:
Fishing Vest
Kimono Card
Slimline Lantern Card
Grand Piano Card
Flower Pot Pocket Card
Fishing Vest
Kimono Card
Slimline Lantern Card
Grand Piano Card
Flower Pot Pocket Card
April 16, 2025
Q: Jennifer writes: "I attempted using baby oil with my colored pencils, but I wasn't all that impressed. Granted, I have cheap colored pencils, Crayola and Cra Z Art, but still. I thought they would have blended more."
A: The solvents like baby oil and mineral spirits break up the binder in the pencil core so that the pigment is free to move. The scholastic grade pencils will have less pigment to blend once the binder is dissolved, because they have a lower ratio of pigment to binder. Artist grade products have a higher ratio of pigment to binder so the blended coloring will be more vibrant. Quality makes a difference!
April 9, 2025
Q: Ginger writes: "I just received a gel plate for an early birthday present. Where do you start? I can't wait to try this out."
A: You're going to have so much fun! For a good overview of the basics, check out our site tutorial HERE. I'd recommend following Gel Press and Gelli Arts on social media for lots of tips and ideas. Also check out the samples in our Gallery for even more inspiration!
April 2, 2025
Q: Susan writes: "Can you identify a fun fold by my rather poor description? The base is folded in half but the top is then folded back on itself so there are two folds in the base. Then the front is cut at an angle so that when the card is closed, the front is three levels and the front two are angled at the top. The first is the shortest, the second is a bit taller, and then you can see the back (4.25" x 5.5")."
A: I couldn't find a specific site tutorial, but it sounds like an angled Z-fold card. You would need cardstock 3 times the width of your finished card - I would make my base 12" wide by 6" high. Score down at 4" and 8" from the long side. At the right side of the panel, make a mark 1 1/2" from the top. Use a ruler to make a line from the top of the 4" score line to the mark, and cut with a trimmer or scissors.
March 26, 2025
Q: Lee asked: "Can you share some tutorials for Easter treat holders?"
A: We have some very cute ones! Here are a few:
Bunny Carton
Carrot Treat Box
Sweet Bunny Bag
Carrot Easter Basket
Tiny Treat Basket
Bunny Carton
Carrot Treat Box
Sweet Bunny Bag
Carrot Easter Basket
Tiny Treat Basket
