A: If you have a scoring board, you can position your card and align a ruler with the score lines. Mark your starting and stopping points and score as usual with a scoring tool or stylus. Another way to create a similar effect is to deboss the outline with a die. Position the die on the panel and tape it in place. Run the cardstock through your die cutting machine using an embossing pad so that the outline of the die will press into the cardstock without cutting through. (Using the Big Shot, set the Multipurpose Platform to Tab 1, then layer a cutting plate, the silicone embossing pad, cardstock, die with blade down, and the second cutting plate on top. A light shim may be needed for increased pressure.)

A: We were just discussing this in the forums a couple of weeks ago! Here's a thread with some ideas. I think the overlays would make beautiful shaker cards; window cards would be nice too, where the acetate is framed over a die-cut opening.

A: Water-based markers contain pigment that is suspended in water, rather than alcohol or another solvent. The ink is also water-soluble, which distinguishes these markers from permanent or alcohol-based markers and allows them to be blended with water for painterly techniques. If they're not specifically marked as water-based, look for labels such as 'washable' or 'watercolor markers'. Distress Markers are water-based, as are some acrylic paint pens. The best way to be sure of a marker's solubility is to give it a test run. Scribble some ink onto a non-porous test surface, like a ceramic tile or styrofoam plate, and then mist it with water. If the color lifts into the beads of water, the ink is water-based. If not, the marker is likely solvent-based.

A: Gesso is a brushable primer that's used to prepare surfaces for painting. Traditional gesso looks similar to white acrylic paint; there are clear and colored gessos as well. It's mostly needed on surfaces that are porous, such as canvas, wood and some papers, that may tend to soak up paint on their own. It can also be used on surfaces that would normally resist paint or cause it to bead, like plastics. The gesso stiffens and seals the surface, and provides some tooth or texture to which the paint can stick. It can also be used for resist and other painting techniques, like in this technique.

A: A One Sheet Wonder begins with a sheet of designer paper or a full sheet of paper that has been stamped with an all-over design. The sheet is cut according to a template, so that every piece can be used on a coordinating set of cards. The card templates usually accompany the cutting template. Check out this thread for some templates you can try yourself, and take a peek in the gallery for more templates and inspiration.