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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
October 26, 2022
Q: Dee asks: "I was gifted a lot of stamping supplies. There are lots of little jars of things and I can't tell if they are fine glitter or embossing powder. Is there a way to tell the difference?"
A: I think I'd run some double sided adhesive or a tape runner across a piece of scrap cardstock and pour a small swatch from each bottle. Knock off the excess and press the powders into the adhesive, then try heating each swatch with a heat gun. The embossing powders will melt, and the glitters will hopefully stay in place on the adhesive and not blow all over!
October 19, 2022
Q: Jo wants to know: "Question about cardstock. Which weight do you use for what?"
A: I typically use 100# or 110# cover stock for card bases. For layering and die cutting, 80# cover stock is my preference. I use 140# watercolor paper when I paint panels for cards.
October 12, 2022
Q: sbd wants to know: "What paper companies make card stock with color on one side and white on the other?"
A: If you google "duplex cardstock" you will find several sources. There are some really nice heavy-weight options, too. Duplex cardstock is really great for cardmaking!
October 5, 2022
Q: Sandy writes: "Thank you for sharing Lindsay's Stained Glass Panels tutorial. I don't have any Gel Medium, can I use something else on the acetate? I love stained glass and to be able to put them in my cards - such a fabulous plus!"
A: I haven't tried it to be sure, but I think since you're creating little wells with openings of the die cut layers you could use a clear-drying liquid glue as well. Mix in a transparent medium (dye or alcohol reinker, watercolor powder, etc.) to create different colors for the panels.
September 28, 2022
Q: Angie asks: "I have a TON of loose glitter. Can I make my own glitter paste?"
A: You can! We have a tutorial in our resources section called Glitter Paper - you'll find the instructions for mixing a paste there in steps 1-3! You just need fine glitter and glossy gel medium.
