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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
November 20, 2024
Q: Beth writes: "Help! Silver and Gold ink won't dry! Does anybody else have this problem?"
A: Metallic inks are typically pigment inks, which require heat setting or embossing to dry. I'm terrible with a heat gun, so I like using my iron to heat set pigment ink. You can lay a paper towel over your stamping, and then run an iron over the panel for about 30 seconds at high heat. Check out our video HERE for a demonstration!
November 13, 2024
Q: Leslie asks: "I'd like to get ahead on some holiday crafting. Can you share some favorite tutorials for stocking stuffers?"
A: I'd love to! Here are some cute stocking treats.
Snowman Popcorn Treat
Party Favor
Ghirardelli® Box
Nugget Snowmen
Lotion Nail File Gift Box
Snowman Popcorn Treat
Party Favor
Ghirardelli® Box
Nugget Snowmen
Lotion Nail File Gift Box
November 6, 2024
Q: Renee writes: "Card with Detachable Bookmark is a terrific gift idea, and a wonderful tutorial. Is there a different way to make a perforated line, so the bookmark can be removed?"
A: I have a rotary cutter from Fiskars that has a perforating blade, so something like that may be an option for you. An alternative can be found at a fabric store with the pattern making tools - it's a tool called a tracing wheel. It's also a rotary tool, with a toothed wheel which leaves a row of close perforations or piercings when rolled over paper. A sewing machine can be used without thread for a pierced row as well.
October 30, 2024
Q: Linda writes: "I’m experimenting with embossing fabric as a background. I glued the fabric onto cardstock, let it dry and then embossed. I like the look, but the edges fray. Any suggestions?"
A: I would back the fabric with iron-on interfacing before you cut it to size - you could even use a double-sided fusible lining like HeatnBond or Wonder Under and iron it right to the cardstock.
October 23, 2024
Q: Kym writes: "I am making cards from scrap strips and squares. I can't seem to get the ends (top, bottom, and sides) to lay flat. As they sit, they curl slightly. Any suggestions?"
A: When I make cards with strips of paper, I use label paper as my base. It's the same paper you'd use to print shipping labels, a text weight paper with a strong adhesive on one side. It's perfect for techniques like Herringbone and more. To make sure the strips stay down, I run the panel through my die cutting machine to press them down evenly.
