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Ask the Artist


Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions


  • Submit your question to Dina
  • September 21, 2022
    Q: Pat asks: "I have 2 sets of layering dies that look the same. Though they will be stored in separate envelopes, I know they will end up scattered on my work surface. How would you make identification of the sets easier?"

    A: I have used a fine-tip Sharpie marker to identify sets on the back (with similar layering sets I've written an A or B on the back side). Another option is to color code them. I have a package of colored dot stickers that I use on dies as well - I use them so I know which dies are retired, but they'd work great for keeping sets together too. They stick well to the backs of the dies and don't affect the cutting or pressure at all.


    September 14, 2022
    Q: Gloria asks: "is there any issue with storing ink pads on their sides?"

    A: I have dozens of different kinds of inkpads stored away on their sides to save space, and I haven't noticed any difference in their performance. One note though - I did add either a rubber band or strip of tape to hold some of my older pads closed that are hinged or don't close tightly.


    September 7, 2022
    Q: Jane asks: "What is your favorite double-sided adhesive for intricate dies?"

    A: Lately I've been using Bearly Art glue with the needle tip on the bottle - it adheres in 5 seconds and dries matte, so I can dot the glue around, place the die cut lightly, and then press it in place. I also really like Artist-Tac adhesive sheets - these are sheets of dry adhesive dots with a protective liner. You peel the liner back and lay your die cut onto the adhesive, then replace the liner and burnish the die cut well with a bone folder to transfer the adhesive to the back. You can stick your die cut down, and any excess adhesive around the edges just rubs away.


    August 31, 2022
    Q: Debbie asks: "I know I can edit and change text in my posts in my Gallery but I wondered: is it possible to swap out a picture for a new one, or is the only option to delete the original post and repost everything?"

    A: You can swap out a photo very easily! Open your gallery entry. Beneath the photo you'll see the box containing your card description. In the bottom right corner of that box, click "Edit Photo". A new screen will open, showing a thumbnail of your card, and the fields that you entered when you uploaded. Below the thumbnail, you'll read "Select new image or leave blank to use current one." In the column to the right is a button you can click to choose a new file from your device. Save your changes, and you're done! It may take up to 15 minutes for the new image to sync, but you can make sure it's changed over by peeking into the edit screen again. If you see the new thumbnail there, you're golden!


    August 24, 2022
    Q: Tina asks: "I saw somewhere that there are pens that you colour your stamps with before you stamp rather than colouring in the stamped image. What are these pens called and where can I get them?"

    A: I used that technique on the tutorial sample above because I just wanted to print part of the image! You will want a brush marker that is dye or water-based - sometimes they're marketed as watercolor markers. They are water soluble and can be used for straight stamping, or you can create faux watercolor effects by misting the ink before stamping, stamping onto misted watercolor paper, or blending out the stamped ink with a wet brush. Some favorite brands are Karin, Tombow, Zig, and Winsor & Newton.


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