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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
July 3, 2024
Q: Cara writes: "Please explain the technique of a reflection over water, such as a floating swan and its reflection."
A: I'll let our tutorials do the explaining - we have several! Also, if you don't have acetate or a mirror stamp, try using a nonporous surface like an acrylic block, cut down styrofoam plate, the back of a large clear stamp, or a foam sheet.
Reflection Technique
Mirror Image Stamping
Greyscale Reflections in the MISTI
Reflection Technique
Mirror Image Stamping
Greyscale Reflections in the MISTI
June 26, 2024
Q: Muriel asks: "I am trying to make some Center Step Cards to fit an A6 envelope (6.5"x 4.75") - do you have the cardstock size for this?"
A: Sure! A6 cards are 6.25" x 4.5". Cut your card base 6.25" x 9". In Step 1, cut from 1" to 5.5" on both sides. In Step 2 and 3, score at 1", 2" and 5.5". In Step 4, score at 4.5". The folding steps are the same.
June 19, 2024
Q: Claire writes: "I'd love to make the Concertina Fold card into a birthday card. Any ideas?
A: How fun! I would do the angled cut mentioned in the tutorial variations. I'd use a large birthday image on the front panel, then position balloon die cuts in the folds so they peek out at the top. Be sure to check the tutorial gallery, too - there are over 100 samples there for your inspiration!
June 12, 2024
Q: PikkuLilla writes: "I seem to remember people using a silicone mat to emboss with dies - where could I find a tutorial showing this technique?"
A: We have a few! The embossing basics are the same; some of these tutorials take the technique a step or two further.
Embossing with Detailed Dies
Embossing with Nestabilities™ Die templates
Die Debossed Watercolor
Debossed Die Resist
P.S. You can use your silicone mat to emboss with stencils too!
Stencil Embossing
Embossing with Detailed Dies
Embossing with Nestabilities™ Die templates
Die Debossed Watercolor
Debossed Die Resist
P.S. You can use your silicone mat to emboss with stencils too!
Stencil Embossing
June 5, 2024
Q: Bonnie asks: "The standard card is 4.25" x 5.5", right? What are some "standard" sizes for larger cards? I know some may involve more postage."
A: According to the USPS website, letter rate specifications are that a piece must be:
Rectangular
At least 3.5" high x 5" long x 0.007" thick
No more than 6.125" high x 11.5" long x .25" thick
A standard 4.25" x 5.5" or A2 card in the US will fit an invitation envelope - those are commonly available. 5" x 7" is a standard commercial greeting card size (these envelopes can also be used for 5" square cards - tuck some extra cardstock scraps in to create an even thickness in the envelope), Slimline cards (usually around 3.5" x 8.5") will fit in a #9 or #10 business envelope. Square cards do require extra postage, and usually are stamped at the post office with a 'hand cancel' notation.
Rectangular
At least 3.5" high x 5" long x 0.007" thick
No more than 6.125" high x 11.5" long x .25" thick
A standard 4.25" x 5.5" or A2 card in the US will fit an invitation envelope - those are commonly available. 5" x 7" is a standard commercial greeting card size (these envelopes can also be used for 5" square cards - tuck some extra cardstock scraps in to create an even thickness in the envelope), Slimline cards (usually around 3.5" x 8.5") will fit in a #9 or #10 business envelope. Square cards do require extra postage, and usually are stamped at the post office with a 'hand cancel' notation.
