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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
April 12, 2023
Q: Michelle asks: "What scissors do left-handed people use?"
A: I have used the red-handled Fiskars scissors for years - I actually have 3 pairs now! I recently broke a pair, and was thrilled to have them replaced very quickly by Fiskars, as all their products are guaranteed for life. My other favorites are the Tim Holtz mini snips from Tonic - they are nice for fussy cutting and small corner cuts.
April 5, 2023
Q: Micheline asks: "I have been playing with alcohol inks on glossy cardstock to make backgrounds. What ink should I use to stamp images on the shiny surface?"
A: Once the inks have dried, you should be able to use an archival, solvent, or hybrid ink to stamp over the alcohol ink background. You may want to use a stamp positioner, since stamps like to slide on glossy cardstock. Click HERE to discuss this topic in the forums!
March 29, 2023
Q: Cheryl ask: "I understand the application of alcohol inks, but I have never done it on metal. How would I prepare the metal? Would the ink ever bleed? Can you put a sealant on it, and what kind?"
A: Great question! I would make sure the metal is very clean before applying the ink - otherwise, it shouldn't need any preparation. Once applied, a solvent would cause it to bleed, so I would seal with a water-based acrylic or polyurethane. One thing to note about alcohol inks is that they are not lightfast, so unfortunately they'll fade over time. A UV protective spray and placement out of direct sun will help preserve the color longer.
March 22, 2023
Q: Karen asks: "I love the stitching I see on cards in the galleries! How are cardmakers doing this?"
A: Some cards are stitched with a sewing machine (straight or decorative stitching with a needle dedicated to paper). Some cards are hand stitched and there are even dies dedicated to this craft, with holes for embroidery stitches in different designs. There are a number of faux-stitching techniques, and dies that cut stitched borders or lines. So many options! (Remember piercing holes and then 'connecting the dots' for faux stitched borders?) Here are some tutorials for inspiration:
Sewing on Cards
Stitching on Patterned Paper
Stitched Die String Art
No-Line Piercing
Sewing on Cards
Stitching on Patterned Paper
Stitched Die String Art
No-Line Piercing
March 15, 2023
Q: Chris asks: "Do I need my clear blocks since I have a MISTI?"
A: I have a small pile of larger blocks on my desk - those get used as palettes for painting, and to weigh down cards while glue dries (like in this week's video!). I have a handful of small blocks (one of each size) nearby - sometimes it's easier to use a block for a small stamp or for random stamping of a background image. The rest of my blocks are in a box, and I've rarely used them for stamping since I got my MISTI 8 years ago!
