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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
May 8, 2024
Q: Julie wants to know: "When I make Paper Beads, why does my paper darken when I seal it with the glaze?"
A: Darkening is more likely to happen when the papers are dyed rather than printed (like solid core cardstock or construction papers). Those papers are made more absorbent in order to soak up and hold the dye. They will absorb the sealant too, which causes them to darken. Printed papers are usually coated, so they hold the ink on the surface and the coating prevents the glaze from permeating the paper.
May 1, 2024
Q: Jennifer asks: "Can you use watercolor pencils on a damp watercolor panel?"
A: You can. The result will be very bold strokes that will be difficult to blend out. If your intention is to blend the color out evenly, wait until the paper is completely dry to apply the pencil.
April 24, 2024
Q: Rowena asks: "Do you stamp sentiments inside your cards?"
A: I usually leave them blank inside when I make them. Sometimes I'll even leave a sentiment off the front. That way when I need a card, I can customize it to the recipient and the occasion. If I have a sentiment that's appropriate for the inside I'll add it when it's ready to send.
April 17, 2024
Q: Patti asks: " Can you share a tip for crafting on a limited budget?"
A: Instead of buying embellishments like enamel dots or rhinestones in every color, look for white or clear ones. These can be colored with alcohol markers to match your project.
April 10, 2024
Q: Natalie asks: "Ink blending question: will it ever dry? It's still coming off on my hands after 2 hours. It's premium dye ink on cardstock."
A: Some dye inks are formulated to dry slowly, for blending and water-reactive effects. You can help the process along with a quick heat set. I always seem to warp cardstock with a heat gun despite my best efforts, so I'd recommend setting with an iron. Lay a paper towel or parchment paper over the cardstock, and then run a hot, dry iron over it for 30 seconds or so.
