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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
July 7, 2021
Q: Louise wants to know: "I have clear stamps that are sticky and will pull the paper up from my MISTI. They are nice stamps but sure would love to use them."
A: That's usually a sign of a good quality new photopolymer stamp and it won't hurt anything, but I know it can be frustrating! Make sure your card is well positioned in the corner of your MISTI, and check the position each time you make a new impression. The magnets will hold the card into that position for stamping. Inking may take some of the stickiness away, but if the stamp does pull the card out of position it's easy to snug back into the corner. Check the forum HERE for more advice from our members.
June 30, 2021
Q: Robin asks: "The Calendar Easel Card is awesome! Do you have a download for 2022?"
A: Of course! Click over to the photo tutorial HERE. In the supply list you'll find a link to a great resource for printable calendars in various formats, and 2022 calendars are available there now, and the One Page Calendar is perfect for the easel card.
June 23, 2021
Q: LipskeyMom wants to know: "I have a customer who wants to make a birthday card with clouds in the background. I think that it can be done using a mask and sponging, but I'm not entirely sure. Can you help? Thanks!"
A: There are a variety of ways to make cloudy backgrounds. There are dies and stencils that simplify the process. We also have a couple of site tutorials using different techniques! For a simple masking/sponging technique using die cuts, check out the Sponged Clouds tutorial HERE. The Cloudy Backgrounds tutorial will show you how to stencil cards with a simple scalloped circle punch, and how to watercolor a cloudy sky.
June 16, 2021
Q: Joanne asks: "I just read about using hanging folders to separate colored card stock in filing cabinets. Every time I do that the card stock bends. What am I doing wrong?"
A: It sounds like the problem might be too much weight in the folder. I store my cardstock this way, and the most I have is about an inch of thickness in each folder - if you have more than that, just divide the paper into more folders. You can also stabilize the folders with a sheet of medium-weight chipboard if needed.
June 9, 2021
Q: Katie asks: "Do you repurpose the cellophane envelopes that hold stamps and other craft materials?"
A: I have reused packaging for shaker windows, and I've used the envelopes to keep pieces of a project together. Most often I use the plastic as a palette for paint or ink. I use another material for this, but you could also use the envelopes for test prints in your stamp positioner. Check THIS THREAD for more ideas!
