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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
January 24, 2024
Q: Mary writes: "Years ago I made a little gift box using one sheet of cardstock and two coasters. I lost the directions for it, can you help?"
A: Our Mini Pizza Box tutorial is made from a single sheet of cardstock. It would make a great box base, and it's the perfect size to adhere a coaster to the bottom and top!
January 17, 2024
Q: Valerie asks: "Can you share some tutorials for creating winter scenes?"
A: Of course! Here are some fun ones using different mediums:
Ice Rink (mixed media)
Yupo Winter Scene (alcohol ink)
Falling Snow Scene (watercolor)
Ice Rink (mixed media)
Yupo Winter Scene (alcohol ink)
Falling Snow Scene (watercolor)
January 10, 2024
Q: Donna asks: "I would like to begin selling used stamps. Is there a particular company or website you would recommend for me to purchase shipping boxes? I will be selling wooden sets and I want to ensure safe delivery."
A: I use either literature boxes or padded poly mailers for shipping stamps, depending on the quantity. I've gotten both on Amazon. You can get free priority flat rate boxes and mailers from the USPS too. I do not recommend padded mailers that are paper on the outside - the corners of wood-mounted stamps will tear through them. I've lost collectible vintage stamps along their journey to me, and that's so sad!
January 3, 2024
Q: Joyce writes: "There is mention of different sizes for the Star Fold Card. Could instructions be added for using 8 1/2" x 11" paper?"
A: Here are some easy dimensions so we can use 8 1/2" x 11" or even 8" x 8" paper! The paper is cut to 8" wide x 7" high. Mark the center point at 4" and cut the triangle. In step 4, score at 3 1/2" and 4 5/8" from each side. Other instructions are the same. Bonus: the card will fit in an A2 envelope!
December 20, 2023
Q: Louise asks: "I recently purchased the Distress Watercolor crayons. However, I have no clue how to sharpen them when it comes time. Can you help?"
A: I would avoid a traditional sharpener because everything you cut away from a watercolor crayon is usable product! I'd use a method that would preserve the product so I could use it in a palette. A craft knife could be used to shave the crayon to a point - save the shavings in a small container or paint palette and activate them with water to use like traditional watercolor paints. Another option is to scribble with the crayon at an angle, rotating it to wear it down into a point. You can use a wet brush to lift the pigment and paint as usual. (Have more ideas? You can share them HERE.)
