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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
January 31, 2018
Q: Gail wants to know: "I mask but get 'ink shadows' - what am I doing wrong?"
A: My guess is that your mask is just a little bit too large - try cutting to the inside of the outline to avoid getting that white 'halo' around the image - this will allow the ink to come right up onto the outline of the stamped image. Using a thinner masking paper may help too, or even wide masking tape.
January 24, 2018
Q: Kren asks: "I keep hearing about Yupo paper. Can it only be used with alcohol products, or can I use acrylic/water-based products as well? Is there a website that explains its properties and uses?"
A: Yupo is a synthetic paper that makes a beautiful substrate for alcohol inks, but it can actually be used with other mediums. I have used it with watercolors and it's a lot of fun for creating backgrounds, since the paint stays on the surface and will move until dry. You can create effects in the paint with spritzes of rubbing alcohol, or by stamping into it with a texture stamp. Yupo can also be used with water-based markers and watercolor powders, as well as acrylic paints (I'll have to give them a try!). Some artists prefer Yupo because the slick surface allows paint to be wiped or lifted away to direct or correct the flow of color or to add highlights. You can also die cut lighter weight Yupo to use as a mask or stencil. You can find out more about the product on the Yupo website HERE!
January 17, 2018
Q: Hilda asks: "What stays on your desk all the time?"
A: A mess! A mess stays on my desk all the time. I do always have all my essentials in reach - especially coloring mediums, paint brushes, inks and adhesives. I have a little basket of stamps that I never put away - those are script and texture stamps that I always reach for when making backgrounds. On the other side of my desk I have a magazine rack that holds my MISTIs, trimmer, and Scor-Buddy - those are used for almost every card. Other essential tools I always keep at hand are strong reverse tweezers, white acrylic paint or gesso, a ball stylus, sand eraser, and a container of water for painting.
January 10, 2018
Q: Julie asks: "I just tried the Bargello technique using Avery full sheet labels. After cutting them into smaller sizes I noticed that the segments want to lift off. Any suggestions to prevent this?"
A: Fold a piece of text weight paper in half and put the finished panel inside, then run that sandwich through your die cutting machine. The pressure of the rollers will ensure that the paper strips stay in place.
January 3, 2018
Q: LovettFarm wants to know: "How do I change the size of a Double Dutch Fold Card? I just cut all my scrap pieces into squares and would love to use them up to fit the little doors on these folds. Most measurements are tiny rectangles."
A: I think the easiest way would be to tweak the size of the base just slightly to make a 4" x 6" card - the envelopes are easy to find as well ( look for "social envelopes"). Cut the base piece to 10" x 3-15/16" and score at 4" from one end for the top fold. Cut the gatefold piece to 8" x 2", and score at 2" and 6" for the lower doors. You'll have a 4" square on the top and two 2" squares on the bottom.
