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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
March 13, 2024
Q: Jackie asks: "What is the difference between using Distress and regular dye inks, or using watercolor crayons?"
A: Distress inks are dye-based inks that are formulated to dry slowly for blending and other techniques. They also will hold their original color when blended out with water, but true to their goal of a distressed look they will dry with a slightly mottled texture. They will lift, feather, and spot more easily with the application of water. Regular dye inks soak into paper and dry more quickly, so while they will react with water, the effect is usually less dramatic. Some dye inks will also break down into their component colors when combined with water. We have a tutorial on watercoloring with dye-based inks HERE! While dye and Distress inks are transparent, pigment-based watercolor crayons are more creamy and opaque, and contain a binder (usually wax) to hold their pigments together in a molded shape. You can use a watercolor crayon to color directly onto your project before blending out with water, or lift pigment from the crayon with a wet brush.
March 6, 2024
Q: Melinda asks: "What are some ways to add metallic effects to a project?"
A: There are a number of ways! Some of my favorites are metallic rub-ons (typically wax based pastes) and acrylic paints - I like to apply these lightly with my finger to raised textures on a project. Metallic leafing and foil sheets will adhere to tacky-when-dry glue or medium. There are many metallic embossing powders too, if your project is stampable. HERE is a thread in our forums with more suggestions - feel free to add your own!
February 28, 2024
Q: maslex asks: "I remember seeing a video a while back where she used a black marker to make the animal's eye really pop. Do you know what I'm talking about?"
A: I have used a black glaze pen by Sakura to color in eyes. The ink is a deep black and it dries with a little shine - that will really liven up an image! I also like to add a little dot or two of white paint or gesso to eyes to make them look dimensional and reflective. I usually apply the paint with a pencil point, pin, or tiny stylus.
February 21, 2024
Q: Barbara writes: "I’m trying to find directions to a card that appears to be just a flat piece of cardstock but flips around to show different things."
A: That sounds like the Impossible Card - you can find the tutorial HERE!
February 14, 2024
Q: JMFMS asks: "What kind of ink should you use with Inktense pencils?"
A: You'll need a waterproof ink if you're going to be blending out your Inktense coloring with water. Versafine Clair is what I usually reach for. Archival ink, hybrid ink, or a solvent ink like Stazon would work too. Learn more about Inktense pencils HERE.
