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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
February 8, 2023
Q: Pam asks: "What is the advantage of keeping stamps filed separate by manufacturer?"
A: I've only done this when I need to keep projects company-specific for design team obligations. Other than that, it makes more sense to my brain and cataloging system to organize by category.
February 1, 2023
Q: Beverly writes: "I am doing some major cleaning and wonder how those of you who have a lot of supplies keep them clean. Every marker and bottle has a layer of dust."
A: I am a terrible one to ask - I have dust on my shelves too! I opened a thread in the forum HERE where our members and subscribers can share how they keep their supplies clean - come leave a tip! My best suggestion is to use them so the dust can't settle!
January 25, 2023
Q: Kate writes: "I just got my first set of stamps and matching dies and there are no directions. Do I cut or stamp first?"
A: There are different methods you can use, depending on your stamps and dies. I covered several techniques in a tutorial called Stamped Die Cuts, including cutting a stamped image with solid or outline dies, and stamping multiple die cuts.
January 18, 2023
Q: Patricia writes: "I am wanting measurements to make a box that can house ten 4" x 6" cards and envelopes to gift to family and friends."
A: If you scroll down to the Variations on the A2 Box Tutorial you'll find simple instructions for adjusting the box measurements for any size! For your box base I'd add about 1/4" to the size of your envelopes, then determine the side measurements based on your stack of cards. It looks like A6 envelopes are 4 3/4" x 6 1/2", so I would start with a base measurement of 5" x 6-3/4". If you want the sides 2" high, add 4" to each measurement (9" x 10-3/4"), and score 2" from each edge. For the lid, add 1/8" to your base size, 5-1/8" x 6-7/8". You might want the sides to have a 1" drop, so you'd add 2" to the measurements - 7-1/8" x 8-7/8", and score at 1" from each side.
January 11, 2023
Q: Kristen asks: "I am organizing my 6x6 paper pads and some have matching sticker jewels. Would you keep jewels with the paper pad or keep all the jewels together?"
A: Not too long ago I started a new system with my 6x6 pads. I keep them in a photo box standing up. The cover goes into a 6x6 cellophane sleeve, with a sticky note tab identifying the company and collection. The rest of the papers in the pad go behind the sleeve. When I cut into one of the papers, the scraps go into the sleeve behind the cover page. I think that would be a great place to keep matching embellishments as well.
