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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
June 12, 2024
Q: PikkuLilla writes: "I seem to remember people using a silicone mat to emboss with dies - where could I find a tutorial showing this technique?"
A: We have a few! The embossing basics are the same; some of these tutorials take the technique a step or two further.
Embossing with Detailed Dies
Embossing with Nestabilities™ Die templates
Die Debossed Watercolor
Debossed Die Resist
P.S. You can use your silicone mat to emboss with stencils too!
Stencil Embossing
Embossing with Detailed Dies
Embossing with Nestabilities™ Die templates
Die Debossed Watercolor
Debossed Die Resist
P.S. You can use your silicone mat to emboss with stencils too!
Stencil Embossing
June 5, 2024
Q: Bonnie asks: "The standard card is 4.25" x 5.5", right? What are some "standard" sizes for larger cards? I know some may involve more postage."
A: According to the USPS website, letter rate specifications are that a piece must be:
Rectangular
At least 3.5" high x 5" long x 0.007" thick
No more than 6.125" high x 11.5" long x .25" thick
A standard 4.25" x 5.5" or A2 card in the US will fit an invitation envelope - those are commonly available. 5" x 7" is a standard commercial greeting card size (these envelopes can also be used for 5" square cards - tuck some extra cardstock scraps in to create an even thickness in the envelope), Slimline cards (usually around 3.5" x 8.5") will fit in a #9 or #10 business envelope. Square cards do require extra postage, and usually are stamped at the post office with a 'hand cancel' notation.
Rectangular
At least 3.5" high x 5" long x 0.007" thick
No more than 6.125" high x 11.5" long x .25" thick
A standard 4.25" x 5.5" or A2 card in the US will fit an invitation envelope - those are commonly available. 5" x 7" is a standard commercial greeting card size (these envelopes can also be used for 5" square cards - tuck some extra cardstock scraps in to create an even thickness in the envelope), Slimline cards (usually around 3.5" x 8.5") will fit in a #9 or #10 business envelope. Square cards do require extra postage, and usually are stamped at the post office with a 'hand cancel' notation.
May 29, 2024
Q: Carrie asks: "I'd like to make a card I saw where a sentiment is cut from a background, stacked with a couple of layers of cardstock, and then placed back in the negative space of the background creating a 3-d or relief-type image. What is the name of this technique, and do you have examples?"
A: You just perfectly described an Eclipse Card! We have a site tutorial HERE, and you can visit the sample gallery
HERE - there are over 100 samples using word, alphabet, and shaped dies.
HERE - there are over 100 samples using word, alphabet, and shaped dies.
May 22, 2024
Q: Carla asks: "I brought home a large quantity of used file folders in white, black and red that were going to be thrown out. What would you use them for besides a folder for paper?"
A: What a great find! We actually have several site tutorials using file folders:
Altered File Folder
Accordion File Folder
File Folder Notebook
They can also be die cut into tags or other shapes for card fronts, and they make great surfaces for gel printing.
Altered File Folder
Accordion File Folder
File Folder Notebook
They can also be die cut into tags or other shapes for card fronts, and they make great surfaces for gel printing.
May 15, 2024
Q: Lani writes: "I see the term acid-free. I really don't know what that means."
A: Lignin is a natural part of plant cells in paper that becomes acidic as it deteriorates. If this is not removed in the paper-making process, the acid will cause the paper to break down more quickly. It may also react with photos or adhesives to break them down or cause them to yellow. People who are working with or making anything archival will want to use acid-free papers to preserve their work. Some acid-free archival papers can last over 1000 years!
