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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
February 7, 2024
Q: Rosita wants to know: "Do you have any tutorials with heart shapes for Valentine's Day?"
A: We do! Here's a little assortment - there are quite a few others that can be done with any shaped die cut, and a heart would be an adorable touch!
Heart Box
Crocheted Hearts
Valentine Tea Light
Heart Treat Holder
Animal Valentines
Heart Box
Crocheted Hearts
Valentine Tea Light
Heart Treat Holder
Animal Valentines
January 31, 2024
Q: Phyllis asks: "What is the best tool for snipping dies apart that are joined really close together?"
A: I use micro flush cutters that are made for cutting wire in jewelry making or electrical work. They are designed to cut a straight end on a wire, so they work well for cutting the connecting wires off flat against the edge of a die. The micro cutters have a finer tip that can get in between tightly joined sections. (Dies are manufactured this way to keep them together as a set. Pieces are nested together to take up the smallest possible space, as the sets are priced by area. Some companies pay an extra fee to have the pieces separated; some companies opt to leave them connected for ease of packaging and the savings it allows them to pass on to the consumers.)
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!
