Search
Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
September 6, 2023
Q: Pamela asks: "I was looking to get some black cardstock, any recommendations? I like it more on the thick side, not flimsy."
A: I am a big fan of the Fabriano Black Black paper pad, and it is the darkest black cardstock I have found. According to their site, "This paper is characterized by a very deep black colour due to the high quality and lightfast pigments used for its production." It comes in a range of sizes, and they offer weights from 300-680 gsm. I've purchased the 300 gsm weight in 8"x8" and 9"x12" pads of 20 sheets each. Other member favorites come from Gina K and Hero Arts.
August 30, 2023
Q: Jill writes: "I'm looking for tutorials that show watercoloring of stamped images using dye inks and watercolor markers."
A: We have quite a few! Here are some links for you:
Watercoloring with Dye Inks
Palette Blending
Distress Watercolor Dry Embossing
Misted Markers
Distress Marker Painting
Watercoloring with Markers
Watercoloring with Dye Inks
Palette Blending
Distress Watercolor Dry Embossing
Misted Markers
Distress Marker Painting
Watercoloring with Markers
August 23, 2023
Q: Stacy asks: "What stand alone die or die set is your absolute favorite?"
A: I think my favorite fun die set is the vintage truck set by Spellbinders, Truckin' Through the Seasons. For practical everyday use, the Spellbinders A2 rectangle sets are the ones I reach for most.
August 16, 2023
Q: Louise asks: "How would an image colored with watercolor markers differ from using water color pencils?"
A: Both will produce watercolor-like results... the difference will be in opacity and lightfastness. Dye based products (markers, inks) are transparent and not lightfast. Watercolor pencils are more likely to be pigment based, more opaque, and lightfast.
August 9, 2023
Q: Carol writes: "I want to know how to stitch card layers together with a sewing machine. I have been told to use a ball point needle in the past. Do you have any other tips to help make this technique look good?"
A: Hi there! We have a great site tutorial HERE that should answer your questions! (You can jump to step 25 if you are already familiar with your machine.) I use a sharp needle and make sure to mark it with a Sharpie (purple for paper!) so it only gets used for paper - paper will dull a needle quickly and you won't want to use it on fabrics. There are some great tips in the tutorial comments too.
