Inking die cuts

[Wingus]

How do you ink the edges of die cuts, especially those with fine details or are quite small? I have real trouble trying to ink the die cuts I make and even with the inkpads that have a tapered corner, like the cats eye pads, I can't get it right. It looks awful and I get more ink on my fingers than on the die cut!

Any suggestions welcome!

[dizzyblonde82]

I used to have problems with this until another UKS member said to me to use eyeshadow applicators and it works fab :)

[Petra]

I use cut'n'dry nibs.

[Wingus]

Thanks Sarah, eye shadow applicators would be interesting, and easy to get! Do you run around the outside of the die cut like with the ink pad or do you swipe the edge with the die cut on the table?

Petra, what are cut'n'dry nibs?

[paddy]

I use cut'n'dry nibs.

Sorry, but what are these????? :lol::lol:

[~natasha~]

Cut and dry nibs ~ here (http://www.cre8tiveonline.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3888) ~ amazing little things :wub:

[Wingus]

Ah, thanks Natasha! I've never seen them before. Might get some to try.

[Eileen C]

I always use a bit of cut'n'dry foam anyway, as I get a softer and more consistent edge. I use eyeshadow applicators for fiddly bits (like between petals) but they wear out remarkably quickly, so I'm thinking of getting some of the nibs for when I can't get the corner of my bigger squares into the space.

Oh, and I always hold the diecut in one hand and ink with the other.

[EmilyLovedHim]

Did not know about these either so thank you!

[Petra]

Sorry, Wingus & paddy, I wasn't ignoring you, I just never got a chance to logon since last night... But Natasha's filled you all in on what the nibs are. :thanks:

[Wingus]

No worries Petra :D. As I'm on the other side of the world, I sometimes don't get back to threads until the next day!

[paddy]

Sorry, Wingus & paddy, I wasn't ignoring you, I just never got a chance to logon since last night... But Natasha's filled you all in on what the nibs are. :thanks:

No prob Petra, but thanks Natasha!!! They do look interesting!!!! :D

[soozee]

I use cosmetic cotton buds - like the ones for babies - but they're flat on one end (for applying eye-shadow) and pointed (sort of cone shaped) at the other. They're quite useful for getting into the nooks & crannies.
But I agree - those nibs look interesting.

[KitsKreations]

so glad that this thread was added.
I have had a look at a lot of other crafters work where they have used ink pads to round the edges of their die cuts and it gives it such a professional look and I often wondered what people use to get this effect.

Sorry to ask another question on your thread, but I just wondered what inks everyone uses to get the best results.

[Wingus]

Hi Katherine! I tend to use Colorbox Chalk Queues for inking as it gives a lovely matt finish and dries a lot quicker than pigment inks. They are easy to handle too. The only problem is that the foam that contains the ink can get roughed up and even come out of the plastic holder!

[jo.bee]

I've had quite a few chalk inks that have come off the base - and can't get them to stick back on whatever I use.

[Wingus]

I have tried a bit of PVA glue and that seems to be okay. I guess the problem is that the foam absorbs the glue rather than having it stay on the surface so it can stick to the plastic again!! I wonder if a bit of DST would work?

[dozyrosy]

I've also had a Versamark pad do this - I think I was a bit too enthusiastic applying the ink over a piece of card. It looks as though it had been glued on to its bASE with something but I've not tried to re-attach it yet. Perhaps I'll try DST now you've suggested it Winnie!

Rosemary

[Alibri]

I've always used wet glue when that happens, and the ink pads have still worked perfectly afterwards ....

[KitsKreations]

Thanks Wingus thats really helpful i will have to order myself some of those.

Which online store do you get yours from?

[Wingus]

I'd love to tell you where I get mine from, but I'm on the other side of the world and get mine locally (I have a local real life shop that sells them quite cheap)! You might want to check in the Shop Till You Drop thread, or maybe someone will answer here.

In addition to the Queues, you can also get the Cats Eyes in single colours too. Have a look at the Colorbox website for options.

[mei_lye]

I re-stick it using Ranger's Glossy accents and it worked perfectly. Saw this tip somewhere and began trying it out with all chalk inkpads that have came out. No more inky fingers now. :)

[leanie]

I hold the die-cut in one hand and ink with the other, and don't scrape the ink pad along as much as press it onto the edge quickly and haphazardly, and none have come off so far.
I use eyeshadow applicators for regularly used ink (flat one end, point the other) but my all-time favourite is the baby cotton buds someone already suggested - pointed one end, paddle the other - and cheap as chips from pound shops!
Those cut&dry nibs look awesome though - but how do you store them afterwards - do you wrap them in cling or something? Or just wash them out?

[Petra]

I just wipe the excess off onto a kitchen towel and then put them back in the pack. I just make sure I next use the nib with a similar colour. Maybe Sir Tim should design a cute little nib box to coordinate with the cases for the distress inks and alcohol inks?? :D

[Mapie]

I use the Tsukineko Fantastix Coloring Tool Bullet Tip Bulk[/URL]. It's perfect for details....

Description: These un-inked disposable or re-useable applicators are designed for use with our All-Purpose Ink. Fantastix™ are great for use with chalks, inks, paints, water, watercolors and anything else you would normally use with a brush, cotton swab or sponge applicator. Create soft blends, add accents, use with stencils, great for kids, use with water to clean up excess paint from projects. Bullet Tip Bulk- Cap not included.

You can also use a cotton swabs....

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Thanks for the link to the nibs on our site Natasha :wub:

The nibs are also good used with the distress pads for colouring in detail on photos.

I use the Art Institute Glue (http://www.cre8tiveonline.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=163) if the cats eyes come apart which works well.

Katherine we sell the cats eyes on our site here (http://www.cre8tiveonline.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=42_135) which are the same as the queues mentioned but individual rather than in a stack (which I prefer personally). They are brill for edging photos, photo mats etc and you only need something else like the nibs for really detailled areas like on titles etc.

Katie
xx