Thank you so much, Cheryl!

Debsam, I'm so glad you found the tutorial helpful! It's never too early to have Christmas in your heart!

Hi Joe Oi English Oi...I had to think a bit before getting back to you. I work in traditional media and am only learning a bit of digital painting myself at this point. I'm not familiar with Windows Paint (I've be playing around in Photoshop). I'm not sure how well trying to enlarge something 96 dpi to 300 would work. I've heard some companies like Adobe are working on programs that would fill resolutions so that smaller resolutions (like 96 dpi) could be increased. I'm sorry I can't help more...mostly what I do is paint something on paper then photograph it with a regular digital camera (not my phone, which only gives 72 dpi).

@@RachelArmington thank you so much for the honesty and clarity , the point is I have my illustrations on A3 -so enough large - then I transfer them on laptop by pics with smartphone just to colour on paint. I hope the printer can find a different way..maybe in the future I will use watercolour so I won't mess up with laptop .I m traditional artist as well and did not learn Photoshop

@@Joeoi A few years ago, I had to put together a portfolio for a conference. I don't know if you have anything like it where you live, but I went to an inexpensive copy shop...instead of just photocopying my paintings, they were able to scan them in so that they came out digitally, at 300 dpi. They were independently owned (by a family) not a big company. Unfortunately they aren't around anymore, but maybe there is some business like that with a scanner near where you live. I hope it all works out for you!

Hi Jenn! Yes, the trim size is 8.5" x 8.5".

Hi Pamela! I made an earlier video on how to melt and temper chocolate chips that explains. Tempered chocolate takes a few minutes to set. You don't need to watch the whole video which is about making Easter candy: start the video around one minute (1:10 to be exact!) and that will show you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4DNoXyGbtKbaaM

I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you!

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Have a Happy Easter!

Can you use enjoy life chocolate chips? A baker told me you can’t temper chocolate chips but that’s what I have and wondering if it might work

I know what you mean...I'm not a fan of ironing and pretty much avoid it as much as possible! Your grosgrain collection sounds impressive!

@@RachelArmington i seem to be very accident prone lately. The iron is ticking me off. LOL. I got 56 types of grosgrain from Amazon! Various bundles - and all have 5 types in each bundle. 😑 now i gotta take it all apart to get what i want. 😆 aah. Gonna have to DIY something to hold it, so i can see them all.

Hi Maggie! Could you try this direct link to see if it works? Just copy and past this into your browser: rachelarmington.com/wp-content/uploads/3D-Christmas-Tree-Pop-up-Armington-WEBSITE.pdf Please let me know if it still doesn't work..I have another solution that might work if this doesn't. Merry Christmas!

@@RachelArmington Hi Rachel, Thank you so much. That worked. Can’t wait to make your lovely tree. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

I'm so happy to hear that! Merry Christmas, Maggie!

Hi Amber! If you are trying to hang a heavier ornament, you can double strand the wire (as in cut two lengths of wire for each hangar instead of just one, and twist the wire together in places as per the directions). That being said, personally, I've never had trouble with the hangars holding shape (I've used them for resin, plastic, glass ball, gourd, and paper mache ornaments). Happy Holidays!

I'm so glad! We all need some Christmas projects to get through this year!

Thank you, Patty!

Patty, thank you for your kind words. I enjoy your videos as well. You make it feel as if the viewer is sitting at the table with you!

Hi! I make these with a double layer because that way I only need to sew the one seam which is hidden by the button. To me, the double layer also feels more substantial than a single layer of ribbon or FOE would be. If you don't have enough ribbon to give a double layer, you could easily just sew each end around the buckle loop. You wouldn't need the button then either (unless you wanted it for decoration) because you wouldn't be tacking the two layers together with the button. Thanks for watching my video!

@@RachelArmington Got you. Thanks for replying 😊

Tania, those sculptures were my favorite exhibit ever at Tower Hill, hands down. Such a nice job integrating them with the scenery throughout the gardens. Even though this is a stressful time, it's reassuring that the gardens are blooming (and all the animals and insects thriving) at Tower Hill even if we humans can't visit as often. Stay well!

Petra, I apologize, I only saw your question now, a month later! Each little dome holds 3 ounces...they are 2.8 inch in diameter x 1.4 inch deep. I have a bunch of them with 6 cavities each, but end up cutting each dome out separately so that it's easier to tilt and spread the melted chocolate. Thank you for your kind words. Stay well!

The kitties do have a scenic view of a bird-filled window! They have lots of company with the other painted cats on my walls as well!

Thank you, Nicolette...Marina is a very lovely cat, but isn't vain at all. She has an incredibly sweet temperament. When my kids were young (19 years ago!) and we went to the shelter to adopt a new cat, the shelter ladies recommended her, and they were right! Happy New Year!

Hi Melissa! Anyone making these should definitely take their cat's personality into account. If you think your cat might try to chew through a collar like this, a regular cat collar or sewn collar would be safer. Through plain luck (or laziness), none of my cats have ever tried to take one of these collars off or have been bothered by them. The places where I used glue could be sewn instead if there is any concern.

Me too!

Thank you, Nedra!

Hi Bel, Opera Pink is definitely classified as fugitive, but I've never had any issues with it personally. A few years ago, I tested a swatch for a month in a sunny southern facing window, and I didn't see any fading (I'm not endorsing any brand, but I use mostly Daniel Smith, who classifies opera as fugitive.) I do avoid Opera if I'm painting a commission or if I'm planning to put a painting for sale. But I love the purples I can mix with Opera, and that it's non-staining. Is there a watercolor in the red range that you find yourself drawn to? I've never found one I'm entirely satisfied with. I usually use Permanent Alizarin Crimson for skin tones, but I don't actually like the color that much!

@@RachelArmington I like opera as well for purples and the sort of really bright and 'happy' note it seems to add to a lot of shades! I'm relatively new to watercolors (and have been binge watching youtube channels between practicing!) and just bought my first professional paints to mess with. I went with Daniel Smith because they look so lovely, and I've also been trying out perm alizarin crimson and recently got a tube of quinacridone rose I am looking forward to trying out. I've been tempted to get a tube of DS Opera (I've been using opera in another student quality brand now and then) and just mostly relegate it to sketchbook work and also things I plan to scan and not display the original piece of. It's just such a happy color!

Thank you, A R!

Thank you so much, Nedra!

Thank you! They live happily together in my china cabinet.

Are you still living out west (I know you moved around the globe a bit for a few years there)? Our house is so cold up here in New England that I have to cover the windows with plastic to cut down on the drafts...I leave one window without plastic so I can still transfer my drawings!

@@RachelArmington Yes, we are still out west and I'm grateful I can have a window available for tracing most of the year. I love that you are sacrificing for your art by keeping one of your windows ready for tracing even when it is a little brrrrisk! :D

Thank you so much! That is one of my favorite paintings too, because who doesn't want a fairy kitten and a rose?

I take a lot of side-trips in my writing, but I will get this one done! Thank you, Christine!