How to make that "misty" look?
 

Not sure if everyone has seen this or not, but the example in the holiday catalog this year for the set "White Christmas" there are some sample cards underneath. They all have a blue misty background. I have seen this before and tried it but when I use a sponge, it comes out blotchy-like. You can see the shape of the sponge, it does not flow together softly. How is this done? I am guessing it is not with a sponge :) Thanks!

Let's see - all but the bottom right one look watercolored to me.

BUT - I do have a tip for you that I just recently learned. After you ink up your sponge, tap or swirl it on a scrap piece before starting to work on your actual card - that seems to remove some of the sponge texture issue.

Thanks! I also was just watching a video on brayering and I wonder if that might work if I did...like...a mask or something to keep the color just in the one area. I must just have a heavy hand or something that I can't watercolor all that well, same as the sponging, blotchy :( The video on brayering was showing how to ink up the roller and also start OFF the paper and work your way on and that helps with the smoothness. Guess I will just have to start practicing different things!! Thanks again!

I haven't seen the catalogue but it is possible to get a really soft look with a sponge. I've attached a sample so you can see this doesn't look really "sponged", it's very delicate. This is two colors of Distress ink.

Lydia's tip to tap off excess first is a good one but apart from that, here's what I do. I use a chunk of a car wash sponge and gather it up in my fingers so it's a dome (no edges) - you won't get the shape of the sponge showing that way. Ink it up, make sure it's not overly inked and then very gently tap it over the cardstock. Do it gradually - you can add more colour but you can't take it away. This works really well for a sort of airbrushed look with masked edges or through something like a punched or die cut circle/square/oval etc. You need to use dye-based inks and I find Distress works really well.

HTH!

Yes, with brayering always start off the paper and BARELY touch the brayer - putting pressure on the brayer is what creates lines. Once you get in the habit of barely holding it at all, it will become easier.

LOVE that card!! :) Love that look! :)

Totally agree with Lydia, its how you hold the brayer that makes a huge difference. I found the link to THIS LADY on here a long while ago, and she gives fantastic instruction, in two videos.
Mainly, its hold the brayer with your fingertips, right at the end of the handle, don't hold it like a pencil, with your finger along the handle. That lets you apply too much pressure. It also helps if you keep your little finger held up, away from the handle. Then you also can't press on the brayer.

I didnt know that. I have a brayer and havent tried yet as was unsure what to do. Time to try hey!!

I use a sea sponge to create misty effects. I get it wet to soften it and then squeeze out as much water as I can so that it only slightly damp which softens and waters down the paint or ink colors slightly when I tap it lightly on CS. The sponge has no hard lines either.

Kevin (the owner of Stampscapes) has a number of YouTube videos showing how he creates mists:

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ampscapes+mist

I've just discovered your links. Thank you so much for posting them. They're just what I need! TFS!!!!

Use sponge to give misty look. Make sure to not dip sponge in the ink. instead just partially add the ink and use it to give misty look.