Sponging
 

I have the hardest time when i go to sponge some color on the card. It just goes into a blob. Does it matter which ink you use? (dye or craft) I have used different sponges and i just don't get it. Any help????

I just used a cloth to sponge ink over my cardstock. It doesn't matter what ink I use then.

Hopefully someone else has some more ideas for you!

I find craft (pigment) ink is too thick and opaque to get good results with sponging, I always use dye-based or chalk inks. I have some of the little cat's eye shaped chalk ink pads and I usually use those direct to the paper. Other pads I just use a small hunk of foam cut off a large car-wash sponge. I find the Tim Holtz Distress inks are excellent for sponging as they stay wetter for longer so you can move them around more for a really smudgy, smoky kind of effect.

One thing you might want to try if you don't do it already is to make sure you start your sponging motion off the edge of the cardstock - lay your card on some scratch paper and use a circular motion with the sponge to pull the ink onto the edge of the cardstock, if you see what I mean.

HTH!

Sometimes if your ink pad is too juicy, it puts too much ink on the sponge. I would suggest tapping the sponge on scrap until you start getting the coverage you like. Also, I have found it works a lot like stenciling, less is more, try an almost dry sponge that you can always layer again for more coverage. I have not had great luck sponging with craft ink, mostly because they are so wet. Hope that helps, you sound very frustrated-hang in there!

I find that you need a light touch and I don't use the craft in...it's too smooshy... If you want wider sponging lay your card on your scratch paper and work it in a circular motion... you may want to start on your scratch paper to get the initial ink off. If you just want the edges hold your project and run the sponge across it vertically.

Good luck!

thanks ladies for all the help, i think i get in to big of a hurry when i am sponging. will try these ideas. thanks again

I use SU's pastels instead of inks to sponge on some color -- it is easier to control and very forgiving. Best of all, if I don't like the way it looks, can erase it and start again with another color, etc.

Caterina

I have a heavy hand with sponging and found I could get the look I wanted with stipple brushes.

Great idea! I need to try the stippling brush!

Play it Like a Guitar
 

I like to play my cardstock like a guitar & strum the sponge across. I used to use 1/6 of a SU sponge, but sometimes ladies have a hard time if they have long fingernails. In that case, I recommend the sponge daubers.

Don't press too hard into the pad OR onto the paper. You can always go darker, but not lighter.

By strumming or working a circular motion, your hand is in motion when it touches the paper and shouldn't blob. In stamping, the paper stops your motion. In sponging, you just keep moving past the paper.

Hope this helps!

I love the stampin' up sponges, cut into quarters. Fantastic effect, a light coverage that can be made darker if you wish. Also gives a mottley effect 'cause of the holes in the sponge.

I love the look of sponging. I've used it on walls, ceramics and now cardstock! I use a natural sponge, slightly damp. I've used both water based ink and pigment ink. It works great.

Another thing to try........just as you stamp *off* your stamp image to get a lighter effect.......sometimes I sponge *off* so that the effect isnt as heavy.

Great idea -- thanks:-D

i use scrunched up saran wrap and sometimes wax paper i love the look i get

sponging
 

If you sponge to hard you will get like an impression of your finger/nail, if so get an old pair of pantyhose wrap around sponge and use a rubberband this also makes a nice handle to hold on to the sponge better also!!
I agree with the gals I use alot of stippling
Jen

I always use a little piece of a paper towel to sponge, and I agree with the ladies who said to "sponge off" on a scrap paper. You can always go over the area again if you want it darker!

I use the round "hydra" sponges with all types of inks (prefer the pigments) and have never had an issue. I do tend to lean towards a lighter touch with most things. I find that sometimes I have to apply in layers to make sponging, daubing, chalking, etc dark enough...

sponging
 

I use a 1/2" to 3/4" pom pom to "sponge". I find that can vary the amount of ink you apply by how much contact you make with the paper. You can get a very light airy feeling by using just the ends of the fibers on the pom pom. Or, you can get a heavier coverage by using more of the pom pom. It was even very easy for my 8 year old grandaughter to use. Like sponges, they are also reusable.

These are all wonderful tips, thanks so much

smallcity

Ok you have just lost this newbie can someone show me how this card looks,sponging?

QueenPam, just wanted to let you know I love your closing line!

:-D

Also, if you dampen your sponge, it gives a soft effect.

I "strum" too. Sometimes, I strum the CS on the ink pad. To me, a sponge and dauber gives diff effects. Like'em all.

I was wondering if anyone has used a cheesecloth before? I'm curious how the texture might look and how well it works before I waste a sheet. I just want to try something a little different.

Thanks so much for all your tips. I'm anxious now to get back in there and Sponge. I usually end up using my stipple brush, but now I'm determined to get the sponging right.