Sponging Tip
 

HI,
When I sponge, normally I find that it's hard to get enough ink on the sponge to make a nice job. So today I figured that if I spritzed my sponge with a little bit of water then inked up my sponge in my classic pad it gave me much better results! I even washed out my sponge to switch colors and made sure that I really squeezed out the water before inking up again... it worked too!

Did everyone already know this, and I am just really slow on the uptake?
If anyone did not know this, try it and see what you think.


Kerri

Awesome tip, Kerri! I've been stamping & have been a demonstrator for almost 5 years and did not know this! I'm going to play around with it and include it as a tip in my next newsletter!

Thanks!

Awesome tip! I'm going to give this a try right away -- I've been frustrated with not getting enough ink on my sponges, too!

I think, over time, that it would water down the color of the stamp pad, wouldn't it? I like the idea though because I always have to put a ton of ink on my sponge. Maybe I'll do this, but instead of smushing the sponge on the top of the ink pad, I'll smush it on the side so that the water doesn't get on the top part of the pad.

Thanks!

what if...
 

Hey, I'm just browsing and I just read this entry. What if you pressed the ink pad lid on the ink, then you could tap the wet sponge on the "pool" of ink from the lid? Would that work - I mean, keep from "watering down" the ink color? I've never tried the wet sponge either, but am anxious to get in there and give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

julie

Thanks for the cool sponging tip. I am going to make me a card using this awesome technique and then RAK someone with the card I made.

Cheers!

I've done this! Works great using wet or dry sponge from an inky palette
like the SAMJ imaging sheet or classic pad lid.
Each is different so experiment!

....and I have also used markers to 'ink up' the sponge directly.
I call it 'spectrum sponge'!
no card to show, so imagine:
Earth Elements markers, (go lite to dark of course to keep tips clean)
cris-crossed all over sponge to liven up a background on a leaf card.

If doing multiple cards, use your markers on the palette !!!
(again, a stamp case or SAMJ imaging sheet will do)
(again lightest to darkest or you will foul your marker tip )

scribble all over palette and then use sponge
(on bulldog clip or springy clothespin) to make a background or accent paper!


Hope you all find this as cool as I did !
char

Char, that sounds really neat. Will have to remember for fall cards -

This is really a awesome idea and glad I found an answer to my very own question.... Thanks so mucho!!

Stampingaway

After I ink the sponge I like to breathe or "huff" on it. It adds just enough moisture!

I have never done this with a sponge but it's a great idea, however when I first started to play around with the Plaidmaker a few years back, I discovered that the sponge brayer was much easier to use than a rubber brayer and when you wash it out in between then dry it by squeezing with a paper towel, the brayer stays damp enough to make it sooo much easier to apply the color. I think it's the same principle with the damp (not wet, just damp) sponge. Will definitely have to try that! Jan

Thanks for the input on using a damp sponge brayer with the plaid maker. I haven't used mine very much because I never got a good dark color with the rubber brayer and using a sponge was WAY to time consuming. I will try this soon!!

This is my first post, so forgive me if it doesn't come out right. I just came up with a similar technique using combinations from the Color Coach. I chose one of the colors as my main color and used that as the base for my card. Then I took whisper white cardstock, and with the main color first, sponged color onto the white using the main color in larger patterns than the complimentary colors. Some of the darker colors I may do a stamp off first, or water down a little with a damp sponge. Then I adhere the new patterned piece onto the card, and cover it completely with vellum adhered with eyelets, ribbon, or whatever suits your project. You can then stamp any message on the vellum. My favorites are from the Wonderful Words SU set. In my gallery photo, I embossed the message. I actually thought about sending this one into the SU contest, but it seemed to easy.

Thanks!

other opportunities(may be obvious) are combos from:

SS... baby girly, or wedding card backgrounds, spring
BB ...for summer backgrounds, boy, kid, teen, summer
EE... masculine, vintage, heritage, autumn
RR ...masculine, vintage, heritage, holiday, wedding, winter

don't limit yourself to EE for my technique in my previous post...I'm going to try some with my students at class on Monday!

char

subscribing

I've always used a damp sponge. I think it's softer better blendable coverage.

Thanks! I like to sponge but ahven't tried this! I have the most trouble with Soft Subtles not getting enough ink on the sponge, and that is why I just ordered the set of re-inkers, to see if that would remedy the problem. Now even with the re-inkers, I think I will use a damp sponge. Makes sense! TFS!

i am subscribing b/c i love the wonderful sponging that everyone does but I can't make it look as great...when I go to do it, I need this to reference! thanks for all your info gals

Sponging
 

Thanks for sharing the info I needed that so I will try it again.:-D

What kind of sponge do you use?

I have the same question as lalaleigh - what sponge works best for everyone? I use the makeup wedges and I think wetting them will make them work even better!!! Thanks for sharing your ideas!

I've been sponging for YEARS! and have never thought of this! Thanks so much for passing this tip on. I'm excited to try this.

Kathy

I think the sponges have the same issue as the bold image stamps -- manufacturing residue. Perhaps, like with new fabric, there's a bit of sizing or some other additive coating each new sponge? I did notice a few years ago that my sponges took the ink better after they'd been washed with a little mild soap and water.

row4d, was there a specific kind of sponge that you used??

I learned this only after washing out a sponge, cause I only had 2 and wanted to use different colors. Never thought to share the idea, sorry

I may be wrong, but I don't think using a damp soinge will add water to your ink pad. I think the water is simply keeping the sponge from having to pull so much ink in and maybe diluting it a little bit. I don't think much of it at all would work its way into the pad. I think this is a great idea! I did some sponging today and wasn't happy with it and went with another idea, so I think I will try again with a dampened sponge!

Yep -- the ones in the SU! catalog! ;) Sorry, I just always assume that we're talking about SU! stuff in threads like this.

I bought the SU sponges and was wondering....do you cut the sponges into more manageable sizes. like 1/4s?

Absolutely! :) Gives you more sponges for your money, too!