Sponging

Add warmth and dimension to your image with a sponge and ink. Sponging is a great way to distress and/ or age your cardstock.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Cut a sponge into smaller pieces.
   
   Variation:
   Try sponge daubers or cosmetic sponges, also. Each sponge will give you a different look. I prefer the sponge shown for a soft look.

   

2. Step 2

   Stamp an image.

   

3. Step 3

   Ink one a sponge wedge with the lightest color ink by tapping it on the ink pad.

   

4. Hold the cardstock in one hand, the sponge in the other. Apply the ink by moving the sponge over the edge of the cardstock in an up and down motion.
   
   Repeat several times before reloading the sponge with more ink.

   

5. Step 4

   Sponge all the edges of your cardstock. If neccessary, go around the cardstock again for a richer look.
   
   Hint:
   Don't apply too much ink at once. You can always go over it again. Once you have too much ink on it, it can't be taken off. You can only go darker, not lighter!
   

   

6. Step 5

   For an even richer look, go over the edges again with a slightly darker color.
   

   

7. Step 6 (Optional)

   Distressed edges look really good with sponged cardstock.
   
   Take an edge distressor (or cutter kit tool) and slide it over the cardstock edges, applying a little pressure.

   

8. 

9. Step 7

   When sponging cardstock that will be a lower layer of a card, just ink the sponge and rub over the cardstock edge.

   

10. The sponging will make the cardstock color richer. No need to try to make it look gradual. Only the outer part of the cardstock will show.

    

11. Step 8

    Tape your layers together.

    

12. Finish your card.
    
    You can find this card in the gallery HERE with all supplies listed.

    

Video!

Variations

Different texture
Different sponges will give you different results. The denser the sponge, the higher the ink transfer.

Techniques that involve sponging


1. Chalkboard


2. Collage


3. Embossing Resist


4. Faux Leather


5. Faux Mother of Pearls


6. Faux Postage


7. Faux Tearing


8. Gesso Resist


9. Grid Technique


10. Paper Tole


11. Poppin' Pastels


12. Retiform


13. Tapestry