Sponging

I haven’t created anything in a while prior to last month using a detailed technique.  I was getting too comfortable with using die-cuts, embossing folders, stamped images and pattern paper.  Recently I was challenged to come up with a quick note card.  I used one of my favorite stamp sets and decided to create this card using the sponging technique since it is a small area.  I really don't have the patience to create several note cards requiring detailed work (25 to be exact).

 

If you are not familiar with sponging it’s a quick easy technique that I think gives a very artistic look to your work.

 

 

For this card, I used dry sponge daubers that were rubbed on an ink pad to pick up some of the ink color.  I rubbed the surface of the card stock to color and cover the different areas of the image.

A regular stamping sponge was used to achieve the sky effects by lightly rubbing the sponge on the upper surrounding areas.  I did the same for the bottom but used another dry sponge dauber.

 

 

On the envelope I did a reverse masking technique on the leaf so I wouldn’t sponge outside of the image.   I simply took a Post-It-Note and ripped pieces to place around the leaf and then used a sponge dauber to color it in.

If you are getting to comfortable with a certain way in your creating challenge yourself to try something different.  Learn a new technique or recall an old favorite.  Stay polished.

MATERIALS USED
Stamp Set:  Lovely As A Tree and Day of Gratitude
Ink:  Early Expresso, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke and Garden Green
Paper:  Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Stamping Sponge and Sponge Daubers
NOTE:  All materials Stampin' Up!©

Praying Hands

This is my first post on Scraps of Color E:spire and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the creative team.

The moment I saw this stamp, it was a must have for me.  It's great for making handmade cards for the sick and shut-in at my church or for anyone needing encouragement.  I used two techniques on this card, heat embossing and watercoloring.  I only embossed the praying hands and used dimensionals on each layer of the card for depth.  I watercolored the hands and the surrounding area of the watercolor paper.

Below is the list of supplies (with item numbers) used to make this card (all from Stampin' Up!).
STAMP SET:  Praying Hands (122043)
INK:  VersaMark Pad (102283), Early Expresso Classic Stampin' Pad (126974), Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker (100037)
PAPER:  Crumb Cake (120953), Early Expresso (119686) and Watercolor Paper (122959)
ACCESSORIES:  Early Expresso Embossing Powder (128980), Soft Suade (119805) and Bashful Blue (118802) Watercolor Wonder® Crayons, Aqua Painter (103954), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Heat Tool (129053)

I hope you find the time to make something uplifting for someone when you paper craft.

Sharon