To Sponge or Not to Sponge...

To sponge or not to sponge, that's the question. My plan for this post was to make two identical cards. One sponged and one not. I wanted to evaluate them side by side (I work best with visual aid). I’ve always admired sponging on cards (other peoples cards). But when I've tried my hand at sponging, it always looks like I dropped my card in the middle of a big mud puddle! Now, I defiantly like the sponged look. I feel it has a prominent place in papercrafting. How else could you add age and a vintage feel to any project without it? However, for my taste, I think I need more practice. I'm a little heavy handed.

The sponged card:

The non-sponged card:

Somehow, during the creative process the non-sponged card seemed to grow, expand, get fat!  I don't make fat or lumpy cards!  Now, I do admire, sometimes even drool over cards with layers and layers of beauty, but then think...how would I possibly mail something like this? What a great idea for another post. 

To give you a visual point of reference, I love to peruse the My Favorite Things blog.  These cards are so adorable with all of their layers, die cuts, embellishments, ribbon, buttons, stitching, and bling.  Not to mention the beautiful Copic work.  Am I still trying to define my style?  No, I hope not!  I thought I had already traveled down that path.  Honostly, I've always thought of myself, and my style as Plain Jane.  You know, the vanilla ice cream type.  Is it possible to have more than one style?  Ok, I really should get back to the origional question.  Do you like the sponged or non-sponged look?  

Finally, I can't forget to credit the Ribbon Carousel Challenge blog for the sketch inspiration.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampendous Cling Rubber

Ink: Memento

Paper: My Mind's Eye (designer paper), Memory Box (card Base), Stampin' Up Very Vanilla (stamped image)

Accessories: Corner Rounder, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders, Ribbon, Lace, Buttons, Floss