To Sponge or Not to Sponge...

Saturday, April 28, 2012

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

11 comments:

  1. What a beautiful card Cheryl! Love the design paper and the pretty rosettes.

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  2. as a plain jane type myself i can say...you did fabu with the "fattening" of both the cards...and your sponging is fine...that is something i have practiced so much i have permanent stains on my mat and fingers...but mine's still not as good as others i've seen...your's is much better...i can see the depth it has added to the card and i really like it

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  3. Beautiful card. And really pretty lumpy. lol

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  4. Oh wow, both are equally beautiful, no way to pick a fave from either! Great job on the sketch the papers are so lovely!

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  5. Cheryl,

    Your card is exquisite! I love to sponge ... sponge ... sponge. Like you said it gives your card a vintage feel. Love your blossoms too!

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  6. Love sponging! Best way to sponge is to start slightly off your piece and go toward the middle. That way the edge will be darker and the center lighter-not my tip but from my artsy friend Trisha.

    You did have fun with the embellishments! Hey, that's what padded envelopes are for right?

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  7. Sorry to be contrary but I like the non-sponged version best!..but then I'm a plain Jane stamper too.... (btw welcome to the Simplicity design team!)

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  8. I like the sponged one better too although both are beautiful cards.

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  9. First, welcome to OLW - I'm excited to get to know your work! Second, while I prefer the unsponged version, now that you're working with Heather, (the Sponging Queen!) you'll probably use the technique much, much more! LOL!

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  10. Love the sponged look! Such a beautiful card. Thank you for sharing at my party this week. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

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  11. Stunning cards. Those flowers are beautiful, great sponging. Adds so much depth.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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