Sponging & More: Tips & Techniques: The Stampin' Place: Rubber Art-Stamps, Accessories & Custom

There are many ways to add backgound color and texture with sponging.

Framing, Masking and Sponging:

Cut a template shape from scrap paper using a decorative paper edger, or tear for a ragged edge.
Place this piece as a mask on the desired area of your card. Hold in place with your hand or light temporary glue. Sponge your color around the entire outside edge of your template.
Remove the mask, and you will have a blank area surrounded by a sponged border.
This masking technique can be used also for brayer roller borders or art-stamps.
Save your templates in an envelope to use again.

Repetition Technique:

Variety in background effects can be achieved by stamping an art-stamp image over and over, either covering the entire area, or using the masking technique.

Place scratch paper behind your work and stamp off the edge of your card.
If you are covering the entire card as background, use a light color ink so that you can add a phrase stamp or focal point over your background.

Faux Finishes:

Start with a background base and add finishing on top of it. Glossy paper works best for this technique. A smooth finish is required for swirling the colors.

THE BASE: Crumple a section of tissue, paper towel or sponge. Add color by drawing on it with a marker. Mist the tissue with a spray bottle and swirl the color onto your paper.
SECOND LAYER: Scrunch up another piece of tissue, paper towel or sponge. Ink it up on a stamp pad. Lay this color over the base by tapping it on to cover the area.
VARIATIONS: Use a texture stamp for one of the colored layers. Use "rag rolling" by scrunching up an entire piece of paper towel and rolling it lengthwise across the paper to apply color. Use different shades of the same color for a monochromatic look. Experiment with multicolor layers and textures. For a marble look: Lay down the base as directed above. Pat the same color over it with a different texture. The veined look, your third layer, is achieved by dragging a torn edge of scrap cardstock which has been inked with a black marker.

Balloon Textures:

Fill a rubber party balloon with some sort of textured material like rice, popcorn or bird seed.
Tie the balloon shut.
Tap the filled balloon on your ink pad like you would a sponge and apply color to your paper.
Try filling the balloon with different materials until you find one you like, it's fun to experiment with this one! Stretch the top of the balloon opening around the bottom of a kitchen funnel to pour your materials into the balloon.