Recently I’ve been playing with different ways to colour stamped images. I’ve watercoloured using both ink and pencils, and I’ve used Stampin’ Blends and Stampin’ Write Markers. Today I wanted to bring you something different, and less formal. Sponged images. As usual I decided to test this technique on a smaller piece, and here’s the bookmark I created.
BASIC PREPARATION
I began with a 2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card shaped at the top using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch. Then I used the corner rounder option of the Detailed Trio Punch to shape the bottom corners. With the base done I was ready to get to work on the embossing part of the project.
First I wiped the piece with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static. Then using VersaMark ink I stamped the large blossom image from the Forever Blossoms Stamp Set. Next I stamped the “love” sentiment above the blossoms with VersaMark, then sprinkled everything with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder. Once I’d tapped off the excess and removed a few stray specks, I melted the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).
SPONGED COLOURING
As soon as the embossing had cooled I could start my sponged colouring experiment using pieces of Stampin’ Sponge.
First I went around the whole image gently adding Seaside Spray ink to the bookmark. Then I sponged Pear Pizzazz ink onto the petals before finally colouring the flowers with some sponge and Rococo Rose ink.
In a couple of places I felt I needed to go back and sponge a little more colour to make it stand out, but generally I loved the soft effect the sponging created.
Finally when I was happy with the sponging I just had the ribbon to add. I folded a piece of the Seaside Spray 1/4″ Metallic Ribbon in half and threaded the loop through the slot in the bookmark. Then I passed the cut ends of the ribbon through the loop and pulled them tight. Job done.
I am so happy with how this experiment in sponged colouring turned out. The colour is soft and subtle, exactly how I had hoped. Using pieces of Stampin’ Sponge meant that I couldn’t be as precise with the ink compared to other colouring methods. However as I look at where a little colour ended up outside the embossed image I decided it added something to the project. Perfectly imperfect, and made with love.
For more project ideas using the Forever Blossoms Stamp Set see my earlier blog posts:
SALE-A-BRATION TAKE 2
Starting tomorrow there will be five new items added to your free Sale-A-Bration choices, three stamp sets, foiled DSP and textured vellum. Just remember these new items will not be available until around 6am AT, and are only available until March 31st while stocks last). Check out the updated Sale-A-Bration Brochure for details.
PRODUCT LIST
BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Forever Blossoms Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Cherry Blossoms Dies (not used today). This saved me 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in my product list in case you want to explore this option.
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