Create a Sponged Sky

Today I’m showing you a simple technique that you can use to add a background to a stamped or paper pieced scene. All you need is ink, a sponge or ink applicator tool, and a scallop edged piece.

Here are a few examples of things with scalloped edges that you could use to create a template for sponging a cloud filled sky. You probably already have a bunch of things in your crafting collection that you can use.  First up is a scallop edged circle die—my photo shows one with big scallops, but a smaller scalloped edge works, too. Next is a scallop edged die that’s a part of a banner die set. And, finally, there’s one that I cut myself. Any of these will work just fine, but for the tutorial, I’m using a piece of white cardstock cut with the banner die.

To get started, place your template on your white cardstock panel. After you’ve inked up your sponge or ink applicator tool with some blue ink, apply ink to the paper, starting at the edge of the cloud template and moving outward.

Once you’ve inked along the entire edge of your template, reposition it on the paper in a new spot, offsetting it from the first placement to add interest and make your cloudy sky look random instead of like a repeating pattern. 

Repeat the inking process again, then shift the template again. Continue with this until you’ve filled your entire cardstock panel.

Once the panel’s covered with a cloud-filled pattern, you’re ready to assemble the rest of the card.

Here, I’ve created a beach scene by using several layered strips of torn kraft cardstock. The strips are brushed along the torn edges with some cream ink to add a textured look. A pair of torn blue cardstock strips edged with a single strip of torn vellum acts as water. I used foam tape to attach the colored image from the Beach Bum set from Clear and Simple Stamps on top of the sandy shore, then stamped the “have fun” sentiment at the bottom. You can find more information about my card here.