Apr 23 2008
Tool Time - Sponges
My post today is not very exciting, but I have received so many questions as to what kind of sponges I use in my tutorials that I thought it warranted a posting.
I use to be caught up in using Stampin’ Up sponges, but after much frustration and money, I threw them all away, YIKES! Stampin’ Up sponges are wonderful, but trying to keep track of one more thing in my life, and sponges at that, was just not worth it to me.
My solution was the Dollar Tree, Dollar Store. Here is a link to see if you have one near you: http://www.dollartree.com/index.cfm
Anyway, as you see in the picture, I spend $1 on 14 sponges that are 4.5″ by 3″. They are called Scrub Buddies. The sponges in the bag are both blue and red.
Because they are so economical, I cut a small chunk off of one and use it and throw it away upon project completion. I’m sure any soft foam sponge will work in the same manner. 
Well, there it is, I’m keeping it real, sharing my sponge secret with you, lol.
Please share with us your sponge finds and storage solutions by posting a comment here. You may have just the solution someone else is looking for and sharing is good.
Until tomorrow. . . . . . . .
That is great… Thank you.
I was keeping the stamp pad and sponge in a baggie. That way I wouldn’t
miss place the sponge or forget what color is on it.
I like yours a lot better…
I’ll have to head to the Dollar Store and pick some up. I rarely use sponges but have started to recently due to your tutorials. My sponges that I have packed away are drying out. So, I’ll try your brand rather than spend a bunch of money.
Must try the cheapies, but I have been washing my sponges out after (well almost) every use. Love your card tutorials have learnt heaps.
Dollar store sponges work for me!
Michelle,
I purchased a package of make up sponges from WalMart. There are 32 small wedge shaped sponges in each package. I couldn’t find a price on the package I have but I am sure they were inexpensive. They are in the make up section. They might be a goos alternative for someone who is not near a dollar store.
Linda
Disposable! GREAT Idea! I have SU sponges…I throw them in the top drawer of my desk and hope like heck I get the right color next time I need to sponge! LOL…not a very good system…I’m headin’ out the door to the dollar store now:)
I use the make up sponges also they cost around $1.50. I cut them in half or thirds to get more use for my $$, especially since I use them when teaching classes.
For the low price, I won’t mind throwing the sponges away after one use.
This tip is for anyone who likes antiques. In the 50’s and 60’s, flower vases had a flat side, so they could be mounted on the wall. Ussually, artificial plastic flowers were beautifully displayed in the vases.
The flat sided vase makes a nice, decorative place to store scissors. It can be mounted in your craft room or on the kitchen cabinet, close to the phone.
I use an old drinking glass that belonged to my Great Grandpa to store pretty rocks my daughter collected. From my Aunts house, an old candy dish with 2 matching, smaller candy dishes holds some odds n ends. And a small glass ice bucket holds some pencils and pens.
I am trying to use items of sentimental value instead of forgetting about them in a kitchen cabinet. I hope all of you who have treasured memories of loved ones, will find an alternate use for items that will bring you warm memories.
I buy the jumbo sponges and cut them up. I then wash them out (really just run them under warm water with a little soap) when I get enough piled up. They all have stains on them but the work just fine. I think I’ve been using the same ones for over a two years now. I even use them in my classes.
Lisa
http://flatfishpaperarts.blogspot.com/
WOW. I just found your blog recently, where have I been!?! Of course I had “heard of you” on Splitcoast but I had no idea you had such a wonderful blog, so full of tutorials and tips!
Thanks Michelle - I have only just had a go at sponging, and was thinking that pinching a (clean) dishwashing sponge from the kitchen as I didn’t have anything else, was a bit ‘unprofessional’! Now I know better!LOL! Am pleased to have read this before I went out and bought something expensive!
YOU ARE SO BRILLIANT!! I HATE MY SPONGES!! You have liberated me Michelle!!! I’m totally throwing them away.
Thanks, as always.
Lydia
http://www.understandblue.blogspot.com
What a neato idea! Why did I not think of this? A trip to the dollar store is coming soon…thanks so much for the suggestion.
Pinky
I have used eyeshadow brushes for ink before, and use them to clean off the edges of stamps, or to clean embossing powder or glitter off cardstock.
For ribbon, I have two set ups - a plastic bin from the dollar store, and a piece of dowl suspending on the wall to hold anything on a spool.
Also from the dollar store, I have a 18-spot organizer, and I use it for embellishments - brads, eyelets, etc. A lot of which I also get at the dollar store (see a trend here??)
Someone told me about sponges that I could buy at Michaels and cut them and they were just like the Stampin up ones but I can’t remember if they were with the clay supplies or what but they are yellow and round and you can cut them like a pie and have all kinds of wedges!
Neat idea. I have a source for those round yellow sponges where I live, I get them for $.50 a piece and then cut them into 8 pieces. I rewash them until they start shredding (I do a lot edging of cards). A friend of mine gave me a pretty metal basket with things in and I was using it to put ornaments in at CHRISTmas, but decided to use it to store ALL of my small sponges. It is out on my Rockler tool box and all I have to do is turn around and voile I am ready to go.
I just found your blog and I’m not getting ANY work done because I’m so intrigued by your work. You are truly artistically blessed. Thanks for sharing all of this with us and for blessing my day. :)))))
Thanks so much for the information. I will definitely try the Dollar Tree sponges.
How do you get such even coverage though? Is there a trick you can share. When I sponge it gets kind of blotchy, heavy in area where I first apply and then less in others.
Shirley asked “How do you get such even coverage though? Is there a trick you can share. When I sponge it gets kind of blotchy, heavy in area where I first apply and then less in others.”
Shirley, I try to say in the tutorials if I’m using a circular motion or streaking motion or pouncing motion. Using a circular motion will give you a smoother, more even coverage. Make sure you get lots of ink on the card stock. That where most people are unhappy with their work, not enough ink. The more ink you use the better things blend.
I use the Stampin’ Up style sponges only I first used them for the original use, tack (saddles and bridles) cleaning sponges. I buy them by the dozen for $2.50 and cut them in six pieces. I find once they are dry, I can pretty much use them over in a different color, or at least same shade without a problem. I have a friend who uses them and after she gets to the last clean one, throws them in a lingere bag and washes them in the washer.
Just found your blog, great tutorials. I was looking for inspiration for a farewell card for my boss and I think I found it! Thanks.