This week's High Hopes blog challenge topic was suggested by Amy, and it's all about sponging! Sponging is something I do on 90% (or more) of my projects, so this week's challenge was a piece of cake for me!
I chose a couple of cute images from the recent High Hopes farm series release (the donkey is a separate image from the chicken). I stamped the images in Pitch Black ink by Ranger on Whisper White paper from Stampin' Up!, and colored the image with Copic markers. (Click on image to see a larger, clearer version.)
Once I had the image colored, I masked off the edges of the colored image with post-it notes, and sponged color onto the image. I used a sponge ink applicator by Ranger. The two colors I used for the background were Weathered Wood and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.
By masking the image edges with post-it notes, I was able to keep a nice white border around the image without having to mat the image onto another piece of what paper. I really like sponging on color this way -- I like the soft "glow" that's created as the color fades to the center. Once the background was inked, I added a few white highlights with a white gel pen, added some faux stitches right along the edge of the color, and assembled the card.
The sentiment "you're the BEST!" is from my Fish Friends set from Whipper Snapper. The tag was created by snipping a piece of cardstock to the shape I wanted and stamping the sentiment in black StazOn. I added some faux stitches and then inked the edges, using the same sponge ink applicator and color.
The background paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Mr. Campy line. I love that paper line! I accented the lines of the wood grain by adding faux stitches to each line. I also inked the edges of the paper to make them a bit darker than the original paper.
If you'd like to play along with this spongy challenge, you can all the details here -- watch for the post Sunday morning. Have fun!
PS: For those of you who are wondering if I've abandoned my usual coloring method of choice (watercoloring) for Copics, don't worry! I'm just stretching my creative fingers and dabbling in something different for a day or two. Watercolor painting will always be my #1 coloring method of choice, but it feels good to stretch and try something new now and then. I'll have a couple of different coloring techniques to share with you soon as well! Exciting!!
PSS: Some good questions were asked on my post about EGGS... stay tuned for more on that topic! But first, I've got to SLEEP!
I love your coloring/sponging on this card! REALLY nice! Thank you for sharing how you did it. I've been wanting badly to be able to sponge/color well and also shadow etc. and this gives me inspiration.
Posted by: Fran | February 28, 2009 at 07:03 AM
This is absolutely amazing work...
Posted by: picture colouring | February 25, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I'm in totally wow with your coloring, love to take a lesson (or two;o)) from you! Your card is amazing and so funny, hopefully my HHRS will arrive soon can't wait to ink' them up seeing your creations with them:o)
Hugs, Inge
Posted by: Inge | February 25, 2009 at 12:05 AM
This is cuter than cute! I love the image and your awesome coloring! The highlights really bring it to life! The Mr Campy bg paper is perfect and I love the ribbon button treatment! Fantastic card!
Posted by: Danielle | February 24, 2009 at 11:03 AM
This is Amazing and So Cute!! I love your coloring...and the accents are Fabulous!!
Posted by: Ila | February 23, 2009 at 09:16 AM
It amazes me how your technique with sponging looks so flawless. It's awesome. Do you start with the lighter shade or the darker? Great job!
Chris
Posted by: Chris Hauck | February 23, 2009 at 05:42 AM
Anna! You never cease to amaze me with your talents! This is absolutely flawless! Thanks for picking up the Copics for a day or two--you know mine are brand new and I'm feeling timid about using them. Your beautiful masterpieces give me courage to keep at it. Love how you paired the darling hen with the pot-bellied donkey. They're so CUTE together!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | February 22, 2009 at 08:58 PM
OH GOSH, that is the cutest card EVER!! I love it! How awesome is that...just precious. You are too much! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | February 22, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Absolutely darling .... I'd day stunning, but are a donkey and a chicken stunning? I don't think you will ever-never cease to amaze me. Have a great week!
Posted by: Lori Craig | February 22, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Awww this is just great - the depth of colour is amazing - fantastic stamp
Posted by: Dawn | February 22, 2009 at 02:31 PM
A fantastic card Anna!!
Posted by: Tracey | February 22, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Anna!! This totally rocks! I just LOVE your coloring..only you could make copics look like watercoloring! It rocks! And I love how you added the chicken...who else would hav thought of that?!
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey Stephens | February 22, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! Wow, your coloring is superb and yes, there is a definite glow to it! The gel pen highlights bring it to life though, I love em. Love your combination of stamps Anna, you always think of such creative uses for any stamps you use! I love how your dp looks like wood. And I love the simple button and brown gingham ribbon with the leather lace -- touches it off perfectly! This is one of my fav. Annamazing creations! Thanks for your comment on my blog today too and for lovin' this release!! It is my personal fav. too btw!
Posted by: Crissy | February 22, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful card and I love the images! How are your little donkey's doing? Great job on the sponging.
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | February 22, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Beautiful shading!
Posted by: Nicole Coleman | February 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Thanks for getting my day off to a good start! I just smiled so when I saw this card--it is just awesome. I love everything about it from the images to the coloring. This is one of my all time favorite cards done by you--no take that back--one of my all time favorite cards of anyone!
Posted by: Darlene L | February 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Apsolutly stunning ,fabulous card ,hugs Dawnxxx
Posted by: Dawn | February 22, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Anna - great card! Coloring detail is awesome! Question - I'm new to Copics. Spent my Christmas gift money on a bunch. Haven't played with them just yet however I've read all over the internet to stay away from Stampin' Up paper. Copics are suppose to make that paper too wet and pill. Doesn't look like you had any issues...what about blending?
Lori G from PA
Posted by: Lori G in PA | February 22, 2009 at 09:22 AM
As soon as your post popped up on my screen I squeeled with delight! This just exudes happiness and giggles! I love the way you masked the edge to do the sponging, and then added the faux stitching border to seperate the two. Pure GENIUS!!!!!
Posted by: hb | February 22, 2009 at 09:13 AM
This is so dang cute! Now I NEED to get some High Hopes stamps. I've been holding out because I need more stamps like a hole in the head, but what the heck!!!
You could make coloring with Crayola crayons look good! I love watercoloring, too, but it seems like I'm always in too much of a hurry to get all my stuff out. Copics are just so fast and easy. (sigh)
Anna, would you consider donating one of your wonderful works of art or stamp sets to support the Victorian Bushfire victims? The deets are on my blog: http://lisahjulberg.blogspot.com/2009/02/we-need-your-help.html
Thanks for considering this. I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing day.
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Hjulberg | February 22, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Wow, this card is absolutely beautiful, in a fun way. Your coloring is really fab!
Posted by: Hanna | February 22, 2009 at 08:33 AM
This is adorable! Of course the stamps are sweet, the sponging is perfect, and yes, even the Copic coloring looks fab!!;)
Posted by: Carla Mayfield | February 22, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Love the two images you combined here - FUN! Your sponging and coloring are soooo beautiful!
Posted by: Michelle B. aka JustPaintingAround | February 22, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Wow, I think this has to be one of the top cards you have done in my book!! I love it....the coloring is fantastic (figures that you rock with Copics too) & I love all the soft sponging. Absolutely perfect!
Posted by: Michelle (MilwaukeeMommy on SCS) | February 22, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Anna!!!!! That is a work of ART!!! WOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Vicki | February 22, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Hey Anna!
Great card as always - I haven't tried sponging before.
Posted by: Erika M | February 22, 2009 at 06:37 AM
how fun! love your sponging job. doesn't matter to me what coloring medium you use, you have serious skills either way!!
Posted by: Donna B | February 22, 2009 at 06:35 AM
What a super card!!! Your coloring is just awesome and your stitching on the background paper is fabulous!!
Posted by: Cindy H. | February 22, 2009 at 05:44 AM
What a totally adorable image and gorgeous card! Love every detail, Anna!
Posted by: denise (peanutbee) | February 22, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Wow! Your coloring is jaw-dropping gorgeous! I am just amazed at what you can do! Wow, wow, WOW!
Posted by: Julie Campbell | February 22, 2009 at 04:59 AM
Gorgeous, as always...might I hope you give us a sponging tutorial some day?
Posted by: Kelly Bee | February 22, 2009 at 04:48 AM
Great job, you're rocking the copics.
Posted by: Justine | February 22, 2009 at 03:07 AM
Hello Anna, I love the high hopes image it is so cute and I love your lovely colouring.
love
Zoe
xxxxx
Posted by: Zoe | February 22, 2009 at 12:32 AM