Sponging Technique with Large Letters Die Cuts

Isn’t it great when you come up with a design for a card that will do male or female of any age! Well this sponging technique with large letters die cuts is just that design so it’s great to keep this in your library of card design and techniques.

How many cards could you make from this simple design? Baby, Happy, Hello, Xmas, 2019 (or whatever year is applicable at the time), Home, Sorry, Love and so many more letters. Basically whatever words up to five letters that will fit on a 10.5 x 14.8cm card!

Sponging Technique With Large Letters Die Cuts

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This card couldn’t be easier to make. Seriously, it will take you no time. Just get your Large Letters Framelits Dies out, some Classic Stampin’ Pads, some Stampin’ Sponges and a stamp set of your choosing. In this instance I used one of my all time favourite stamp sets. Labeller Alphabet! This alphabet stamp set is obviously super versatile. Create sentiments, quotes, home decor and more. I just love it!

Sponging Techniques With Large Letters Die Cuts

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For a U.K A6 card:

• Cut your Thick Whisper White cardstock 21cm x 14.8cm and score & fold at 10.5cm to create your cardbase.
• Then with your card long side up on your Stampin’ Trimmer, cut a length at 4.5cm wide from side of card then cut again from same side a length at 3cm wide. This basically leaves you temporarily with a card front measuring 14.8cm x 3cm.
• You will use the 4.5cm piece for the bottom/front of the card. I adhered with temporary/removable adhesive tape to hold in place until I got the Large Letters adhered in to position.  
• Cut your Large Letters firstly from Thick Whisper White cardstock then again from Gray Granite cardstock (or colour of your choice).
• Adhere the Gray Granite letters on top of the Thick Whisper White letters with some Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
• You can now adhere your letters to create your card front. Again I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue, just a little, on to the top and bottom of the letters. Positioning and adhering the first and last letters helps you to accurately space out the remaining letters.
• Stamp your sentiment using Gray Granite inkpad on to Thick Whisper White Cardstock. Your 3cm scrap piece could be useful for this.
• Now fussy cut the sentiment and adhere to cardfront using Mini Dimensionals. These are a must-have little item for your basic craft kit.  In this instance I also added the ‘th’ on the 30th using my Gray Granite Stampin’ Write Marker.
• Add whatever embellishments you wish. I punched some circles using my Itty Bitty Circle Punch (sadly now retired) from some Coastal Cabana Cardstock then applied Clear Wink of Stella to give them a little shimmer. Again these were adhered using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Sponging Technique with Large Letters Die Cuts – Tips

This sponging technique is suitable for beginners. It’s a great way to get comfortable with applying ink with sponges.

Tip 1: – After you apply ink to your sponge, dab a little off (once is enough) on to scrap paper before applying to your card. This will ensure no horrible splodgy marks appear.

Tip2: – Apply ink in circular motions, blending one colour in to another. You will be amazed at the beautiful colours this simple process can create where the colours blend together.

Tip 3: – Use a light, relaxed hand when sponging. There is no need to put pressure on to the sponge (nor have an aching hand in the process).

Tip 4: – I almost forgot to say, I like to make my masks from scrap printer paper and I use temporary adhesive tape to hold it in place. This tape rubs off easily and cleanly with your fingers.

Sponging Techniques With Large Letter Die Cuts – Masking

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Cut two masks from scrap printer paper (or similar) 2.5cm x 15cm and 4cm x 15cm. Adhere with removable adhesive tape to the inside of your cardbase.

Sponging Techniques With Large Letter Die Cuts – Sponging

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Now you can finally get to sponging. This is my favourite card craft technique of all.

• Here I used Melon Melody, Gray Granite and Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin’ Pads for my ink.
• Once you complete your sponging, simply remove the masks (and removable tape) and you’re left with a beautifully coloured ink panel inside the card. This will obviously show through the letters once the card is closed.

I neglected to take a picture of the sponged panel with the masks removed. Sorry.

And that’s it for Sponging Technique with Large Letters Die Cuts. I just know you are going to love using these dies over and over again.

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Product List

Product List

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Until next time