Use Sponge Daubers for Better Images

Three autumn-themed handmade cards featuring pumpkins and leaves are displayed on a crafting mat. To the right, there’s a stack of Stampin’ Up! ink pads in various colors. The text reads, “Fall Card Ideas. Free Card Making Video with Patty Bennett.”. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Three autumn-themed handmade cards are displayed on a grid surface. They feature stamped pumpkins and leaves in orange, yellow, and brown tones. Text reads, "Beautiful results when you ink your stamp using sponge daubers," with an arrow pointing to a pumpkin. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

When stamping with Stampin’ Up! Distinktive stamps, I have found that inking them with a sponge dauber produces a much cleaner image than inking them directly onto an ink pad. I do hope you enjoyed this tip in my weekly crafting video yesterday!

Bonus Sponge Dauber Tip:

Using this technique also allows you to blend more than one color onto your stamp easily!

A card tag and several autumn-themed stamped paper cutouts—such as leaves, acorns, and berries—are arranged on a grid mat. The tip reads: "Ink sponge dauber, dab off most of the ink, then apply to Distinktive Stamp!" "Patty Bennett PattyStamps.com" is watermarked. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

I’m sure you can see the difference below… inking the leaves in the Gathering Moments stamp set on an ink pads yields splotchy results. But using the sponge daubers produces a much cleaner stamped image. This is especially important with Distinktive stamps from Stampin’ up!

The Secret Though….

The secret to using the sponge dauber in this case though is to “stamp off” most of the ink on scratch paper before applying it to the rubber!!

A workspace with stamped leaf and acorn images, ink pads, sponge daubers, and an example of splotchy ink. Text says: “Stamping tip: Ink sponge dauber, dab off MOST of the ink, then apply to Distinktive Stamp!” An arrow points to the splotchy area labeled “TOO SPLOTCHY!!”. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

A craft workspace with ink pads, blending tools, rubber stamps of leaves and acorns, and stamped images on white paper. A textured floral card and autumn-themed ink-stamped leaves and acorns are visible, along with the watermark "PattyStamps.com". To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Fabulous Fall Color Combo:

You can certainly select ANY colors you have or prefer. I used these colors from Stampin’ Up!: Cajun Craze, Timid Tiger, Crushed Curry and Pecan Pie for these leaves.

I used several additional colors for my fall projects, you can see them listed in the product supply list at the bottom of this post.

A handmade fall-themed card with autumn leaves and "Expressing heartfelt gratitude" text sits next to four stacked ink pads in shades Cajun Craze, Timid Tiger, Crushed Curry, and Pecan Pie. “Fabulous Fall color combo” text is shown above. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

I used the Sunflower Embossing Folder for the background of my gratitude card above.

Watch the Sunflower Folder Video here

Sponge Dauber inking Tip Video Below

If you missed watching the live video yesterday, you can watch the replay below at the bottom of todays blog post.

In addition to the Gathering Moments leaves, I also used this sponge dauber inking technique on the Beautiful Pumpkins images.

A handmade autumn-themed card with two large orange pumpkins, green leaves, and a “Many Thanks” message. The background has stamped fall leaves in orange and yellow, and three brown dots embellish the card. "Patty Bennett Pattystamps.com" is watermarked at the bottom right. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

I’ve been anxious to use the new Amber Autumn leaf background die with the new Earthen Toned Metallic paper (I’d almost call it copper foil). I ink blended a beautiful background for that card front sized die using Blending Brushes and Stampin’ UP! ink pads. Be sure to watch the video below!

Three ink pads (yellow, orange, magenta) labeled “Darling Daffodil,” “Tingid Tiger,” and “Berry Burst” are on a grid mat. Ink blending brushes, a die-cut autumn leaves panel, and a blended background in matching colors are also displayed. Text is at top. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Thank you for your kind words as I created this card live on the video!! I’m thrilled you liked the fun background and the colorful pumpkins!

A handmade greeting card featuring layered pumpkins, gourds, and green leaves on a colorful autumn leaf background. The card displays the message "Expressing heartfelt gratitude" in pink script. "PattyStamps.com" is printed at the bottom right corner. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Sponge Dauber Inking Video

If you are reading this in an email, feel free to watch the video on my blog post or YouTube Channel.

Sponge Dauber Shopping Links

Shopping links for supplies are listed below!

Beautiful Pumpkins Bundle (English) – 166012

Price: $36.00