I’ll just say it–the brayer intimidates me. I don’t use it often, and I tend to group it in the same category as watercoloring–it’s one of those techniques that you really have to practice to get it right. Unfortunately, I’m too much of a perfectionist and I just get frustrated. Anyone else out there feel the same way??

I love the look of a brayerd card, and was drawn to Laura’s card on pinterest. While she used the brayer to create her background, I decided to improvise with Stamping Sponges. And I LOVE the way it turned out!

With a stamping sponge, I feel like I have more control and can blend the colors without the dreaded-brayer line.

Sponging Tips and Tricks:

• Cut the large sponge into 6 smaller (more manageable) pieces
• Use a separate sponge for each color and create a little topper so you don’t get confused
• Always start with your lightest ink color first (in this case it’s So Saffron) and progress to your darker shades. Remember, you can always add color, but you can’t take it away.
• I punched a 1-3/4 circle out of a post-it note to create the mask. The sticky side helps keep the circle in place on your card stock without leaving any adhesive marks. You can also use a removable adhesive.
• I sponged my paper first, then stamped my image (so the ink wouldn’t smear during the sponging process)

I finished the card with some of our new Ruffle Stretch Ribbon, and a Very Vintage Designer Button finished with Linen Thread. The button is held in place with a mini glue dot.

While I tend to stray away from it, the brayer is a really great tool that can create amazing backgrounds and effects.There are a lot of tutorials out there, but I highly suggest you check out Michelle Zindorf‘s page, if you want to learn from one of the best!

Have a Fabulous Weekend and Happy Stamping!!!!

~Lauren

Stampin’Supplies:

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes

Ink: So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Etc: Stamping Sponges, 1-3/4 Circle Punch, Ruffle Stretch Ribbon, Very Vintage Designer Button, Linen Thread, Woodgrain Embossing folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive