Sponges.... no not what you think!!

There are painting sponges and painting sponges all used for bases and blending
- I'm not talking about those kind. Besides the ones that look like a furnace filter (not sure of the correct name.. maybe stipple? for whiskers) are there other sponges that I should consider to add to my gadget collection for an 'effect'?

they are stipple sponges... I use them for pirate beards, but you can also use them for texturing... but you can cut up a sponge that is similar from an aquarium filter for those.

I can't say I've seen any other sponges other than those that are used as "stamps" but I prefer to paint my own shapes than stamp anything.

Check out my blog post on sponges....

Like Perry says, Aquarium filters - same material stipple sponges are made from but usually white or off-white... buy a block of it cut into 1" squares, voila... stipple sponges for a FRACTION of the cost.

Cellulose sponges - great to make stamps with and if you want to make a brick wall PERFECT texture!

Sea sponges - varied and interesting textures for all sorts of effects...

you can cut your sponges into shapes.. like a butterfly... or you can get sponges on sticks like the Mop sponges that jodi karr sells....

Could you ladies possibly post pictures of your sponges? Pretty please?

(having a hard time visualizing the aquarium filter!) and just want to see your stuff!

here you go!
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752987

Hey...you found black filters! I can only find cream/white ones in much larger pieces.

Shannon, Where do you find the white or creme filters?

Thanks
Jenny

Petland...

Perry Noia wrote:they are stipple sponges... I use them for pirate beards, but you can also use them for texturing... but you can cut up a sponge that is similar from an aquarium filter for those.

I can't say I've seen any other sponges other than those that are used as "stamps" but I prefer to paint my own shapes than stamp anything.

Ahhhh that's where I've seen that kind of material before! Beats the heck out of a furnace filter!!

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to try a sea/natural sponge to see what kind of effect it gives.

Try the craft store for sea sponges and look carefully at them... they are cheaper there (the ones sold for cosmetics are nicer and more uniform but more expensive) and usually in bags of several pieces. Some are really pourous others jagged... all are useful in some way, but small scraps are harder to use so make sure the bag you pick-up has workable sizes.

Every one is different too so it is fun to play with them. And they ARE washable.

In one of my new face painting books it says to use a "rake" sponge in one tutorial. (for a butterfly on the wings to recreate some hairlike looking lines..) Is this the same as a stipple sponge would be? I am thinking it should serve the same purpose..What do you ladies think? Same effect?

A "rake" SPONGE? Okay, that's a new one. How much do they want you to pay for that I wonder? Maybe they meant to say "brush"???

I just use a dry flat brush for that type of effect if I want it...

Think that HAS to be a typo, Shannon, yes rake brush!

you can get rake brushes at art supply shops.. got mine at Jerry's in the Asian calligraphy section... I use it for lace and sometimes animal hair.. but that's about it.

I like them for a quick butterfly effect, dragging the black outline into the colours, and for Christmas threes.

Absolutely wonderful for trees, but so are fan brushes. I find that to get a hair effect though it takes several passes or it looks patchy. Rakes also make good grass.

Also, you can use these with split cakes for nice ribbons(of sorts)

There is also a wisp, which makes hair much easier. The white hair is done with a wisp super quick, the brown is with a rake that took a little longer.

Ashley Pickin wrote:you can get rake brushes at art supply shops.. got mine at Jerry's in the Asian calligraphy section... I use it for lace and sometimes animal hair.. but that's about it.

Ashley, how do you use a rake brush for lace? Can't quite picture it.

Criss cross to create the effect of the connecting threads...