The Sponge Dauber Technique (my name for this) is great to use with highly detailed stamps. Today, I used this technique with a new stamp set from Stampin’ Up’s 2019-2020 Annual Catalog, Butterfly Wishes.
Just when you think you don’t need another butterfly stamp, you spy this beauty in the new catalog!

Sponge Dauber Technique
This is a “no layer” card for TGIF’s challenge.
And, butterflies for Fusion’s challenge.
Designing “just a card” really is a challenge. But, the new, Butterfly Wishes stamp set was inspiring me to try. The images are so beautifully detailed, I thought they could stand alone.
I first tried stamping on an ink pad, the way I normally do, but some of the fine detail was disappearing. That’s when I thought of using Sponge Daubers, and this worked perfectly. Transferring the ink to the stamp with a Sponge Dauber, gives the stamp just the right coating of ink for a clear image.
If you aren’t familiar with Sponge Daubers, you can check them out in my Product List. Sponge Daubers also make it easy to add additional colors for a multicolored image. Maybe “easy” isn’t the right word, unless you have a Stamparatus positioning tool. The Stamparatus makes it easy.
I placed my Thick Whisper White card base on the Stamparatus, and applied Black ink to the branch stamp from the Butterfly Wishes stamp set, lowered the plate, and stamped.
“Birthday Wishes” is from the same stamp set, and I repeated the method.
The larger butterfly was stamped next, and I colored the stamp with Sponge Daubers (one for each color) in Poppy Parade ink and Pumpkin Pie ink.
The smaller butterfly was colored in Mango Melody ink and Granny Apple Green ink. The bodies were colored with a Bronze Stampin’ Blend.
To give this “just a card” a finished look, I stamped a corner detail from the Swirly Frames stamp set. I lined it up on each edge, and stamped in Black ink. Remember, I’m using the Stamparatus. I would have been scared to try this without it.
TIP: It’s a long, flexible stamp, so make sure it’s straight before stamping.
The good thing about “just a card” is that very few supplies are required. You can see my short, Product List below.
Have a great day, and happy stamping!
Product List
Beautiful card! The two-toned butterfly is so soft and delicate looking – just gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining us at Fusion.
Great job Su! Love the borders and the sponged butterflies. TFS!
Thank you, Barb! I’ve found lots of good uses for the Swirly Frames stamp set.
Oh gosh another butterfly. What a nice addiction to have! Pretty card Su.
Thank you, Stella! I just had to have more butterflies! LOL!
Su, I look at your blog every day to see what amazing card you’ve made. I love, love your designs. This card is so simple, modern and pretty. Love it!!
Thank you for inspiring me.
Krista
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Krista! It makes me so happy that I inspire you!