Tool Tip Tuesday – Cosmetic Sponges

Have you ever thought about the fact that using colored cosmetics is like doing artwork on your face? Well, I think so, anyway! One of the tools of makeup application is the cosmetic sponge. It may be a lowly little tool on its own, but it can work magic with application techniques. Not only are sponges handy in front of the mirror, they can be just as useful on your art table!

Cosmetic sponges can serve a multitude of purposes in arts and crafts.

Cosmetic sponges can serve a multitude of purposes in arts and crafts.

 

Sea sponges and synthetic, manufactured sponges that are made to resemble sea sponges are often used in art. However, a bag of cosmetic sponges is usually rather inexpensive in comparison. Plus, the are often already available in our makeup bag!

What can you do with a sponge? Here are some ideas:

  • Use damp to apply and smooth on paint
  • Remove paint as needed
  • Create texture by using different motions with the sponge
  • Snip the sponge into a shape for a “stamp”
  • Use to apply paint or ink with stencils
  • Apply ink to edges, or buff over a project
  • Use as a blending tool
  • Use as a blotter for your paintbrush while watercoloring
  • Use for an extra applicator with PanPastels
  • Use as disposable applicator for any product

What else can you think of that may be a good idea to use a small sponge for? We would love to hear your ideas.

Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!

KS

Tool Tip Tuesday – Coffee Filters

Did you know that inexpensive, disposable coffee filters can provide the perfect quick item to corral small items! I don’t know about you, but a seem to be a messy crafter. Once I get started on a project, it’s like an explosion has gone off around me. I am always looking for ways to contain small items I am using.
Artful-Adventures-Kristie-Sloan-tool-tip-tuesday-coffee-filters

The first time I realized how hand coffee filters could be was when I was working at an office job and had an unruly snack. I decided I would grab a coffee filter to use as a little bowl. Then I decided coffee filters could come in handy in the craft room!  They can also be used in different ways in things you may create, but today we are looking at them today for their versatility as a utility item, not a project component.

Not only can you use them to hold small parts of a project, they are great to use for embossing powder or glitter! Because they are static free, you may even like them better than the little trays which have the spout to pour your powder or glitter back into the container. When you are finished with your powder/glitter, just gather up the filter and make a little spout to pour it back into it’s container.

Beads, sequins, brads, eyelets… you get the idea! In fact, you can even use a filter as a little bowl to hold all the small items you may have ready for a project. They will stay right where you put them until you are ready to use them.

A stack of flat bottomed coffee filters can be handy for so many things, but in the craft area, I’m sure you’ll find them useful. You can even grab one to use instead of a paper towel to wipe your paint brush on, dabbing off a bit of water, or cleaning between changing colors. Just think, if you leave it to dry, it may even be the perfect item to add to a collage, art journal or mixed media piece!

Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it won’t work!

What small products do you find you are always chasing around after they get loose while you are working?

Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!

KS