Book Study - Sponge Rollers and Art Foam

On NGS group, we're doing a study of Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson's book "Surface Treatment workshop" . This weeks' section is using Sponge Rollers and Art Foam. The authors state that this technique can be combined with already-painted surfaces and other surface treatments. I painted some Manila folders with black & red acrylic paints in different proportions. Let the paint dry.

 One option is to cut inexpensive paint brushes to create texture. I cut notches out of one brush and used it to create lines with gold Lumiere paint. These brushes come in a variety of widths.

 You can also cut out notches from sponge rollers to get a similar effect. I didn't want to cut my only sponge roller, so used another suggestion by the authors, to wrap a rubber band (rubber bands also come in a variety of widths and sizes, experiment!!!) around the sponge roller, and use it to apply paint to your surface. I like this pattern on my background.

Another option is to use art foam (which I'm not familiar with), to cut and apply paint. I used a foam piece that came in the packaging of a set of Tim Holtz texture fades. On one surface I cut out sections of the foam to create a chunky line design. You can use the cut foam to stamp on paint ,

 you can also use the cut foam to pull the paint over your surface.

 Remember to wash acrylic paint off your brushes, sponge and foam immediately. The authors mention that you can paint on different colors on the art stamp at one time. They also state if your acrylic paint dries to quickly to add some glazing medium to your paints to extend the drying time. Or you may find the quick drying paint gives you a grungy effect as a happy accident. The authors also give variations to achieve a variety of stripes and grooves.