For those who are lucky enough to have a "Michael's Craft Store" in your area, if you are throwing away those wonderful 40% off coupons on regular priced items, you are throwing money away.
Everyone uses sponges in the kitchen, bathrooms, crafts, etc. Michael's sells a one pound bag, approximately 100 pieces, compressed sponges used in crafting that expand in water. Regular price is $4.99 and with 40% off equals $2.99. Where else can you buy sponges for 3 cents apiece? They average about 4 to 4-1/2" long by close to 3" wide and expand to about 1/4" in water. While these are not gigantic, they are a handy size and super cheap!
Crafting tip using the compressed sponges:
I used a Christmas rubber stamp, keep it simple, using permanent ink, and stamped some sponges in black. I then used permanent "Fabric Brush Markers" and highlighted some items on the compressed sponges. I don't know if this really makes a difference or not, I gave a quick spray of "clear spray" (found in the paint section at Wal Mart for less than a dollar). Just a quick spray, you don't want to expand the sponge.
Another tip: if you use a paper punch with rounded corner, clip the corners of the compressed sponge and it will last longer without tearing. While the design will fade over time like anything else, it can be a unique "cheap" gift item.
This is also ideal to do with other rubber stamps, i.e., Happy Birthday, Friends are Forever, and Thinking of You, rubber stamps that can be enclosed in a card.
Has anyone else out there been doing this?
By Syd B
