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[queenelectric.livejournal.com]

For you crafty lasses who wanted to know how to make sponge balls (ha ha, I am spreading sponge balls around like a social disease!), here are my instructions:

I use sponges that are approximately 3" x 5" x 1 1/2". Cut each sponge lengthwise in quarters. I mark them with an orange felt pen (it shows up enough to see where to cut, but not so much that it looks bad when you are done) and use an exacto knife to cut, the kind with the long snap-off blade, with the blade pulled way out. You will then have four strips 3/4" x5" x 1 1/2 inch. Cut each of these in half lengthwise, and you will have eight sticks 3/4" x 3/4 x 5".



Each sponge ball takes 16 sticks (or two sponge's worth). Use two, three, four or even five different colours, depending on your preference.Stack the sticks in a heap on top of about 18" of string or twine, and tie the string tightly around the middle of the sponge stick stack. Knot it twice, then wrap it again and knot twice again, repeating until you run out of string. Then you just cut the string ends and fluff out your fabulous new sponge ball!

I buy my sponges at dollar stores, and actually get two different kinds- the sizes are slightly different and one kind has larger holes (I think it is supposed to look more "natural", or something). I think the variety makes the spongeballs look more interesting, and gives me more colours to work with. One kind is $1 for ten, the other is $1.50 for 12. Even with the string, it only costs about 40¢ to make one of these, so go crazy!