Distress Ink Techniques

First, let me start by saying that I am in no way trained or paid to talk about Tim Holtz Distress Inks. However, I love working with them and there are two different looks I will talk about here today. The first one is a leather look. I found this look completely by accident when playing with the colors.



Ink entire tag using the Ink Blending Foam applicator inked with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink making sure to have it slightly darker in some areas. Then add an even layer of Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Depending on the tone you like, you could stop there or as in this photo, add another layer of Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink to tone the orange color down a bit more.


The second look is a Burnt Paper look. I actually learned this technique from a friend.



Ink entire tag evenly with Ink Blending Foam applicator inked with Antique Linen Distress Ink. Then frame with Vintage Photo Distress Ink coming not quite into center, then frame with Walnut Stain Distress Ink moving further out to edge for that graduation of ink. Apply Black Soot Distress Ink direct from pad to edge of tag. Place the tag on a craft sheet or scrap paper and pull ink from edge to center with blending applicator. Distress edge of paper and add more Black Soot as needed for the look you want. You can choose to burn the edge of paper instead of adding the Black Soot.

 While there are many other techniques that I love to work with, these two seem to get the most "Ooooo Ahhhh's" when seen. I hope you'll try them out if you haven't yet. Let me know how it works out for you.

Brenda