September 6, 2011

How To Age or Antique Projects



I've received a lot of questions on how I age or antique my projects



My projects don't start out looking aged.  This dress form was covered in sheet music that was a light creme color




Look close




What I use is something called Walnut Ink, it is a spray I purchase at Jo Annes Fabrics.  I find it hanging in the scrap booking section, and it costs $7.99 (Before using my coupon)




This one little bottle has lasted over a year  


This is a little confusing, but Walnut Ink comes in different colors, red, green, blue, and brown, I use the brown.  Michaels Crafts only sells them in the set with 4 different colors.



 I used it on my altered books and wallpaper covered suitcases it also works on wood





 I spray it on after I Mod Podge my sheet music, book page, or wallpaper, onto my project.  If the ink beads up a little, I just dab it with a soft cloth.


I sprayed half of each of the following sheets with Walnut Ink so you could see the effect


Practice a little before you spray a project.  I take my vintage paper outside and lay it on the grass, then stand back and just mist the paper.  I do the same thing when I am finished with a project like the dress form, I take it outside and let a mist of Walnut ink settle over it.  If it is not dark enough you can always spray more!


So, if you finish a project with vintage papers, and would like it to look aged, just give it a spray!


This is the only aging/antiquing/distressing product I've used so far.  So, if you like this look, you'll like Walnut Ink! 
(PS: this is not a paid advertisement)

Happy Creating!
Carol

24 comments:

red.neck chic said...

That's gorgeous!!! I've always wondered how it's done... THANK YOU!!!

;-D robelyn

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Great tips Carol ~ as always! (*_*) xo

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I will look for that...I tried the Glimmer Mist...I think it is called...but I could never get that technique down...it just looked ruined!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Thanks for sharing your tips with us! I love the antique look! I use shoe polish! lol Hugs! ♥

Unknown said...

Thanks Carol for the visual. I have a craft project in mind that I want to do this on so I am going out pretty soon to get some!
Be Blessed!
Lorena

Ruth @ White Whimsy said...

Thanks for sharing the great tip. I love all your projects. I am going to have to go and get me some walnut ink.

Jane said...

Thanks so much for the tip and the visuals - really makes a difference! Very pretty projects!
Jane-Jacksonville

SueBee said...

Thank you Carol! You have the best ideas.
Hope to see you soon~Sue

camp and cottage living said...

Thanks for the tip Carol. I'd still like to do something with my old carry on. But I want something more woodsey so I still mulling it around in my mind!

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

I bought some of the Walnut Ink at a salvage store last month. Now I know how to actually use it! Thanks!!!

Createology said...

Thank you Carol for the best information on how you do your magic. I have used walnut ink however I find I don't spray lightly enough and I get blobs of brown. Maybe I try to be too frugile with the product. I will try a lighter mist outside as I normally do it inside and make a mess. Blissful week to you...

Jane said...

Great info. I have never used the spray before. It really does a great job aging the paper.
Jane

Heart Vintage Design said...

Thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

I love your projects Please keep them coming!!!!! Maravonda

Madison Rose Vintage said...

Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to try this out.

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Wow! Wonderful projects! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Kelly

Dina said...

Thank you for letting us know Carol! I will see if I can find this stuff or anything similar (I guess it'll be hard to find the exact product here...we don't even have Mod Podge...)
It looks great and it seems to be easy to use.
Much love, Dina

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for the tips. I have never used this, but will give it a try. Your projects turned out great.

laxsupermom said...

I've never tried Walnut Ink before. The results are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Shannon@ Cozy Home Scenes said...

Thanks Carol for showing how you give your crafts that aged look. I really mean it when I say you do some of the nicest things in blogland. Everything looks very creative and very well made. ( And Carol didn't pay me to say that).
Hehe. Shannon

Ruby Jean said...

Oh Hello My Sweet Auntie Carol...I saw your comment the other day..I have been so busy at the sewing machine getting my order ready for the upcoming show...I had a moment and thought I would sit down and catch up a little bit...Wouldn't you know that I have that Same EXACT walnut ink spray...bought at Joann's... I think I paid full price though... I am ALWAYS forgetting my coupons...What's great is most of the clerks know me and they will often give me a discount...But there are those occasions when I get a new employee who doesn't know I am a HIGH RANKING customer... : ) Well I am off to the sewing machine again...Hopefully I can get some post up this week...
Hugs,Hugs and More Hugs to you..
♥♥♥♥♥

Unknown said...

This is absolutely great! Thank you for sharing this with us! I have used different techniques, but this one is stunning! :D

Hugs,

Olivia said...

Cool! This is just awesome!
Hugs,
Olivia

kristiB said...

Carol, the handle on the suitcases with sheet music is the answer to my prayers, lol!!! I am going to wrap them with jute and will send you pics, you're a genius.....