Distress inks (and more) galore

What did I do before distress inks came along?  Not sure, but everything that leaves my stamp room these days has at least one distress ink on it and possibly lots more, including other distress products.  Just can't get enough of them!  How about a vintage holiday tag that has really been distressed?

The background technique was one Tim used in 2007 on one of his first Christmas tags.  I made some faux printer blocks, added holiday tissue tape, sticker from the seasonal stash, stamps, grungeboard tree die, a rusty snowman and a bulldog clip (neither are Tim's).

Let's see...Distress Ink colors include Weathered Wood, Black Soot, Barn Door, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Tea Dye, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Crushed Olive, Shabby Shutters, Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, and Pine Needles.

I always use more than one shade of a color when distressing.  Not only does it add more color interest but the shading has more depth.  Try color combos that you haven't before...add a bit of dark blue to the edges instead of dark brown or black.  You'd be amazed at how neat it looks!

I do need to find a way to keep the ink color from bleeding because it makes snow no longer white.  Maybe heat setting the ink would help or finding another product to create the snowy effect.  At least it's green and not yellow!