Aging Paper with Walnut Ink ~ Tutorial

Last week I shared a tutorial on how to create my ATC Accordion Book with cut-outs.

I briefly mentioned that I had done a special aging treatment on the papers. 

You can see below how much brighter the paper was before I used it. 

And below are two images of the aged papers 

This treatment process is best used when you have large amounts of papers you want to age.  If you are just aging one sheet I suggest using the Tim Holtz Distress Inks (don't know how to do this, just let me know and I'll pull something together for you)

Supplies Needed:

Decorative Paper

Water

Walnut Ink

bowl (something to mix ink and water in)

Sponge (or foam paintbrush)

Iron *optional

 How To Age Paper with Walnut Ink

Step 1:

Collect your papers

 

Step 2:

Crumple your papers, be careful not to rip them.  

The stiffer/heavier weight the paper the more likely this will happen.

Step 3:

Flatten the papers out, but not all the way.

 

Step 4:

Measure out 1/2 cup of water and pour into a mixing bowl

(whatever you have on hand, I actually use old yogurt cups but for this tutorial I kept it in the measuring cup)

 

Step 5:

Add 1 Teaspoon of Walnut Ink to the water.

Step 6:

Stir until well distributed.

Step 7:

Using a sponge (or a foam paintbrush) apply the ink to the papers.

 

Step 8:

Set aside to dry

or 

 iron

* I do a bit of both, allow some of the ink to permeate the paper and then iron the paper flat.

Voila, a huge stack of ready to use aged papers!

 

Hope you have enjoyed my tutorial.  As always if you have any questions please let me know.