How to Age or Antique Paper for Scrapbooking

A great technique to use in Heritage or Family Tree scrapbooks is to age the paper and make it look old and antiqued. Here are some fun ways to do just that.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scrapbooking paper
• Decorative paper
• Brewed tea or coffee

1. Paper can be aged by using brewed coffee or tea. The tea should be brewed strongly using 5 teabags in 1/2 cup of boiling water. Coffee is made by boiling 1/2 cup of water and adding 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee granules. Allow coffee or tea to cool down first. Then spill onto paper and allow to dry.

2. Crumpling up paper can make it look old as well. This is very simple (even children can do it!). Crumple up paper, open and crumple again. Repeat until you reach the desired creasing effect.

3. Tear paper randomly. This works especially well for paper with printed words on it.

4. Use Distress brand ink pads and simply wipe ink onto paper using a foam brush or ink pad. Ink the edges of the paper as well so no white shows.

[sherryeam]

on 3/9/2009 Good ideas

[vallain]

on 10/27/2008 Ooh, I'll have to try this. I love vintage paper.