Distress Inks!!

I was late to the train on distress inks and why? I don't know but I got some last week and now I am HOOKED! I am making tags like crazy and the distress inks are blowing my mind. love them! My latest Pickled Potpourri Design Team post featured them too. Here's one of my cards and you can click here to see the rest. No coloring necessary - just used the distress inks to highlight this sweet little set of digis from the Birthday Bear set.

I'm sure you've already discovered this but did you know that the little sponge circles that go with the distressing tool, fit perfectly underneath the mini ink pads? What a great way to keep all the sponges with their specific color!

Along with the tools, I picked up some tags at JoAnns during the big sale. Here was my very first tag with a wonderful Unity set. Can't wait to make more with this wonderful image!

 Then I made a moose tag with a Taylored Expressions set.

 and, then have just continued to play. Here are a few featuring My Favorite Things, Art Impressions and Close to My Heart. I even added some texture paste. fun stuff.

You may be asking - why tags? Honestly, I've just never had time to really play with tags so wanted to try them. And, they're great to have on hand to use for hostess gifts (hang around a bottle of wine or a bottle of balsamic vinegar or sparkling cider or a jar of honey or a gift bag or a picnic basket or whatever). Or, you can use them to decorate card fronts or journal fronts. What a great way to thank a friend, a teacher, a girl scout leader or anyone for whom you want to do a little something.

Did you notice that the flowers on the bee tag and the snowflakes on the moose tag were also distressed? I love that you can distress your embellishments to coordinate with your project.

I'm just doing trial and error on using the inks so if you have any tips, please share them in your comments. I love learning new techniques!

It's 95 degrees outside so tonight will be all about air conditioning. Looks like more distressing might happen!

Have a wonderfully creative day!