Here is a great site with lots of ideas on making paper look old. I plan to use some of these ideas on my prim tags.

Fake it!

Got some candle holders or some possible prim doo dad that you think would look better all yucked up with rust? Well....fake it! Here is what you will need:

Item you want rusted
spray adhesive
gallon zip-lock bag
Spices such as cinnamon, crushed cloves,ginger,allspice

Put spices in zip-lock bag. Spray item you are rusting with adhesive. Put into the zip-lock bag with the spices. Roll it around until it is covered well. If there are some bare spots, take it out, spray it and put it back in the bag. When it is covered to your liking, take it out and let it dry for 48 hours before you mess with it.

Not only does it look good, but it smells great too!

Rusting Recipe

So many people in the primitive crafting world have commented that they just can't get pins, bells, etc to rust. Thru trial and error, I have found a method that doesn't fail me. It works every time. Thought I would share it with you.

Terri's Primitive Rusting Recipe

2 c. white vinegar

1/4 c. peroxide

2 T. salt

In a large plastic container, let them soak 4 hours.

Remove to paper towels and spritz with peroxide and spread salt on them.

Let them sit about 2 more hours. You will have wonderfully rusty stuff! You can do pins, bells, scissors, and just about anything your little prim heart desires!

Note: Make sure you use a fairly large container for the job. I have an old gallon pickle jar I use. DO NOT put a lid on it. This stuff foams up pretty wicked, and the first time I ever made this mix, it made one heck of a mess. So learn from my mistake and get a big container.

My Black Doll Sauce

Several people have asked how I age my black dolls. First, I use a very strong coffee mixture of 2 cups hot water and 1/2 cup instant coffee. Paint your doll with this stuff using a sponge brush. Don't be stingy with it. Bake the doll parts in a 200 degree oven till dry. Watch closely. When dry, let cool off a bit. Then take your leftover coffee mix (make more if you used it all) and add 1 TBSP black paint, and 1 TBSP brown paint to it. Stir it up good so its mixed well. Paint your dolly with this mix. Repeat the oven steps. After dry, sand the heck out of it with a medium grade sandpaper.

Making Primitive Doll Feet

Kelle has a fabulous how to on her site on making the primitive bare feet that are so popular. Her instructions are very clear. Try it and you will be making those dirty ol feet like a pro in no time.

http://www.dirtycrowinn.com/complimentary.htm