In this tutorial, I will distress some plain hang tags using several different methods so you can see which type you like best for your project. This type of hang tag gets used in various primitive craft projects.
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Distressing Hang Tags:
I am going to start with some plain manila hang tags to age. These hang tags come in various sizes to fit your project. You could also use some cardstock paper and cut your own and add hole reinforcements. I have tried several different methods to age the hang tags.
When my distressing methods wet the hang tags, I distressed two tags in the same manner and dried one in the oven and one I let dry naturally. I put them in a 200 F oven for about 5-10 minutes. If you do this, be sure to watch them carefully so you don’t burn them!
Aging Method #1:
The first way I tried aging the hang tags was with water and cinnamon. To do this method, use a wet rag to dab water onto both sides of the tag. Sprinkle cinnamon onto both sides of the tag. It is easier to control the sprinkling if you use your fingers instead of sprinkling straight out of the spice container.
Aging Method #2:
I made some instant coffee and dipped the hang tag into the coffee. While it was still wet, I sprinkled some instant coffee over the top of the tag. As I sprinkled the instant coffee, I did crumble it with my fingers so there were no large chunks.
Aging Method #3:
For the third method, I dabbed lemon juice onto the tag. This method didn’t produce any visible results for me so I wouldn’t recommend it. Perhaps it would work better aging a lighter color paper.
Aging Method #4:
Rub the edges of the tag along a brown stamp pad. Then lay the tag flat over the top of the stamp pad and gently press down with your fingertips. Don’t press too hard!
Aging Method #5:
I used a candle for the final method. This wasn’t my favorite method, but it could be useful for some types of projects. You do want to be very careful with this method.
First, light a candle and get a thick rag wet. Dip the hang tag completely into water. Carefully hold the hang tag above the flame to burn just the edges and char the entire tag. Use the wet rag to completely put out any flames before they burn too far into the tag.
The Results:
There was not a lot of difference between the look of the air dried coffee staining and the oven dried. I think I will stick to air drying since it is easier! The baked cinnamon did have a bit more staining than the air dried cinnamon.
I like the stamp grunged hang tags because you don’t have to wait for anything to dry. They can be used right away!
I did do a little extra grunging on a couple of the above ones by using a stamp pad on the edges after they were dry.
You might also like seeing several different ways to age fabric.
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