RUSTING RECIPE
Ingredients 1 16oz Bottle of Peroxide
1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
1 TBSP Kosher Salt (iodized "table" salt just doesn't work right) Items for rusting (safety pins, bells, nails, etc)
Glass or Plastic Container
Old cookie sheet lined with cardboard. Plastic Spoon (not metal!)
Rubber Gloves
In a glass or plastic container, miix the peroxide, vinegar and salt with a plastic spoon, until the salt is dissolved. Add your bells, pins, whatever you are rusting. Stir and set aside for 24 hrs. Drain and then spread onto a cardboard lined cookie sheet and place out to dry...I usually do this outside, but now that the weather isn't so great, inside is fine. I usually shake the pan a bit now and then to make sure those bells are moved around and rusting well. Let dry completely, then store in a plastic container. Hope you enjoy this recipe. It is much less caustic than the ones that call for bleach!
OR - you can use this more caustic solution...but the first recipe works just as well with a lot less fumes.
1/2 c apple cider vinegar (I have used white vinegar also)
1/2 c bleach
3T salt
This particular recipe is a very caustic solution and should be used outside or where there is plenty of ventilation. Mix in a plastic bucket or other plastic container. Soak your items for a day or more (I think more is better), then remove to paper toweling to dry. They will rust even more while drying.
AGING & GRUNGING RECIPE
3-4 t. instant coffee (more if you want it darker)
2 c. HOT water
3 t. vanilla extract
2 T. ground cinnamon (you can also mix with ground cloves and pumpkin pie spice)
Paint mixture on item or soak the item (and wring out slightly). Place on foiled lined cookie sheet. I also like to use parchment paper on top of the foil to further prevent burning. Place item in 180 degree oven, turning frequently, until dry. WATCH that item does not burn. Check often.
QUICK & CHEAP DISTRESSING
Check out this great link for distressing your tags and other paper items! It's lovely and very cheap. Distressing Paper Tags
