cinnamon, candle scent, plastic spray bottle, rubber stamps, sharpie(or any waterproof and non-bleeding ink pin), vintage pictures, glass glitter, mica flakes, glamour dust, modge podge, clear acrylic sealer, ripped homespun, raffia, jute rope.

First you will need to mix your coffee or tea stain. For darker tags, use the coffee stain. For lighter tags, use the tea stain. In the plastic container mix 1 cup hot water, 1/2 cup of instant coffee or instant tea, and 1 tablespoon of imitation vanilla. Dip the tags into the mixture and then place flat onto a cookie sheet. I use an old chip paint brush to help push the tags into the mixture and to brush the mixture onto the strings. Bake the tags in your oven at 200 until dry. If they are not dark enough, dip into the mixture and bake again. Repeat this process until you have achieved the look you want. For a more grubbier look, sprinkle the stained tags with cinnamon before you bake in the oven. When you are finished with the mixture, cover and store in your refrigerator. When you're ready to stain again, just pop the mixture into the microwave to heat.

Now, the fun part!!! Once the staind tags are completely dry, use your other supplies to decorate. You may wish to use stamps and markers to add a special message or popular saying. Add vintage pictures, glass glitter or mica flakes with modge podge. To eliminate tackiness, apply clear acrylic sealer over the dried modge podge. If you're not too crazy about the string, try replacing it with ripped grubby homespun(grubby same as tags), raffia or jute rope.

Once you have finished decorating the tags, try adding a light scent to them. To do this, I add about 1oz of candle scent to about 3oz of distilled water into a spray bottle. I then spritz the back of the tags and let dry completely.

These tags are great to add to your gifts or crafts for a unique and special look. Plus, you can say "I made that!!!" Thanks for stopping by and have fun crafting!!! Becky

Any item you would like to rust.
example: safety pins, jungle bells or nails
(I have found that the cheeper the brand, the better it rusts!!!)
cookie sheet
quart jar

Combine ingredients together in an old container. I've found that a quart jar works nice.

Add the items that you would like to rust and cover loosely. Place in a safe spot and let set for 2 to 3 days. You may want to do this outside because the fumes are very strong! Please keep away from children & pets.

Remove the items from the mixture and place them on a cookie sheet covered with paper towels. Place the tray in the sun and the items will begin to rust as they dry. Be sure to move the items around so that they will dry evenly.

Now you have perfectly rusted pins or bells to add to your primitive creations!!! Have fun crafting!!! Becky