Hello people,
I was playing with the idea of compiling info into an ebook for easy research, because people ask and will keep asking info on aging props.
So I was thinking of making an ebook with all the info contained:
On how to age:
- Cards
- Books
- boxes
- coins (if this is possible)
- keys

Lot's of different things. My father was a locksmith for different antiqueshops, so I know already how to age keys, I have seen him do it a million times. I can even go by some antiqueshops that he worked for, and ask them if they could tell me how to age and distress wood, which techniques they use. I don't know much techniques, but I'm good with the internet, so probably can come up with a few methods, if you give me something to look for.

The ebook will be for info, I'm not thinking of selling it, because so much people have worked on it. I would be willing to give it to the alchemy moon bazaar, so they can put it up somewhere free to download or for a few bucks. I don't mind. I'm only here to help.

Now comes the part you guys come in.
Do you guys now any technique to age a certain item. You can post it here, and we will compile all the info.
Or do you want to know how a certain item is aged, post it here too, then we will search for a method of aging and distressing it.
Greetings,
Cirrus

Soaking paper or cloth in different strengths of tea or coffee can produce an aged look.

TH1 and I have been exchanging emails on our experiments into aging brass using various aging techniques. This is something I'd be more than willing to add to the Alchemy Moon wiki site. TH1 used the commercial acid based solution and I used both the vinegar and the ammonia method. Below are some internet resources on the subject.

Aging Brass:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4505747_make-brass-look-old.html
http://www.sandwitchandwarlock.com/id39.html
http://www.finishing.com/162/77.shtml
http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=23704

Also some info on aging wood:
http://cephalopodprods.wordpress.com/200......hniques/
http://www.xrestore.com/Pages/Aging.htm

Would love to hear your method for aging an entire book.

Ok ask and we will provide!
The Alchemy Moon Book of Aging Gracefully - is special project one.
I have set up a section on the wiki. It is password protected - this is keep out the merely curious. To get in there you just need to pm me here or on the Wiki with an idea of the content you are going to put into the project. Then you will get the password.
(I will be taking the same approach with the 'Are we Mad' section soon, so watch for the post).
My guardian demon tells me this is going to be great!
Let's get started!
Time to scratch your skull (no, not the one on the mantelpiece!)

Chris, PM sent for wiki password.

On the topic of aging brass, below are the before and after shots.

I think we have a cover!

Wiki section up and running - pm me for password. Let's do this thing!

Add some good methods on aging leather as in bags,pouches,and strips (PLEASE) ?

-G

This should be Vanity Wilde's cue to join in. She's been a goldmine with tips on how to age props in the past.

I learned the book and paper-making trades when I was in school, as well as dabbling in leatherwork and locksmithing as a hobby, so I will contribute mainly in those areas.

This standard technique can give very good results. The paper's texture changes, not just the color. It feels old.

Pour strong tea in a flat pan, like a cake pan. You can soak the paper for a long time or just dip it in briefly, for different effects.
You can dry the paper in a very low-temperature oven if you're in a hurry.
Experiment with folding the paper before, during, and after the soaking process for different effects.
You could even put it through this process more than once, perhaps unevenly splashing on some strong coffee to represent flood damage.
(Think a bit about the specific history you're trying to create for the paper. "Aged" covers a lot of territory.)

You can make a lot of aged paper at one time, using the same batch of tea for many sheets. The paper keeps just fine once it's dry.

The term 'aged' certainly does cover a lot of territory! You can also experiment with the text on the page - as to whether you write/print on the paper before you age it, or you write/print on it after the process is done and weather the text/printing by hand, finishing the edges of the paper, etc. Whew - there is a lot of ground to cover with this project but it is so much fun to do. Overall, these techniques are not really all that hard to do...

Its nice to be mentioned Intrepid!

As an interior designer, I am pretty proficiant in decorative finishes and faux techniques. When it comes to aging items, my favorite products are:

Iron B- It makes anything, even styrofoam, look like old rusted metal that has been left out in the elements for decades in only a couple of hours. Here is a good demonstration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCMypyFulak&feature=related It is really amazing stuff! The products can be purchased at sculptnouveau.com

For non-clothing aging whether you want a sun bleached fade or a tea, coffee or tobacco stain glaze. Ralph Lauren makes a terrific glaze that I have used time and time again. http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/......ing.aspx

I hope that helps!

Vanity