Tim Holtz Paper Distresser by Tonic Studios

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Reported By: Tami Bayer

I picked up this cute, little paper distresser at my local scrapbook store last month.


If you look at my blog, you can spy lots of distressed edges in the last month as I have had a blast using this! I never had any type of distressing tool before except the ones at the ends of my fingers...my fingernails. This little tool retails for less than $6, and it does the job beautifully.

Here is a sample of before and after using it on some cardstock tags. You can see that the second tag had much softer edges.


If you have a distressing tool that works for you, then this isn't anything extra special. But, if you need something to distress the edges of your cardstock, then this is a great choice. It has a soft indented red spot in the middle where you hold the tool. All of the little openings have a sharp edge to run your paper through and rough it up. While it makes a little mess when you use it (because it really takes off some of the paper) it is very easy to clean up. The only problem with this tool is that the paper sometimes bends a bit while distressing. (You can see a couple of little creases in my tag. I think it adds to the distress charm.) If this is happening to you, you can try using a bit less pressure while distressing.

It is the top quality product that I have come to expect from Tim Holtz. It's a great little tool to add to your collection and doesn't take up much room in the tool box.