Favorite Distressing Tool

I love to heavily distress anything I make. These rooster tags were originally plain shipping tags the same color as the background in this picture. I think most of you are very familiar with distress inks that can be purchased at your local craft store. I've found something better though...and cheaper. I want to share!

Yup...shoe polish!  Now there may be some of you that have been using this for years, but you never shared it with me! lol  I was doing some online research about natural fabric dyes and ways to distress paper with things other than coffee and tea. I came across shoe polish and gave it a go with my trusty sponge. I love the end result.

Here's a tag that I rubbed shoe polish on in various places using a circular motion until the desired color  was achieved. Then I hold the tag in my left hand while brushing the edges in a downward motion with the sponge to distress the edges. See that the edges on the right are more heavily distressed than the left. All done with shoe polish. Distress inks work well but I really like the look and the color of shoe polish. It is much cheaper too! Do you have any tricks for distressing or coloring paper and fabric? Do share!
EDIT:  Many have asked if it rubs off.  If you let it dry thoroughly, it does not rub off.  I made these rooster tags over the weekend and just rubbed them on a white shirt. No residue. It gives the paper a real smooth texture too.

Have you entered my giveaway yet? One every week this month posted on Sunday! Enter this week's here.