Primitive Grunge
If you love primitive and rustic crafts you need to whip up this primitive grunge to have on hand for all your primitive and rustic crafts!
I have made and shared several “recipes” throughout the years that was simply a blend of hot water, instant coffee and cinnamon but I was looking for a grungy mixture with a little more grit and texture to it and after trying different ideas I finally perfected a primitive grunge mix that is perfect for so many primitive and rustic crafts.
And while it’s great for crafting I also love to use this mixture to make new paper look old simply by lightly dipping the paper into this mixture, allowing the excess drip off and then setting it aside to dry. If I’m patient I like to let it sit and “bake” in the sun on a warm sunny day or just let it dry naturally. If I’m in a rush I use my handy dandy heat gun to help out.
Spray Starch Tip
When grungy paper I also like to spray it with some heavy duty spray starch. This helps prevent it from curling and gives the paper some structure and firmness.
This mixture also works to grunge up muslin fabric too and I’ll do the same method. Dip my fabric in this mixture and let it dry.
I use this mixture so often in crafting I wanted to share with you my little recipe so you can whip this up too! And wait until you smell it – it’s divine! If you don’t add any fragrance oil to it smells like a cinnamon hot chocolate!
The base of this primitive grunge is hot water, instant coffee (just cheap instant coffee will do) and cinnamon. But the addition of vanilla (either extract or imitation), a little brown sugar and the secret “ingredient” – cocoa powder gives this mixture grit, texture and the perfect grungy color for all your prim and rustic crafts!
I sometimes add a little dash of fragrance oil to really enhance the smell too but it’s not necessary.
Once I mix this up I use it at room temperature or store it in a cool place or refrigerator – just make sure it let it come to room temperature before using. You’ll have to give it a good shake before using as you’ll get some of the mixture settling in the bottom – just shake it up and you’re good to go!
PrintPrimitive Grunge “Recipe”
The perfect primitive grunge for all your prim and rustic crafts! It works great on grungy up paper and fabric too!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons vanilla – extract or imitation*
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- A dash of ground nutmeg
- A dash of ground cloves
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon brown sugar – preferably dark but light will work too
- 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon baking cocoa, optional *
- A few drops of fragrance oil – like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cloves – optional
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a mason jar and give it a good mix until combined. Store in a cool place or refrigerator when not using. Let it come to room temperature before using and give it a good shake as the mixture will settle in the bottom.
Notes
- Baking cocoa is optional but I like to add a little to enhance the smell and color. I use inexpensive baking cocoa (like Hershey’s baking cocoa – I just use Walmart). 1 tablespoon will make it dark so if you don’t want it as dark use only 1/2 tablespoon or just a dash.
- Vanilla – inexpensive imitation vanilla or extract works just fine. I use Dollar Tree vanilla.
- Fragrance oil is totally optional but adding a few drops enhances the aroma if you have it on hand. Why brown sugar? The dark brown sugar dissolves with the hot water and sweetens the scent of the mixture. It’s totally optional but I always like to add a dash of it.
- Nutmeg and cloves – a dash of nutmeg and cloves smells so good. You could alternatively add a dash of pumpkin pie space in place of the nutmeg and cloves if you don’t have the individual spices on hand.
