Smokey Edges
 

I have seen such beautiful cards on other peoples blogs. I have noticed some of the edges have a soft and smokey appearance as if they have been "inked" somehow. It adds a lovely definition to the card. I would love to achieve this effect. What is this kind of inking called and is there an example of it in the tutorial section?
Janet X

Hi Janet, welcome to SCS. Most people would just call it 'inking' I think! You can do it in a couple of ways.

Some pads work great direct to paper (DTP) - I use the little Cat's Eye chalk ink pads by Clearsnap this way. Just lay the pad against the edge of your paper at a slight angle and swipe it gently to leave some ink on there.

You can use a sponge to apply the ink. You can get craft sponges (Cut n Dry by Ranger is popular) but I just buy cheapo big car wash sponges and cut small chunks off. Dab the sponge onto your ink pad (dye-based ink, the Tim Holtz Distress ones are great for this as they move around on the paper very easily). Then, starting just off the edge of the paper, start making small circular motions with the inked sponge to swirl the ink onto the edges.

Hope that made sense!

If you're really going all out, Tim Holtz also has an ink applicator (not to be confused with the Alcohol ink applicator). It seems kinda silly, but it keeps my fingers a little cleaner! :D
Try looking at www.Rangerink.com to see it.