Okay.. Lets get started!
One of my favorite way of getting a distressed look is by using distressing tools Here are a couple of my favorite tools.
The Retractable craft scratcher. I love the fact that it is retractable. With little kids always trying to play with mommy's toys it is a great safety feature. I also like the grip of the tool as well. It doesn't slip in my hands while scratching my items.

Simply take the scratcher to any surface. Here I am distressing the corner of a picture.

The results are simple. Here are two angles to show the detail.

