I've been venturing out of my box as well. I've done a few layouts trying to achieve that "aged" look. One of the first things I've tried was "inking" the edges. For this I used a grunge brush that I downloaded from Nicey's website..

http://www.spaceraven.net/

I used a the black color and "brushed along the edges" making sure to really darken the edges while slightly inking into it. As if you were stamping it in yourself. And it's hard to find brushes that have all 4 edges.. I rotate my pages clockwise all around till I'm done inking my page.

As for the page itself. I always like to add "DINGY PHOTO" brush or the ABANDONED PHOTO bruhses downloaded off 1greeneye.net ( I believe) I usually work with different layers. That way you can add texture to your layout. With the textured brushes I try different oppacities to them.. like linear burn/ color burn/ etc. Download a lot of grunge brushes too! A combination of brushes always look good!

Font work is always good to add too. Like some of the members already mentioned.. I love the 4990810 and Stamp Act.. There are so many out there!

Most importantly HAVE FUN! Experiement with different designs.. Can't wait to see what you come up with! Take Care!

Ronalyn