Here's a cheap & cheerful idea to make an applicator for distress inks. Buy some cosmetic sponges from your cheapy shop & some babywipes. Take a sponge & a dried out baby wipe, fold the baby wipe & put the sponge in the centre of it. Gather the loose ends & twist them, hold them in the palm of your hand & you have a pad to use. I get much better results compared to using the proper applicator with a handle. I have one pad for each colour & keep them all in a large poly bag. If you've ever done any french polishing or watched someone the pads look exactly the same & are used in the same way- a gentle circular motion.