Sometimes I just want things to be easy. I created this for me, as a fast way to make tags to match other kit elements, but maybe it will help you too.
Open this high resolution PDF in editing software (I used Affinity Photo) and use the tag images to mask any image, PNG/JPG. Once the tag image is filled simply slide one of the smudged edges over top. Export it and your smudged-edge tag is done and no inky fingers. Do the full set and export a sheet to print.
Could you mess about with digital brushes for each tag you make? Sure, of course, but if you don’t want to (or don’t know how to) this is a fast solution. Scroll thru the photos to see how I do it. Also worth noting is you can change the distressed edges with a click to any colour you like, and you can apply a blend mode to alter them further.
You can resize the tags as long as you resize the overlay to match. I hope you find this useful for your own digital work.
ONE high-resolution PDF to open in editing software. Not really suitable for printing. The sage-coloured fill layer is just there so the tags and overlays stand out. Not included.