3 Easy Beginner Projects for a Beautiful Nordic Christmas with IOD

Give Thrifted Paddles a Beautiful New Life with Paint Inlays
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The holidays are coming. The craft table is calling. And IOD is here with three gorgeous Nordic-inspired Christmas projects that are so beginner-friendly we are genuinely giddy about it. πŸŽ‰


We're talking standing Belsnickel figurines that look like they came straight from a Scandinavian folk tale. Wooden ornaments dressed in the most beautiful illustrated details. And a glass box that went from simple to wow with one transfer.


Three projects. All beginner-friendly. All completely charming.Β If you haven't decided on your Christmas theme this year, perhaps this will inspire you.Β 


Watch the Full Tutorial

Natasha and Sara walk you through all three projects from start to finish. This one is so good.

What You'll Need

01 | Standing Belsnickel Figurines with the IOD Belsnickel Mould

Forget the elves on shelves. Belsnickels have entered the winter chat, and they are so much more charming. 😍


The IOD Belsnickel Mould captures every gorgeous detail of this beloved Nordic folk figure, and we're using it to create the most charming little standing Belsnickels that look completely at home in a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired holiday display. Think woodland textures, earthy tones, and handmade quality that feels genuinely special.


Stack them, group them, line them across a mantel- however you style them, these little Belsnickels bring the most wonderful Nordic Christmas energy to any space. These are beginner-friendly, endlessly customizable, and easy to make in batches. Fair warning though, one is never enough. πŸ˜…

And the Belsnickel fun doesn't stop there. 🀭 The three coordinating signs from the Belsnickel Mould make the most darling napkin ring tags. A little Nordic charm for your holiday table that takes minutes to make. Your guests are going to love them.


A couple of things worth knowing before you start:


πŸ’• Working with resin? Make sure it hasn't expired and is mixed at the proper ratio. This makes all the difference in getting a clean, beautiful cast every time. A light spritz of mold release on your mould before you begin gives it extra protection and longevity too.


πŸ’• Using air dry or polymer clay? Poke your holes for stringing tags or labels with the end of a paintbrush while the clay is still wet, before drying or baking. So much easier than drilling later. And if you want to add an aged, Nordic character to your castings, apply a darker glaze (a slate color works beautifully!) into all the nooks and crannies, then wipe it back with a paper towel. The detail that comes to life is completely gorgeous. 😍

02 | Wooden Ornaments with The Bramblewood Diaries Transfer

Wooden ornaments are a holiday classic, but these? These are so darling, you might find reasons to have them out all year long. 😍


Sara uses The Bramblewood Diaries TransferΒ  to dress simple wooden ornaments in beautiful illustrated details. Designed by Irish illustrator Jane Carkill, The Bramblewood Diaries has a storybook quality that feels completely at home on a holiday tree. All the whimsical, timeless charm that makes your ornaments become keepsakes.


This is the perfect project to make in an afternoon with your children or grandchildren, to gift to someone you love, or to add to a holiday display that feels handmade from the heart. πŸ’•


One important tip before you start:


πŸ’• Raw or natural wood must be sealed before applying transfers. Dust and debris on unsealed wood can cause the transfer to lift or peel, and nobody wants that after all that careful placement. A quick seal coat first makes all the difference. And whatever surface you're working on, make sure your paint is 100% dry. Ideally left for a full 24 hours before the transfer goes anywhere near it. Patience here pays off in the most beautiful result.

03 | Glass Box Glow-Up with the Angels Sing Transfer

A simple glass box. The Angels Sing Transfer. And Sara, who looked at both of them and thought, yes. 🀭


This project is proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most stunning. We give this plain glass box a complete glow-up using the Angels Sing Transfer, transforming it into a gorgeous holiday piece. Just imagine it lit from within with a candle or fairy lights!Β 


Good news for glass lovers:


πŸ’• Clean, glossy ceramic and glass surfaces do not need a pre-seal coat before applying transfers.Β  The smooth surface actually helps the transfer adhere beautifully on its own. Just make sure the surface is spotlessly clean before you begin. We do recommend sealing over the top afterwards to extend the life of the transfer and keep it looking gorgeous for years to come. πŸ™Œ


Simple. Beautiful. Completely beginner friendly. We love this one so much. 😍

BONUS | Simple Ceramic Ornaments with the Angels Sing Transfer

If the glass box has you swooning over the Angels Sing Transfer, we have even more good news. 😍


We're taking the same stunning gilded transfer and applying it to simple ceramic rounds for the most elegant, understated ornament. Clean lines, delicate angel details, and that smooth ceramic finish. It is giving Nordic heirloom, and we are completely here for it. πŸŽ„


πŸ’• Quick tip: Glossy ceramic surfaces don't need a pre-seal before applying your transfer; just make sure they are spotlessly clean, and you are good to go. A protective seal over the top afterwards keeps your ornaments looking beautiful year after year. πŸ™Œ

Ready to Make Your Own Nordic Christmas Charm?


These three projects are a gorgeous reminder that beautiful holiday making doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're brand new to IOD or you've been creating with us for years, These projects are the perfect place to start, or to come back to when you just want something fun, festive, and completely satisfying to make. πŸŽ‰


Find your nearest IOD Stockist using the big red Where to Buy button on our website and get your hands on these goodies before the holidays sneak up on us. πŸ™Œ


New to IOD? Our Product 101 pages are packed with beginner-friendly techniques to help you get the most out of every product. We'd love to be part of your creative journey.


Made something gorgeous? Share it with the IOD Creative Tribe on Facebook β€” it is the most supportive community of makers on the internet, and we genuinely cannot wait to see your holiday makes. πŸ’•

holiday plaques

3 Easy Beginner Projects for a Beautiful Nordic Christmas with IOD

Give Thrifted Paddles a Beautiful New Life with Paint Inlays
Pin this article to save for later

The holidays are coming. The craft table is calling. And IOD is here with three gorgeous Nordic-inspired Christmas projects that are so beginner-friendly we are genuinely giddy about it. πŸŽ‰


We're talking standing Belsnickel figurines that look like they came straight from a Scandinavian folk tale. Wooden ornaments dressed in the most beautiful illustrated details. And a glass box that went from simple to wow with one transfer.


Three projects. All beginner-friendly. All completely charming.Β If you haven't decided on your Christmas theme this year, perhaps this will inspire you.Β 


Watch the Full Tutorial

Natasha and Sara walk you through all three projects from start to finish. This one is so good.

What You'll Need

01 | Standing Belsnickel Figurines with the IOD Belsnickel Mould

Forget the elves on shelves. Belsnickels have entered the winter chat, and they are so much more charming. 😍


The IOD Belsnickel Mould captures every gorgeous detail of this beloved Nordic folk figure, and we're using it to create the most charming little standing Belsnickels that look completely at home in a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired holiday display. Think woodland textures, earthy tones, and handmade quality that feels genuinely special.


Stack them, group them, line them across a mantel- however you style them, these little Belsnickels bring the most wonderful Nordic Christmas energy to any space. These are beginner-friendly, endlessly customizable, and easy to make in batches. Fair warning though, one is never enough. πŸ˜…

And the Belsnickel fun doesn't stop there. 🀭 The three coordinating signs from the Belsnickel Mould make the most darling napkin ring tags. A little Nordic charm for your holiday table that takes minutes to make. Your guests are going to love them.


A couple of things worth knowing before you start:


πŸ’• Working with resin? Make sure it hasn't expired and is mixed at the proper ratio. This makes all the difference in getting a clean, beautiful cast every time. A light spritz of mold release on your mould before you begin gives it extra protection and longevity too.


πŸ’• Using air dry or polymer clay? Poke your holes for stringing tags or labels with the end of a paintbrush while the clay is still wet, before drying or baking. So much easier than drilling later. And if you want to add an aged, Nordic character to your castings, apply a darker glaze (a slate color works beautifully!) into all the nooks and crannies, then wipe it back with a paper towel. The detail that comes to life is completely gorgeous. 😍

02 | Wooden Ornaments with The Bramblewood Diaries Transfer

Wooden ornaments are a holiday classic, but these? These are so darling, you might find reasons to have them out all year long. 😍


Sara uses The Bramblewood Diaries TransferΒ  to dress simple wooden ornaments in beautiful illustrated details. Designed by Irish illustrator Jane Carkill, The Bramblewood Diaries has a storybook quality that feels completely at home on a holiday tree. All the whimsical, timeless charm that makes your ornaments become keepsakes.


This is the perfect project to make in an afternoon with your children or grandchildren, to gift to someone you love, or to add to a holiday display that feels handmade from the heart. πŸ’•


One important tip before you start:


πŸ’• Raw or natural wood must be sealed before applying transfers. Dust and debris on unsealed wood can cause the transfer to lift or peel, and nobody wants that after all that careful placement. A quick seal coat first makes all the difference. And whatever surface you're working on, make sure your paint is 100% dry. Ideally left for a full 24 hours before the transfer goes anywhere near it. Patience here pays off in the most beautiful result.

03 | Glass Box Glow-Up with the Angels Sing Transfer

A simple glass box. The Angels Sing Transfer. And Sara, who looked at both of them and thought, yes. 🀭


This project is proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most stunning. We give this plain glass box a complete glow-up using the Angels Sing Transfer, transforming it into a gorgeous holiday piece. Just imagine it lit from within with a candle or fairy lights!Β 


Good news for glass lovers:


πŸ’• Clean, glossy ceramic and glass surfaces do not need a pre-seal coat before applying transfers.Β  The smooth surface actually helps the transfer adhere beautifully on its own. Just make sure the surface is spotlessly clean before you begin. We do recommend sealing over the top afterwards to extend the life of the transfer and keep it looking gorgeous for years to come. πŸ™Œ


Simple. Beautiful. Completely beginner friendly. We love this one so much. 😍

BONUS | Simple Ceramic Ornaments with the Angels Sing Transfer

If the glass box has you swooning over the Angels Sing Transfer, we have even more good news. 😍


We're taking the same stunning gilded transfer and applying it to simple ceramic rounds for the most elegant, understated ornament. Clean lines, delicate angel details, and that smooth ceramic finish. It is giving Nordic heirloom, and we are completely here for it. πŸŽ„


πŸ’• Quick tip: Glossy ceramic surfaces don't need a pre-seal before applying your transfer; just make sure they are spotlessly clean, and you are good to go. A protective seal over the top afterwards keeps your ornaments looking beautiful year after year. πŸ™Œ

Ready to Make Your Own Nordic Christmas Charm?


These three projects are a gorgeous reminder that beautiful holiday making doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're brand new to IOD or you've been creating with us for years, These projects are the perfect place to start, or to come back to when you just want something fun, festive, and completely satisfying to make. πŸŽ‰


Find your nearest IOD Stockist using the big red Where to Buy button on our website and get your hands on these goodies before the holidays sneak up on us. πŸ™Œ


New to IOD? Our Product 101 pages are packed with beginner-friendly techniques to help you get the most out of every product. We'd love to be part of your creative journey.


Made something gorgeous? Share it with the IOD Creative Tribe on Facebook β€” it is the most supportive community of makers on the internet, and we genuinely cannot wait to see your holiday makes. πŸ’•

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