If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into using IOD moulds for sugar craft, this project is the sweetest place to start. This is such a simple project that’s perfect for gifting whimsical little treats, though fair warning, you may be tempted to keep him for yourself!

We’ll guide you step by step, from melting and pouring the chocolate to brushing on those glistening metallic accents that make every detail of his hat and trim pop. With just a handful of supplies, you’ll have a charming and delicious handmade piece that’s perfect as a hostess gift, tucked into a holiday dessert spread, or shared at your next family gathering. 🥰

• Saint Nick Mould

• Melting Chocolate (We used Ghirardelli “White Melting Wafers”, 10oz, and used almost the whole bag for one Santa head)
• Microwave-safe measuring cup with spout
• Spatula
• Microwave
• Metallic Edible Paints 

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: MELT THE CHOCOLATE

Start by pouring your melting wafers into a microwave-safe measuring cup (I like using one with a spout for easy pouring). Have your spatula ready and make sure your mould is clean before you get started. And remember to always keep separate moulds for food and crafts. This one’s strictly for edibles!

Saint Nick is rightfully a hefty lad, so plan on using almost the entire 10 oz. bag of wafers to fill him up. Skip the cornstarch, though; it just clings to the chocolate and makes things messy.

If you’re a seasoned chocolatier, you can absolutely use a double boiler on the stovetop, we just chose to stick with the microwave. Set it to 50% power and heat for 30 seconds, then give it a stir. The wafers will probably be warm but not quite melted. Continue in 15-second bursts, stirring well in between. The melt happens fast, so keep an eye on it. We definitely don’t want overheated chocolate! Once most of the pieces look glossy, a good stir will smooth them all out and have the chocolate ready to pour.

STEP TWO: POUR THE CHOCOLATE

Once your chocolate is melted smooth with no lumps, go ahead and pour it into the mould. Take it slow, and use your spatula to guide it along the sides so it fills in nice and evenly. Then give the mould the gentlest little wiggle to coax any bubbles up to the surface. Set it aside to harden completely (ours took about 30 minutes).

Quick Tip:We poured the holly at the same time as Saint Nick, and when we tried to pop the holly out before his head, they both broke…the angles just weren’t working in our favor. So we suggest either pouring them one at a time or letting Saint Nick come out first before tackling the holly. 

STEP THREE: DECORATE WITH METALLIC PAINTS

For a little extra festive touch, we used our edible metallic paints. We brushed Rose Gold over most of Saint Nick’s hat, then added silver to the fur trim for that frosty shimmer. Use small artist brushes for this step and make sure they’re brand new or reserved strictly for the kitchen (no mixing art paints with edibles!).

We kept the Rose Gold a bit more solid, then lightly dry brushed the silver over the raised areas to bring out all that gorgeous texture. Let it dry, and he’s ready to glisten!

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!