Is it just us, or did the first hush of winter already give you butterflies? As the air turns softer and our homes become cozier, the holidays beckon us to pause and make space to create something that makes our hearts flutter.

This year, we’re completely giddy with one of the season’s most captivating trends, deep navy blue. It’s a color that doesn’t just say “holiday,” but lingers gracefully through winter, welcoming calm and sophistication into our homes long after the tinsel is packed away.

Our lovely IOD Artisan Sonnet is embracing that rich blue palette by repurposing a galvanized metal bucket into Scandinavian holiday decor with chalk-type paint and the La Folie Paint Inlay. If the idea of using a Paint Inlay feels a little intimidating, don’t worry, Sonnet walks you through every step, showing just how approachable this technique can be.

Grab your IOD supplies from your local stockist! You’ll love how this one turns out. 💕

• La Folie Paint Inlay

• Dark Blue Chalk Type Paint*
• Paintbrush
• Top Coat 
• Damp Cloth

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR PIECE

This project is all about taking something discarded or forgotten and upcycling it into functional and beautiful decor with IOD. 

To start, Sonnet brushed on a rich, deep blue chalk-style paint. While her bucket dried, she began sifting through the La Folie Paint Inlay, choosing the perfect design to complement her vision. 

STEP TWO: APPLY THE PAINT INLAY

Once her bucket was fully dry, Sonnet brushed on a second, thicker coat of chalk-style paint. This layer will hold the Paint Inlay beautifully. 

Before applying, she gave the Paint Inlay a light mist with her spray bottle to activate. Starting from the center and working outward, she gently pressed the inlay into the wet paint, helping prevent any wrinkles as she went. Once it was fully in place, Sonnet misted the surface again and pressed the inlay down firmly with her damp rag to ensure good contact.

When the paint began to “fade” or darken, she gave it one final mist and carefully peeled it back to reveal all those lovely details underneath. 

STEP THREE: CREATING VINTAGE TOUCHES

To embrace the bucket's rustic charm, Sonnet uses a damp rag to gently wet distress the blue chalk type paint, revealing glimpses of the original galvanized metal beneath. 

STEP FOUR: SEAL WITH A TOP COAT

Sonnet shared one of her favorite little tricks for sealing IOD Paint Inlays over chalk-style paint. She loads her brush with a generous amount of top coat and applies a thick, even layer over the entire piece to lock in those beautiful details.

She also recommends using a spray top coat as a handy backup. Whatever you have in your creative stash will work beautifully for this one. 💕

Upcycle Statement Wooden Chairs 

We walk past these on our thrift journeys all of the time...worn wooden chairs with tired seats, wobbly legs, and great bones. A fresh coat of that same deep navy blue or maybe a soft sage green, and bits from the La Folie Paint Inlay across the chair back? Absolutely darling. 

Thrift Flip Picture Frames 

Vintage wooden frames with ornate details or simple, clean lines are absolute treasures and easy to find at most thrift stores. Paint the frame in a color that complements your decor, and apply La Folie in the corners or along the sides. You could match the inlay to the artwork inside, or choose contrasting details that add an unexpected twist.

Wooden Keepsake Boxes 

A plain wooden box, whether it's a small jewelry box or a vintage cigar box, becomes something truly special with IOD Paint Inlays. These are fabulous for gifting, too! 🥰

Try painting just the lid in a rich color and applying the inlay there, leaving the sides natural or lightly stained. Or cover the entire box in your chosen paint color, then add inlays to multiple surfaces for maximum impact. Use them to organize craft supplies, display on shelves, or tuck away all those little lost things in need of love.

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!