Ever look at your craft space after the holidays and think, “Where did all this stuff come from… and why is it living on every flat surface?” If you’re ready to tidy up, this project is about to be a fave.

In today’s tutorial, our lovely IOD Artisan Vonnie Smith upcycles a wooden wine box she had hanging around into a stunning, functional storage piece using a mix of IOD Stamps and Transfers. What started as a simple “I should probably organize” thought quickly turned into something pretty enough to leave out on display. 

If you have stamps, small tools, or crafty bits that need a home, consider this your sign to do a little spring cleaning! Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist! If you’re not sure where to find one, click here to use our store locator. 💕

• IOD Stone Grey Decor Ink
• IOD Black Decor Ink
• Barnwood Planks Stamp
• Ephemeral Type Stamp
• Typesetting Stamp
• Rose Botanical Transfer
• IOD Brayer
• IOD Thin Mount

• Thrifted Wooden Boxes
• Off-White Chalk Type Paint*
• Tuope Paint
• Clear Wax
• Dark Wax 
• Handles

*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: CLEAN AND PAINT YOUR BOX

Start by giving your wooden box a good wipe-down with methylated spirits to remove any oils or residue—this sets you up for a smooth, reliable paint finish. Then apply an off-white chalk-style paint, which is a dream on raw timber. Two coats will give you lovely, even coverage.

STEP TWO: CREATE WOOD GRAIN TEXTURE

Using the Barnwood Plank Stamp with warm taupe paint, you can create the prettiest faux wood grain finish. Squirt a little paint onto a plastic mat, roll your brayer through it, then lightly load the stamp. Mount the stamp on a thin mount to help keep your lines straight, then press firmly to get full, even contact across the box.

STEP THREE: ADDING MORE DETAIL

The Ephemeral Type stamp set is next in line, adding subtle yet beautiful layers to our design. Apply stone gray ink using an ink pad, and use the grids on the thin mounts for even application.

STEP FOUR: APPLY YOUR TRANSFERS 

For a bold, beautiful pop, Rose Botanicals is such a lovely choice. Once you’re happy with the placement, burnish the transfer with the included tool, working slowly and carefully so every detail transfers crisp and clean.

STEP FIVE: LABEL THE BOX

Use the Typesetting Stamp to create a sweet little label. Line up your letters using the thin mount grid, then stamp with freshly loaded black ink for a crisp impression. 

STEP SIX: SEAL YOUR WORK

Seal your project with clear and dark wax for a subtle aged appearance. Vonnie loves adding handles for functionality and style, and she found the perfect pair in her stash!

Before we wrap up, here’s a little organizing tip we absolutely love…IOD Stamp Envelopes. They’re a simple way to keep your IOD Stamps tidy, and they’re just as handy for corralling those transfer scraps.

Even better? The envelopes fit so nicely inside storage boxes like Vonnie’s upcycled wine box—everything stays upright, easy to flip through, and ready to grab when inspiration strikes.

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!