Ah, the New Year—that wonderful time when we ease into spring cleaning and New Year's resolutions. If you’re like us, you’re probably staring at your craft corner wondering how on earth you’re going to wrangle all those IOD goodies into an organized, inspiring space. We get it—it’s a lot. But don’t worry, we’ve got just the project to help you kick off the year feeling accomplished and ready for all those creative endeavors.

Today, we’re creating a crate that's not only a total lifesaver for keeping your supplies tidy, but it’s also a gorgeous way to showcase your artistry right there in your creative nook. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, using a few lovely IOD products to uplevel a plain craft store crate into a functional work of art.

So, grab your paintbrush, pour a fresh cup of coffee, and let’s get started. Together, we’ll start the year off with an organized craft space that’s every bit as beautiful as it is practical.

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Conservatory Labels Mould
• Apothecary Labels Stamp
• Delft Traditions Azure Paint Inlay
• Painterly Florals Transfer
• IOD Brayer

Other Supplies: 

• Wooden Crate (12.4”x9.5”x17.8”)
• Thick and Quick Glue
• Resin (Air Dry Clay Optional)
• Misting Bottle
• Baking Pan Organizer
• Plastic Poster Board

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR CRATE

Paint your crate with a coat of creamy white chalk paint. We went for a single coat because we liked the white-wash effect from the very porous pine. Let everything dry thoroughly.

STEP TWO: CREATE MOULD CASTINGS

While you wait, why not get a head start on those labels? We used resin for ours, but if you’ve got a little extra time to spare, IOD Air Dry Clay is a fab option too. Just cast and set it aside to dry under a damp paper towel. 😊

For resin, mix a one-to-one ratio by volume (and don’t forget your gloves—safety first!). Pour enough for your chosen labels, and let it cure. We made two—one for Inlays and one for Transfers, but feel free to make as many as you need.

Once cured, demould your pieces and give them a coat of creamy chalk paint. Then, set them aside to dry.

STEP THREE: APPLY THE PAINT INLAY

We’re starting with our inlay for our sides, butting up two sheets from our Delft Azure Paint Inlay. First things first—trim the margins off your sheets so they can mend together seamlessly. Lay them face up and give them a good mist with your spray bottle. This step helps soften the inlay, getting it ready for application.

Next, brush a nice, even layer of paint onto the side of your crate. Work quickly—pine loves to soak up paint! Carefully lay down your first inlay sheet, keeping it as straight as possible. Smooth over the surface with your brayer to get rid of wrinkles and ensure it makes solid contact with the paint. Then, repeat with your second sheet, making sure the edges meet neatly.

Once your inlays are in place, let everything dry. No need to rush—chalk-type paint doesn’t have a ticking clock. When it’s dry, mist your inlays again and get ready for the oh-so-satisfying peel. If a spot didn’t fully transfer, no biggie! Just dab a little more paint in that area, press the inlay back down, and give it a couple more minutes before peeling again.

Repeat the process for the other side of the crate using the same two sheets. 

STEP FOUR: APPLY SEALER TO THE CRATE FRONT

For the crate front, start with a layer of sealer to prep your surface. We love using General Finishes Flat-Out-Flat, but be sure to check with your local IOD stockist for their favorite recommendations. The sealer gives your transfer the perfect base to adhere beautifully. Let it dry completely before applying your transfer!

STEP FIVE: APPLY THE TRANSFER

We went with the Painterly Florals Transfer for this one, layering those lush leaves and sunflowers around the edges of the crate front. Work slowly and let your creativity guide you—composition is everything! We kept the weight of the design toward the bottom, focusing on two corners instead of creating a full “wreath.” But hey, do what feels right for your project! Let the design speak to you and play with it until it feels just right.

Pro Tip: Decide what you want front and center because those elements should go on last. Use the handy applicator stick that comes with your transfer to adhere everything down, and then burnish it with your finger or a leftover piece of the transfer backing to make sure all the edges are sealed.

STEP SIX: APPLY THE LABELS AND STAMP

Grab your Thick and Quick glue and attach the labels to your crate. Be sure to wipe away any excess glue for a clean finish.

Next up—stamping! We used the smallest font from our Apothecary Label Stamp and paired it with IOD Black Ink for a classic, crisp look. You’ve got a couple of options here: use the provided plastic carrier sheet, or, if you’re like us and love a little extra precision, grab a cut-up Thin Mount. The grid lines make keeping your letters straight a breeze!

When you’re ready, hover your stamp over the label, commit, and press firmly. Try your best to avoid any shifting—slow and steady wins the race here! Repeat the process for your second label.

STEP SEVEN: ADD A SOLID BASE TO YOUR CRATE

Alright, here’s where you get to make a choice! Are you second-guessing that crate selection yet? I know I did! If you don’t add something to the bottom, your transfers are going to slip right through—talk about a crafty conundrum. But no worries, we’ve got options!

Option one: Grab a sheet of plastic poster board and cut it to size. Voilà—a solid bottom where no transfers can make their great escape.

Option two: Use a baking tray organizer (linked on the side). Not only does this give you a sturdy base, but it also keeps your inlays and transfers from sticking together and lets you spread them out for easy flipping.

Both are great solutions, so pick the one that works best for you!

STEP EIGHT: APPLY A SEALER

Finish up with a sealer of your choice. Remember, with our inlays, you don’t want to use a brush. We recommend a spray sealer, or a roller to keep it from reactivating and smudging.

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!