We couldn’t resist another fall project with the Autumn Blessings Stamp! This one’s perfect for the autumn enthusiast who’s ready to stretch their stamping skills to the next level.

What makes this project extra fun is how transformative stamping becomes when you play with IOD Decor Ink and chalk-type paint. With a little masking, you can layer designs without losing those delicate details. We also discovered a new favorite use for the Apothecary Labels Stamp that fits perfectly inside the banner from Autumn Blessings. Talk about a match made in heaven for signage! ❤️

You guys, this project is such a darling way to celebrate the season! We plan to style ours in the entryway, but it would be just as sweet propped against a kitchen backsplash or tucked into a cozy autumn vignette on the mantel. 🍂 Gather your supplies from a local or online stockist, and let’s make something beautiful together.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Autumn Blessings Stamp
• The Waltz Stamp
• Apothecary Labels Stamp
• IOD Ink Pad
• Stone Grey Decor Ink
• Black Decor Ink
• 8x10 Wood Blank

Other Supplies: 

• Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium
• Spray-On Water-Based Sealer

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PAINT THE WOOD BLANK

We wanted a warm, cozy base, so we mixed a blend of soft white and terracotta chalk-type paint to get the perfect beige. Brush on two coats (one may do well if you’re starting fresh with a blank board), letting each layer dry fully before moving on.

STEP TWO: STAMP YOUR BASE COMPOSITION

We wanted the look of a wreath wrapping up around the pumpkin, with our banner as the base, so that’s where we started. It might feel a little backwards, but since we’ll be masking, you always want to stamp the foreground first—whatever you want most visible at the front.

For us, that meant the pumpkin, banner, and greenery, all in black ink. Stamp the greenery second so it can tuck nicely into the foliage on the banner, giving everything a more cohesive feel. Press firmly without shifting, and a thin mount is super helpful here to keep things lined up just right.

STEP THREE: STAMP A SAYING OF YOUR CHOICE

Now it’s time for your saying! You can stamp whatever you like. We kept it simple with ‘Autumn’ using our Apothecary Stamp. Line up your letters and stamp them in place. For smaller letters, we like to use a cut-up thin mount to make placement easier.

Quick Tip: When inking, watch out for excess ink on the thin mount. It can sneak onto your project and smudge. Keep a wet wipe handy so you can quickly clean up the edges just in case.

STEP FOUR: MASK YOUR COMPOSITION WITH THE WALTZ STAMP

Lay down your masks over each stamped piece, then grab the Waltz Stamp. For this layer, we’re going for a soft, faded background texture, so we used Stone Grey Decor Ink for a gentler look. Ink up the entire stamp, press down firmly, and lift it straight up in one go. Remember, no wiggling! Don’t be surprised if the masks lift off with it; that’s totally normal.

STEP FIVE: PAINT AND SEAL YOUR SIGNAGE

Just a quick reminder, our ink is permanent, so sealing isn’t really necessary. That said, we gave ours a light spritz of water-based sealer, just to be extra sure the chalk paint wouldn’t react with the acrylics we were layering on top. Better safe than sorry! 😉

For paint colors, we chose two oranges for the pumpkin, one deeper shade for shadows, and one brighter for highlights. We used acrylics here, but chalk paint works beautifully too. If you go that route, use a little water instead of a fluid medium. (In case you’re wondering, fluid medium is essentially colorless paint. It keeps the structure but dilutes the color so it’s more transparent, which means all those inlay details still shine through.)

We highly recommend keeping a little test spot handy while you mix and match colors. Do small patch tests until you land on the right consistency. For the stems, we went with tan, then olive green for the leaves, and black for the olives themselves. Let it all dry thoroughly, and you’re set!

Want to add a little more dimension? Try brushing dark wax into the corners, or even rub your ink pad lightly along the edges of the wood blank. It’s a simple way to give the piece extra depth and character.

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!