Whimsical decor with a vintage flair for planters and trays? Yes, please! You’ve stumbled across one of the sweetest beginner projects with the IOD Charlotte stamp and Antiquities stamp. And, of course, we’re so glad that you’re here!

These stones add a playful touch inside planters, trays, and even beside a glass vase full of seasonal florals. This is the perfect project for someone new to IOD stamps and decor ink or just searching for quick and easy ways to play around with different designs and elements. Or a perfect weekend project with te kiddos! Without further ado…grab your fav IOD stamps and follow along in the step-by-step guide below.

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

IOD Products Needed: 

• Black Decor Ink
• Ink Pad
• Charlotte Stamp
• Antiquities Stamp

Other Supplies: 

• 8 Rocks/Stones
• Soft-White Chalk-Type Paint*
• Paint Brush
• Semi-Gloss Polycrylic Spray Sealer (indoor use)

*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-by-Step Guide:

STEP 1: CLEAN YOUR STONES

Determine which stones you plan to use for your project. We ordered ours on Amazon (can you believe, you can buy stones on Amazon?!). Give your stones a quick wipe-down with soap and water to ensure you start with a smooth surface for the cleanest stamp impression. Let them dry before you begin your next step. 

STEP 2: PAINT YOUR STONES

Once your stones are dry, apply a healthy coat of chalk-type paint using your paintbrush. We’re using a soft white chalk-type paint but there are TONS of beautiful colors to choose from that would be just as lovely. Check in with your local stockist if you have any questions about what paint brand is right for you, they’re a wonderful resource. Set your stones aside to dry thoroughly before you begin stamping. 

STEP 3: SELECT & PREPARE YOUR STAMPS

Choose a few favs from your IOD Charlotte stamp and Antiquities stamp. We loved the florals, the beetle and the bee, but choose stamps that fit your style and also your stone surface (it's ok if some of the design bleeds over). 

Remove the stamps from the backing sheet. 

We’re using the IOD black decor ink for this project, but the China Blue decor ink would be another beautiful option. Have fun with this! Experiment with different colors and different inks to really get a feel for what you like.

Pro Tip: Store your stamp pad upside down so the ink accumulates at the top, rather than sinking to the bottom, creating a juicy stamp pad for your next use. Also, don’t forget to shake your decor ink before applying it to your stamp pad.

STEP 4: APPLY YOUR STAMPS

Ink up your stamp pad and coat the surface of your stamp. Apply the stamp to your stones, commit, don't shift! 

Pro Tip: Use the stamps free-hand for a pliable stamping experience; this will help adhere the ink to all of the edges and curves in your stone. It would be difficult to do this on a thin mount. 

STEP 5: SEAL YOUR STONES

The finish that you choose will be based on where your stones will live! We’re finishing our stones with a Semi-Gloss Polycrylic spray sealer because our stones will rest inside our indoor planters. If you want yours outdoors, you’ll need a couple of coats of an exterior sealer. You can find tons of helpful tips in the Creative Tribe or through your local stockist.

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!